Travel Savings Alerts Newsletter - February 2007 Issue
tips2travel
P.O. Box 91033
Columbus OH 43209
http://tsalerts.fre.espaces.com
travelne...@aim.com
ISSN: 1542-801X, Copyright 2007, All Rights Reserved
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In This Issue:
Anniversary Rate Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club
Bahamian Payback for Winter Visits
Kids Sail Fr,ee to Bermuda with Costa
Branson Travel Club Penalized
Helsinki Lively Season from $599
Catalina Winter Savings
Santa Fe Low Season Specials
Cruise Industry Promotions 2007
One Penny Mondays
Alpine Lodge Opening Rate
Denali Specials
Shop with the Stars
EL AL Winter Special
Yellowstone Early Bird Specials
Fr,ee Nights at Club Med
Kids Eat Fr,ee at Select Marriotts
Triple Rewards with Choice Hotels
Ontario Kayaking by Kay Douglas
Gulf Coast Savings
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Heart of the Matter - - Don’t wear your heart on your sleeve, wear it
around your neck with this stunning necklace from AAA Jewelry Outlet.
Or get a jump on Valentine’s day with this heart-felt gift. A heart
full of faceted, square cut ruby stones are contained in a 14K yellow
gold heart and held in place by 14K yellow gold pegs. The pendent is
more than a half an inch wide and 3/4 inch long to the top of the 14K
bale, which is decorated by a small diamond.
The lovely ruby heart is suspended on a delicate, 18 inch long 14K
yellow gold double rope chain.
Style, class, sentiment. This ruby pendent has it all. Specialty
boutiques sell this special piece for $600 or more.
Get this distinctive piece from AAA Jewelry Outlet at the discounted
price of $325. VERY LIMITED QUANTITIES!! Order from AAA Jewelry
Outlet at http://www.3ajewels.biz
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Anniversary Rate Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club - - An $11 million
renovation of Los Angeles' only waterfront destination hotel, the
Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club, is almost complete.
Celebrating its 45th anniversary March through April, 2007, the hotel
will re-launch with the "Mid-Life Makeover" package offering 45
percent savings off published rates.
The anniversary savings gets you a $199 per room, per night rate, when
you stay two or more nights and a $100 food credit for the property's
new signature restaurant, BALEENlosangeles.
The renovation centered around a top-to-bottom facelift with
guestrooms, public and meeting spaces, and the restaurant all redone
and updated. The pool, fitness center and entryway are also
revamped.
Five oceanside suites have been added, each averaging 700 square feet
and overlooking the Pacific. Suites feature sitting rooms, two plasma
TVs, a double-sided fireplace, glass desk and claw foot bath tub.
Bathrooms feature counter-mounted bowl sinks, black granite counter
tops, glass shelves and marble floors. More than half of the 161 rooms
face the waterfront and the remaining rooms offer views of King
Harbor. Marine-side rooms come with flat screen TVs. Rooms and common
areas are decorated with art depicting nautical scenes and mirrors
reminiscent of portholes.
A re-fitting and re-furbishing of the adjacent marina's docks and boat
slips is currently underway.
The Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club http://www.hotelportofino.com or
800/468-4292.
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Bahamian Payback for Winter Visits - - Stay on the islands of Nassau
and Paradise Island, Bahamas, for two or more nights through Mar. 31,
2007 and 19 resorts on the islands will reimburse you for the
application and processing fees for new passports (up to four per
room) issued between Dec. 20, 2006 and March 24, 2007.
New passport costs $97 for adults and $82 for children, so the program
represents a savings of $358 for a family of four.
To claim the reimbursement, submit the rebate form, along with a copy
of your paid hotel bill, an airline boarding pass for each person in
your group and a photocopy of each eligible traveler's passport photo
page. The rebate form can be downloaded at
www.nassauparadiseisland.com.
The web site also includes a section with instructions on how to apply
for a new passport and a live, online chat to answer all passport-
related questions. A toll-fr,ee call center at 800/523-7682 is
staffed with passport specialists, available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
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Give a Jaguar -- An Amber Jaguar
The remarkable face of a jaguar is hand-carved onto a lovely piece of
cherry amber that's 33mm x 20 mm in size. The dramatic pendent hangs
on an ultra-chic 18" natural-colored leather necklace cord with a
sterling silver clasp. Boy will this turn heads.
High-style boutiques and jewelers charge $500 or more for this glam
piece. It's yours for only $125 plus shipping & insurance. Order at:
http://www.3ajewels.biz, click on the amber category.
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Kids Sail Fr,ee to Bermuda with Costa - - Kids can sail fr,ee, and
bring their parents, to Bermuda aboard the Costa Magica. This offer
is available for children traveling with two adults paying special
rates on seven-night sailings departing from Ft. Lauderdale on Apr. 15
and 22, 2007.
Costa offers direct routes to Bermuda from Ft. Lauderdale. The Bermuda
sailings include two overnights in King's Wharf. The route includes a
stop in Nassau and two days at sea. Rates begin at $699. If you book
inside accommodations on these sailings, you will receive a $100
onboard credit per cabin.
Kids can also sail f,ree on a five-night Western Caribbean cruise
aboard the Costa Magica. Departing from Ft. Lauderdale on Apr. 29,
this route includes stops in Key West, Cozumel and Grand Cayman with
rates from $299 per person.
Both offers, for children 17 and under, are available for new bookings
only and are subject to availability for a limited time. Rates are not
available for a combination with any other promotion and are subject
to change.
Costa Cruises http://www.costacruises.com or 800/GO-COSTA.
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Branson Travel Club Penalized - - A Branson travel business that used
deception and fraud in the selling of travel club memberships, even
after being ordered by the court to stop, must now pay a record
penalty of $1,950,000 after being found in contempt of court.
Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon, who obtained the order against
Vacation Travel LLC and its owners, said the ruling by Taney County
Circuit Judge James Eiffert sends a strong message that fraud in the
travel industry won't be tolerated in Missouri. "This is a record
penalty for a travel-related consumer case in Missouri, and one of the
largest consumer penalties ever obtained by the Attorney General's
Office," Nixon said. "It serves notice that those who use deception
and fraud in connection with travel clubs can face paying a heavy
price."
In his order, the judge found that Vacation Travel LLC - which did
business as Vacation Travel Outlet and sold Vacation Travel Club
memberships - and owners Tom Wood, Denver Wood and David Large,
violated Missouri consumer protection laws and earlier orders from the
court at least 390 times. He ordered the defendants to pay a civil
penalty of $5,000 for each of the 390 violations. Judge Eiffert ruled
that the defendants violated two earlier consent judgments obtained by
Nixon that required them to provide consumers with certain information
about their right to cancel contracts and their right to obtain
refunds. The defendants also failed to comply with Missouri tax laws,
as required by one of the earlier court orders.
The judge's order also prohibits the defendants from ever operating,
owning, working for, investing in, profiting from or "otherwise
directly participating in any way" in any business that is part of the
"discount travel" industry or "discount travel membership clubs"
industry.
The defendants also were ordered to pay the state's costs associated
with bringing the legal action. Judge Eiffert wrote, "The Court finds
that all evidence and inferences proves that Defendants have continued
unabated and undiminished to abuse and take advantage of consumers -
primarily elderly and credulous tourists to Branson, Missouri -
throughout the entire seven years they have been engaged in this line
of business (while, during most of that time, ignoring or fighting
against the Attorney General's claims, or this Court's orders, that
they must stop)."
In February 2002, Judge Eiffert ordered the defendants to pay
restitution to consumers who had paid up to $5,000 for travel club
memberships in Vacation Travel Club, as well as penalties to the
state. Nixon alleged the defendants: Subjected consumers to high
pressure sales tactics in their sales presentations; Made false
statements to consumers that Vacation Travel Outlet would re-purchase
the memberships after a certain length of time or assist them in
reselling the memberships; Misrepresented the savings available to
members of Vacation Travel Club and how easy it was to use a Vacation
Travel Club membership; and Consistently refused to provide refunds to
consumers. "
We will continue to take strong action against those who misuse a
premier travel destination such as Branson as a way to take large
amounts of money from consumers and deliver very little in return,"
Nixon said.
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Helsinki Lively Season from $599 - - Helsinki, Finland, has more than
800 restaurants, 80 acclaimed museums, exceptional music and art and
eclectic bars.
Continental Journey offers a five-day/three-night “Helsinki” getaway
during “Lively Season,” through Mar. 31, 2007. The package includes
roundtrip airfare on Finnair from New York’s JFK Airport, three nights
at the centrally-located Sokos Presidentti, breakfast daily, hotel
taxes and services charges. Travelers must stay over Sunday night.
Nordique Tours’ “Helsinksi City Break” package, also available through
Mar. 31, 2007, starts from $659 per person. The five-day/three-night
packages includes three nights’ accommodations with breakfast and
roundtrip airfare on Finnair from JFK.
Finnish Tourist Board www.visitfindland.com/na or 212/885-9700.
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Fr-ee Fun San Diego -- This savings-packed FR.EE brochure features
almost 40 Fun, Fr-ee Things to do in San Diego. When heading to
Southern California, attend concerts or visit a State Historic Park
and keep that cash in your pocket by knowing what you can see and do
for fr-ee.
To order Fr-ee Fun San Diego for a $1 handling fee, send
an email to in...@onthegopublishing.com with Order Fr-ee Fun San Diego
in the subject line.
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Catalina Winter Savings - - Catalina Island, off the coast of
California, offers getaway package rates with savings between 35 and
nearly 50 percent this winter, until Mar. 15, 2007. Package prices are
per person based on double occupancy, based on midweek travel with a
stay at the Pavilion Lodge.
The Midweek Getaway starts at $92 per person and represents a savings
of 37 percent. The Sunday through Thursday package includes
accommodations, roundtrip transportation to the island aboard the
Catalina Express and one tour from a choice three offered by Discovery
Tours.
The Romance package starts at $132 per person and includes
accommodations, roundtrip transportation to the island aboard the
Catalina Express, lunch at the Catalina Country Club, and chocolates
and champagne on arrival
The Discovery package starts at $167 per person and includes
accommodations, roundtrip boat transportation aboard the Catalina
Express of Catalina Flyer, an inland motor tour and a marine or
undersea tour.
Catalina Island Marketing http://www.catalinaisland.com or
800/626-1496.
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Santa Fe Low Season Specials - - Winter is the time to save on a Santa
Fe, NM escape. This winter there are value packages that appeal
visitors who can see the town at its most relaxing.
Inn on the Alameda - To celebrate turning 21, an anniversary offer is
available through Feb. 28, 2007. Book two nights at prevailing rates
and you will get the third night for $21. The offer is available for
all room types, but is subject to availability. In addition to
accommodations, the package includes cotinental breakfast daily, f,ree
parking, daily afternoon wine and cheese reception, all day coffee
service, fr,ee local and toll-fr,ee telephone calls. The anniversary
rate is not available for online reservations. 888/984-2121 or http://
www.innonthealameda.com
Bishop's Lodge - Three different packages offer savings on lodging,
spa treatments and skiing at nearby Ski Santa Fe. Prices range from
$289 per night for the ski package, $399 per night for the spa package
to $499 per night for the ski and spa package. Package includes all
taxes, gratuities, and resort fees. Prices are based on double
occupancy and availability. 800/419-0492 or
http://www.bishopslodge.com
La Fonda - The "Chance for Romance" special includes two nights for
one couple in a standard room, dinner for two, champagne and
chocolates on arrival, a half-hour massage or spa treatmet for each
person, and breakfast for two each day. The package is $599 through
June 28, 2007. La Fonda also offers a "Third Night Fr,ee" package
with three nights for two people in a standard room and dinner for
one. La Fonda's "Two for Two" package includes two nights for two
people and a fr,ee dinner for two for $449 until Mar. 31, 2007.
800/523-5002 or
http://www.lafondasantafe.com
La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa - Hit the slopes with the "Ski,
Dine, & Unwind" package, available through Apr. 14, 2007 at a savings
of 20 percent. The package includes two nights’ accommodations, two
half day lift tickets per person, one 60-minute massage per person,
lunch for two, resort fee, and parking. Their "Sensual Santa Fe"
package is offered throughout February 2007. The package includes two
nights’ accommodations in a suite, a five-course dinner for two,and an
in-room 50-minute couple's massage. Resort fee and daily parking is
included for a savings of more than 19 percent. 866/331-7625 or
http://www.rockresports.com
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Cruise Industry Promotions 2007 - - If you are thinking about taking a
cruise in 2007, some of the best savings are available during Wave
Season, the cruise industry's busiest booking period, which extends
through March. In addition to attractive cruise fares, you will
receive your first choice of ships, itineraries and availability, says
the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the cruise industry
marketing association.
CLIA member lines are kicking off Wave Season with upgrades to balcony
accommodations, "kids sail fr,ee" programs, early booking savings,
airfare upgrades from economy to business class, shipboard credits,
and cruise giveaways.
Here’s a sampling of 2007 Wave Season offerings:
Carnival Cruise Lines kicks off 2007 with stateroom upgrades of up to
two categories on all 2007 sailings. The offers, which vary by ship,
are available on the line's three-, four-, five-, seven- and eight-day
itineraries. To qualify, reserve space by Feb. 15.
Celebrity Cruises promotion offers $400 per-stateroom onboard credits
on select cruise-tours booked by Feb. 28. Summit's package features
Fairbanks, Seward and Denali National Park, with segments on
Celebrity's glass-domed railcars. Infinity and Mercury cruise-tours
include three- and five-night Canadian Rockies packages with
overnights in Whistler and Vancouver.
Costa Cruises' guests who book inside accommodations through Feb. 23
will be upgraded to ocean view cabins. If you pay for ocean views,
you will be upgraded to veranda cabins. The offer is available on
select 2007 and 2008 Caribbean sailings and select 2007 Europe
sailings.
Crystal Cruises features reduced business class air upgrades for all
2007 European and transatlantic cruises booked by Mar. 31. The offer
applies to select North American gateways on more than two dozen
European cruises and represents a fare reduction of about 50 percent
off unrestricted business class fares.
Cunard Line offers savings on two eight-day Caribbean itineraries, one
from Fort Lauderdale to New York and the other roundtrip from New
York. Attractive fares are also available on Queen Mary’s first
transatlantic voyage later in April.
Holland America Line - Through Feb. 28, staterooms with verandahs are
the price of an outside or inside cabin by taking advantage of the
"View & Verandah" Wave Season promotion. The savings are available on
most cruises and cruise-tours with savings of up to $450 per person.
MSC Cruises features a "Better than 2-for-1" promotion on 11-night
deep Caribbean and Panama Canal itineraries from January through
April. In the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, early bookers receive
the best rates and rooms available; kids sail fr,ee when sharing a
stateroom with two paying adults.
Norwegian Cruise Line's Fr,eestyle Resolution sale offers a two-
category upgrade combined with an on- board credit of up to $150 per
stateroom for any 2007 or 2008 cruise booked by Feb. 28. In addition,
there are bonus offers and daily and weekly prizes at the cruise
line’s web site ncl.com .
Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers $250 per person shipboard credits for
first-time guests on select Mediterranean and Baltic sailings made by
Feb. 28. On six May to August sailings between Vancouver and Seward,
kids sail fr,ee when sharing third and fourth berths with adults.
The Yachts of Seabourn offer 50 percent savings on a trio of spring
Mediterranean sailings aboard its all-suite ships. Departures in April
and May feature seven- to 14-day voyages exploring the Greek Isles,
Italy, French Riviera and more .
SeaDream Yacht Club offers Wave Season prices on select South America
itineraries aboard SeaDream I, the line's 55-stateroom, mega yacht.
Sailings depart from Buenos Aires and Rio, and all include fr,ee
excursions.
Silversea Cruises expands its Silver Sailings savings program to
include more than 50 itineraries in 2007. Savings of up to 50 percent
are available on select cruises to the South Pacific, Southeast Asia,
Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, South America, Africa and
the Indian Ocean.
Windstar Cruises has promotional rates on select seven-day May and
July Mediterranean sailings aboard Wind Surf. Voyages include
itineraries between Barcelona and Nice, Rome or Monte Carlo and Monte
Carlo and Rome. Savings are also available on 14-day combination
itineraries.
CLIA http://www.cruising.org.
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Face-It Luggage Tags -- Your Face on Your Luggage -- There's no
mistaking your luggage with the Face-It Luggage Tag. The durable,
laminated tag displays your face and the phrase "This Face Belongs
With This Luggage."
A Face-It Luggage tag makes it less likely for a
stranger or thief to walk off with your luggage and helps you
recognize your luggage at a glance in hotels or airports. Face-It Tags
are also available for briefcases, portfolio books, backpacks,
sporting equipment, bicycles, musical instruments and more.
Click here to order Face-It Luggage Tags http://
www.onthegopublishing.com/face-it.shtml
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One Penny Mondays - - For one penny, you can get one night’s
accommodation at the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa. Stay three nights
on either side of Monday and get Monday night for just one penny. The
offer is valid for stays until Apr. 30, 2007. Conditions apply.
Whistler is receiving record snow. There are a 1000 acres of new
terrain to explore on Whistler Mountain and non-ski activities such as
sno-limo, ziptrek and sleigh rides.
Suites offer real wood burning fireplaces and access to spa, the
Cinnamon Bear Bar & Grille, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and fr,ee
“ski valet.”
Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa http://www.hiltonwhistler.com or
800/515-4050.
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Alpine Lodge Opening Rate - - Fairbanks, Alaska’s newest luxury hotel,
the Alpine Lodge, opens May 1, 2007 with a special $59 per night
rate. Located near Fairbanks International Airport, the 115-room,
three-story hotel brings the great Alaskan outdoors in with bear
tracks inlaid on the floor and copper salmon swimming on a smooth
pebble river that covers the front desk reception area. The colors and
décor follow an interior Alaskan theme.
Rooms offer king or queen size beds, fr,ee wireless high speed
Internet access, cable TV, telephone with voice mail and fr,ee local
calls, an electronic key system, and air conditioning. Each room will
be equipped with a hair dryer, iron and ironing board, refrigerator,
microwave and coffeemaker.
Alpine Lodge will provide fr.ee breakfast, an outdoor spa, a fitness
center and business center. They will offer fr.ee shuttles from the
airport.
After June 1, the rates will range from $199 to $250 for the balance
of the summer. In winter, rates will drop to $89 for a standard room.
Alpine Lodge http://www.akalpinelodge.com or 800/455-8851.
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Denali Specials - - Summer and early fall are glorious times to
experience Alaska.
Denali Park Resorts operates four properties just outside Denali
National Park. They introduced three new packages with savings of up
to 50 percent.
A Twice as Nice deal offers two nights for the price of one on stays
May 13 to June 6, 2007. You can book a night at one of four lodges for
$199 and get the second night fr.ee.
The Denali Dreamin' package, available May 13 through Sep. 7, 2007,
includes overnight accommodations at the McKinley Chalet Resort,
dinner theater and buffet breakfast for $148.99 per person.
The most elaborate Distinctive Denali package, available June 7
through Aug. 31, 2007, features a ride on the Alaska Railroad; two
nights at the McKinley Chalet Resort or Grande Denali Lodge; a
wilderness tour for two, with lunch included; dinner and breakfast for
two. The price is $805.
The resorts also offer transportation from Anchorage or Fairbanks or
additional tours and activities.
You can get another great Alaska deal for visits to Glacier Bay,
Alaska, May 25 through June 17, 2007. Book one night at Glacier Bay
Lodge for $150, you get the second night fr.ee. The lodge is the only
place to stay at Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, a three-
million-acre reserve with 16 tidewater glaciers.
Denali Park Resorts http://www.denaliparkresorts.com or 800/276-7234.
Glacier Bay Lodge http://www.glacierbay.com or 888/229-8687.
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Protect Luggage with Baggage Guard Seals -- The pre-numbered, one-time
use plastic padlocks are the perfect way to protect your luggage since
they cannot be reinstalled once removed. That feature lets you
instantly know if someone tampered with your luggage. Yet when TSAs at
airports need to inspect your luggage, Baggage Guard Seals can be
easily removed. A package of 10 Baggage Guard Seals is still only
$9.95.
Click Here to Order http://www.onthegopublishing.com/
products.shtml#seals
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Shop with the Stars in LA - - Los Angeles, CA is all about shopping.
Retail districts run the gamut. Some specialize in vintage treasures
while others showcase the latest trends. Many cater to celebrity
customers. An LA shopping trip can yield you the goods you are looking
for and maybe a glimpse of your favorite star in the process. Here are
some suggestions.
One of the hottest LA shopping areas is the stretch of shops on Third
Street between Crescent Heights and La Cienega. Stars such as Kirsten
Dunst and Mischa Barton shop for one-of-a-kind jewelry at Kaviar &
Kind ( www.kaviarkind.com ), an appointment-only store that's open to
all. You may spot Jessica Simpson, Jessica Alba and Denise Richards at
Lisa Rinna's Belle Gray (www.bellegray.com ). Superstars Jennifer
Lopez and Cameron Diaz rely on Decades ( www.decadesinc.com ) to
outfit them with a vintage gown for the red carpet.
Kitson ( www.shopkitson.com ) is the clothing, accessories and
incidentals shop on Robertson Boulevard that attracts young Hollywood
shoppers from Paris Hilton to Lindsay Lohan. Here you will find the T-
shirts, jeans and bags that you see in celebrity magazines. Also on
Robertson, Lisa Kline ( www.lisakline.com ) attracts the same chic
clientele at her men's and women's stores. One of the longest standing
celebrity shop/hangouts is Tracey Ross ( www.traceyross.com ) on
Sunset Plaza, where the stars browse through the latest European and
U.S. fashions.
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EL AL Winter Special - - EL AL, Israel's national airline, offers low
roundtrip coach fares to Israel for members of its USA Frequent Flyer
Club called Matmid.
Matmid members flying to Tel Aviv can purchase roundtrip tickets
(including fuel surcharges) for departures before Mar. 25, 2007. The
per person fares are $499 plus 199 Matmid frequent flyer points from
New York (JFK/Newark); $599 plus 239 points from Chicago; and $699
plus 349 points from Los Angeles.
Matmid promotional fares are for US Matmid Club members and travel
must originate in the US. Fares are available in "N" class on certain
EL AL flights. Tickets are valid for six to 30 days. A $50 rush fee
applies for any ticket issued less than four business days prior to
departure. Applicable government and security taxes not included.
The Matmid Frequent Flyer Club offers advantages such as managing your
account online, allowing requests for bonus vouchers (to exchange
points for fr.ee tickets and upgrades) and receiving credit for
flights not previously posted to your account.
Children two years and older may enroll in the "Matmid Kids" Frequent
Flyer Club and earn the same points as an adult traveling with them,
even though the airfare for children is usually reduced. A booklet
with 48 fr.ee or discounted coupons to events, children's attractions,
shopping, and restaurants throughout Israel are given to "Matmid Kids"
members.
EL AL’s frequent flyer program has no blackout dates. EL AL has a pet
frequent flyer club, where dogs and cats earn a fr.ee roundtrip flight
to Israel after flying three roundtrip flights in a three-year period.
Member can accumulate more Matmid points (10 to 50 percent more) for
prestige classes: first and platinum business class passengers.
EL AL http://www.elal.com or 800/223-6700.
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Yellowstone Early Bird Specials - - Xanterra Parks & Resorts, operator
of lodges, restaurants, gift shops and activities in Yellowstone
National Park, offer its "Early Bird Specials" at four lodges within
the park when it opens for the 2007 summer season.
The special rates represent savings up to 40 percent. Early Bird
Specials are offered at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, the Old
Faithful Snow Lodge, Grant Village and Lake Yellowstone Hotel. You
must book rooms by Apr. 1, 2007 to get the special rates.
Early Bird Specials allow you to stay for as little as $49 per night
for a room, single or double occupancy, plus tax. Reduced rates and
available dates are:
Old Faithful Snow Lodge, May 4 to 10, $129 for a lodge room
Grant Village, May 25 to 31, $99 for a hotel room
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, May 4 to 10, $49 for a room with a shared
bathroom, $79 for a hotel room and $199 for a
suite
Lake Yellowstone Hotel, May 18 to 24, $129 for backside hotel room.
You can find reduced rates and occasional unadvertised specials,
including winter season discount packages, on the Yellowstone web
site.
Yellowstone reservations http://www.TravelYellowstone.com or
866/439-7375.
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Cheap Tix Chart -- Buy Tickets at a Discount -- Special ticket outlets
sell discounted day-of-performance tickets to theater productions,
films, and sporting events. Discounts can be 50 percent or more. On
The Go Publishing's Cheap Tix Chart, still only $14, lists outlets in
the U.S. and eight foreign cities that sell discounted, day-of-
performance tickets.
Click here to order http://www.onthegopublishing.com/
products.shtml#tix
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Fr.ee Nights at Club Med - - Club Med wants you to experience its
resorts and get two fr.ee nights during a week’s stay. Available at
the newly renovated and upgraded Club Med La Caravelle, Club Med
Buccaneer’s Creek, Club Med Cancun Yucatan and many locations
worldwide, the “Two F.ree Nights” offer allows you to discover the
children’s clubs, gourmet dining, newly designed accommodations and
wealth of activities perfected by Club Med.
Book a week’s stay by Feb. 23, 2007 for travel through Nov. 2, 2007,
and receive two of the seven nights fr.ee at the following Club Med
destinations. Rates are land-only and do not include transportation to
the destination.
Club Med Cancun Yucatan, Mexico from $1,085 per person
Club Med Columbus Isle, Bahamas from $1,225 per person
Club Med Turkoise, Turks & Caicos from $1,190 per person
Club Med Buccaneer's Creek, Martinique from $1,155 per person
Club Med La Caravelle, Guadeloupe from $1,190 per person
Club Med Punta Cana, Dominican Republic from $1,015 per person
Club Med Sandpiper, Florida from $945 per person
Club Med Ixtapa, Mexico from $1,015 per person.
The “Two Nights Fr.ee” offer is also available at Club Med resorts
worldwide including Bora Bora, French Polynesia; Coral Beach, Israel;
Maldives; La Medina and La Palmeraie, Morocco; Rio das Pedras and
Trancoso, Brazil; St. Moritz, Switzerland; and aboard the Club Med 2
cruise ship.
Club Med http://www.clubmed.com or 800/CLUBMED.
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Kids Eat Fr.ee at Select Marriotts - - Family travelers take note.
Full-service Marriott hotels in Boston, New York and Washington, D.C.
offer a new family value package. Through Mar. 31, 2007, the Escape!
Family Time package allows children 12 and under to enjoy fr.ee
breakfast, lunch and dinner from the "Kids Only" menu at participating
hotel restaurants. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an
adult dining from the hotel restaurant menu.
In Washington, D.C. the following hotels are priced from $129 per
night: Marriott Wardman Park, Key Bridge Marriott, Crystal City
Marriott at Reagan National, Airport Washington Marriott, and the
Marriott Crystal. The JW Marriott Pennsylvania Avenue starts from
$159 while the Marriott at Metro starts from $139.
In New York, the LaGuardia Airport Marriott starts from $149; the
Marriott Financial Center and Marriott Brooklyn Bridge start from
$199; the Marriott East Side starts from $249; and the Marriott
Marquis starts from $319.
In Boston, the Marriott Copley Place and the Marriott Long Wharf start
from $169 while the Marriott Cambridge starts from $159.
The Escape! Family Time rates are per room and do not include tax and
gratuities. Refer to promotional code MAJ when booking.
Marriott Hotels http://www.marriott.com or 800/228-9290.
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Triple Rewards with Choice Hotels - - Choice Hotels International,
Inc. offers a new Triple Rewards promotion. You can now earn triple
Choice Privileges points or airline rewards this spring for stays at
any Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion,
Cambria Suites or MainStay Suites property in the U.S., Canada,
Caribbean or Mexico. The promotion runs until Apr. 30, 2007.
You can earn triple rewards for an unlimited number of visits,
starting with your second stay. A stay is defined as any number of
consecutive nights at one hotel regardless of check-ins or check-outs.
You must notify the front desk at check-in if you choose to earn
points or airline rewards.
Points can be redeemed for fr.ee room nights worldwide, airline miles,
charitable donations or gift certificates from more than 100 national
and 400 regional retailers and restaurants. The Choice Privileges
rewards program also offers special membership benefits, such as
express reservations, express check-in, fr.ee local phone calls and
incoming faxes, fr.ee newspaper and extended check-out.
Choice Hotels http://www.choicehotels.com
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Silky Travel Jewelry Roll -- A must have for travelers. Our silky
travel jewelry roll comes in a random assortment of single-color
jacquards, solid colors and two-color brocades.
This handy travel jewelry roll measures 8 1/2 x 11 inches when
open and closes to a compact 8 1/2 x 4 inches. Our exclusive design
offers a place for everything with one deep pocket, a ring bar and
three zippered compartments.
Price $40. Order at http://www.onthegopublishing.com/
products.shtml
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Ontario Kayaking: From Fantasy to Reality on Lake Superior - - photos
and article by Kay Douglas
Everyone’s got a fantasy; in fact, most of us have any number of
them. In one of my favorites, a younger, thinner version of myself is
gliding effortlessly along on wave-tossed seas in a sleek sea kayak. I
used to awaken from this reverie, regard my out-of-shape, middle-aged
self, and heave a sigh.
That is, until I decided to put that fantasy to the test by going on a
six-day kayaking adventure on Lake Superior with Caribou Expeditions
last summer. As a novice paddler, I had anxieties aplenty about being
up to the challenge of an extended kayaking trip, but Caribou
Expedition’s website was reassuring on the matter. I simply need to
be in “good health.” Having scarcely taken a sick day in several
years, I felt surely that term applied to me.
I was heartened to find my fellow paddlers on this trek included a
multi-generational family group, a retired schoolteacher, and a
realtor from Philadelphia who had recently taken up kayaking and shed
44 pounds (a fact I latched onto with great interest).
The adventure began in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario with a scenic train
ride north to Hawk Junction, near the small town of Wawa. The train
made frequent stops at small backwoods outposts en route, and as I
watched groups of campers disembark with all the gear needed for the
upcoming week (or weeks), it was clear we were headed to a place as
out-of-the-way as any I’d ever been. Having signed up for a lodge-
based trip, however, meant that no matter how remote the location, the
creature comforts would still be in place.
Mike Petzold, who runs Caribou Expeditions along with his wife
Colleen, met the train at Hawk Junction and ferried the assembled
members of our group to the first night’s lodging at Kinniwabi Pines
Motel, right next to our first paddling site on the Michipicoten
River. I’d brought an enormous duffel bag stuffed full of cold weather
gear (including a wetsuit), but to my great relief it was never
needed. In fact, as most of southern Canada and the US sweltered in
an August heat wave, temperatures in Wawa were nearly ideal, with Lake
Superior’s waters just warm enough to make swimming appealing.
The morning of our first kayaking day was spent outfitting group
members properly and learning paddling basics. While I’d done a
little sea kayaking, like most of the other members of the group, I
was no expert. Mike proved a thorough teacher, making sure each of
his nine charges had mastered one technique before moving on to the
next. Like most novice paddlers, I was most nervous about the dreaded
“wet exit” from a capsized kayak. I was not looking forward to the
prospect of hanging upside down in the water, trapped in a small
cockpit with a spray skirt confining me.
When the moment came to deliberately flip my kayak, though, I felt
disoriented only momentarily under water. Then I did what Mike had
instructed and in seconds found myself out of the cockpit and
resurfacing next to my kayak. Even more surprising was how easy I
found it to get back into the boat with Mike’s assistance. Having
completed a wet exit successfully, I felt my confidence rise. So what
if I tipped over? I knew how to get back in my kayak, and expert
guidance would never be far away.
Another source of apprehension was how well I’d hold up to a full day
of kayaking. As it turned out, I had little to worry about there,
either. I found that not only was I up for the five to six hours of
daily paddling, but I felt barely a twinge of stiffness or soreness at
the end of the day. Admittedly, I did after the first full day, but
on the second day Cal and Mike made minor adjustments to my kayak that
helped me paddle more efficiently. With kayaks, even minor changes can
make a big difference – and it takes a pro to spot what adjustments
need to be made. With a longer paddle and seat tilted slightly more
forward, for example, everything seemed to click into place for me.
While I wasn’t yet that woman in my fantasy paddling effortlessly
along, I was definitely starting to see glimpses of her in my
reflection in the water.
For our first full day’s paddling, we were scheduled to start at a
point about a half an hour’s drive from Wawa. However, when we pulled
into Old Woman Bay, Mike and his assistant Cal took one look at the
wind-tossed, choppy waves and made a wise call to paddle elsewhere,
under less challenging conditions. Mike knew a better place to put
in, Sinclair Cove, that was not far away. Soon we were out on the
water, exploring ancient Indian petroglyphs best viewed from the
water. We navigated among small, tree-studded islets, encountering no
one else in the vast, untouched wilderness.
Several hours into our voyage, however, Mike spotted a distant storm
approaching. He shepherded the group to a flat landing spot on a
nearby island. Just as we were getting our kayaks onshore, a
torrential downpour broke loose. I was thankful we were not out on
the water and reflected that if I’d been paddling on my own or with
people who hadn’t known how to “read” local conditions, I’d probably
have been caught in that storm. It wasn’t a pretty thought.
Time and again over the next few days, Mike demonstrated a mastery of
local paddling conditions that made an ample case for taking such a
trip with an experienced outfitter. Lake Superior is no place for
unprepared paddlers, and even experienced paddlers may find conditions
that would test their mettle. With all the equipment, travel and
lodging arrangements, instruction, planning, and logistical know-how
involved, the $1,195 cost of the six-day trip was proving a relative
bargain.
Even in less than ideal weather, the scenery along the coast of Lake
Superior is striking. The next few days, as the weather cleared,
showcased the area at its finest. Our second paddling base was
Twilight Lodge, about an hour’s drive south. Here as one of two solo
women in the group, I shared a spacious two-bedroom cabin with
Rosemary, the retired schoolteacher. Located on a stunning bay
surrounded by majestic cliffs and tall evergreens, Twilight Lodge is
that rare place that only a few people seem to know about but which
everyone should know about. Watching the sun sink slowly out on the
lake’s horizon was an experience matched perhaps only by hearing the
distant, haunting cries of loons echoing over the water.
By this stage, the group had developed a cheerful esprit de corps,
with evening gatherings around a campfire to roast marshmallows and
recap each day’s adventures in animated conversation. Each morning,
we all pitched in to help load equipment, and throughout the day we
helped each other get in and out of our kayaks without mishap. As for
mishaps, there were thankfully none to speak of, though on two
separate occasions it seemed some major lunch component had been left
back at the lodge (“Didn’t you bring ____?” “No, I thought you
brought it!”), not that anyone was in danger of starving with the
ample provisions that Colleen, Mike’s wife, provided for the
expedition.
The last full day of paddling was pure magic. The wind was to our
backs (“a falling sea,” as I learned to call it), the water calm and
clear enough to look straight down 10 or 20 feet. What struck me as
most remarkable about Lake Superior was its wholesome smell – or
should I say lack of it. It’s as if some titan carved a vast,
crystalline drinking reservoir in bedrock. Often Cal, who grew up
paddling the lake, would simply dip his water bottle directly into the
lake for refreshment. I contented myself with swimming in the lake
rather than drinking it during our rest stops along the shore,
including at one particularly attractive cove Mike chose for our lunch
spot.
While it was tempting to spend the afternoon stretched out on some
flat, sun-drenched rock enjoying the remarkable solitude of Lake
Superior, it was not to be. Our last full day’s paddling was also the
most ambitious, nearly 23 kilometers all told. I would not have
believed a mere five days earlier that I’d be comfortable paddling
that distance, but I was.
Just as the late afternoon light took on the slanting cast presaging
sunset, Mike pointed to a far promontory near Mica Bay, our landing
spot. Redoubling my efforts, the paddle dipping rhythmically in and
out of the water, the kayak began to pick up speed. The prow cut into
the water, slicing through the gentle waves as I focused on that
faraway point. At that moment, and up until I reached the distant
shore, I came as close to my kayaking fantasy as I imagine I ever
will.
Caribou Expedition’s inn-to-inn kayaking trip is but one of many
paddling adventures available in Ontario. Whether you’re a beginning
novice, or experienced kayaker, there’s a package that’s sure to suit
you. For more information on affordable kayak and canoe adventure
vacations in Ontario’s pristine wilderness areas, visit the website
for Paddling Ontario (http://www.paddlingontario.com/) or Caribou
Expeditions (http://www.caribou-expeditions.com/homepage.spml).
4. A cabin at Twilight Lodge at Montreal River
6. Michipicoten River
9. Exploring pristine bays with crystal-clear waters
15. Lunch break at Batchawana Bay
19. Near the mouth of the Montreal River
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Gulf Coast Savings - - Three gulf-front resorts in Panama City Beach,
FL, Legacy by the Sea, Beachbreak by the Sea and Beachcomber by the
Sea, have several packages. A sampling of two: The Sea of Love package
offers gulf-front accommodations, breakfast for two and a basket with
champagne, souvenir flutes, seashell rose and scented sea salts for
the bath starts at $79 per couple, per night. An Explore the Shore
package lets families hunt and identify seashells together. It
includes "Peterson First Guide to Shells of North America", a local
guide to the best beachcombing spots, five magnifying lenses, a
souvenir pail, and, just in case shells are scarce, a shell
assortment. Packages start at $74 per night based on double occupancy.
By the Sea Resorts http://www.bythesearesorts.com or 888/627-0625.
Edgewater Beach Resort has a Breakfast and Birdies package for four
that includes golf villa accommodations, 18 holes of golf, breakfast,
shoe and club cleaning and customized bag tag at rates from $116 per
person, per night, Mar. 1 through May 17, 2007. You have access to a
half-mile of private beach, a nine-hole executive course, four hot
tubs, 11 Plexicushion tennis courts, spa and fitness center and 12
pools. Edgewater Beach Resort http://www.edgewaterbeachresort.com or
800/874-8686.
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Had a good experience on a plane recently? Stumbled across the perfect
place to stay, eat or drink? Tell us about it, email us at:
travelne...@aim.com
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PLEASE NOTE: All links are sent as clickable links. Some email
programs such as AOL, Yahoo, & Hotmail change the links so that they
are not clickable.
If you have problems clicking on a link, just copy and paste the link
into your browser.
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CURE & CLEAN NATURALLY -- Throw out your harmful toxic disinfectants,
cleaners, bleaches and insecticides! Cure and clean with the world’s
safest all-natural sanitizer, Hydrogen Peroxide. You don’t need to
spend a fortune on fancy store-bought preparations with their “secret
ingredient” that turns out to be Hydrogen Peroxide. Get more than 30
powerful recipes using Hydrogen Peroxide as a foot soak, cold and flu
killer, plant protector, and pet purgative for only $2. To order, send
an email to: cpven...@hotpop.com with Order Hydrogen Peroxide Cure
in subject line.
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READING THIS AD? THEN WHY NOT PUT YOUR AD HERE! Reach more than
180,000 travelers who want to learn about your services or products.
Get the scoop and reserve your spot today at http://
tsalerts.freespaces.com
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Live Among the Locals -- Forget about staying in a boring hotel. Live
among the locals in a house or flat. Coach House London Vacation
Rentals offers short term central London rentals
with more than 60 properties that sleep from 2 to 12 people. Each
rental comes with a neighborhood guide, breakfast provisions for the
first day or two of your stay, a telephone help line, and what to do
and see. Coach House London Vacation Rentals http://
www.rentals.chslondon.com
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NATURE'S MIRACLE PRODUCT -- in today’s computerized world, we’re still
using a product discovered by chance more than 10,000 years ago --
VINEGAR!! Throw out toxic cleaners and insecticides that pollute! Save
money and save the environment by using vinegar, one of the world’s
safest, all-natural products. Get more than 150 powerful recipes using
vinegar for cooking, health care, gardening, pet care and household
uses for only $4. To order, send an email to: cpven...@hotpop.com
with Order Vinegar Care in subject line.
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EASY IMMIGRATION TO NEW ZEALAND -- Thinking about making New Zealand
your part-time or permanent second home? It is fast and easy! Read the
'New Zealand Immigration & Relocation Report' and transform your
future today. Wake up to a new life. http://www.nzpassport.com
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Gambler's General Store -- The world's largest gambling superstore
with slots, video poker, dice, craps, roulette, books, software and
more. Gambler's General Store http://www.gamblersgeneralstore.com or
800/322-CHIP.
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FR!EE PEARL Necklace & Bracelet -- Direct from a famous jewelry
workshop. Limit 4 necklaces and 4 bracelets per person. ACT RIGHT NOW.
Click here to order http://www.a-bargain.9cy.com/
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DINNER AT 35,000 FEET -- What meals will you get on your flight? See
behind the scenes at airline catering. Preview first- and business-
class menus and pictures of actual airline meals, photographed and
contributed by passengers. More than 330 airlines represented. http://
www.AirlineMeals.net
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RVShark, the online recreational vehicle publication features raw
reviews of RV parks based on real RVers' experiences. RVShark includes
RV for sale listings and an RV parks for sale section. RVShark is
fr.ee. http://www.rvshark.com
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Herd ostrich, ride horses or gather eggs at a family farm in
Pennsylvania, the relaxing alternative to a camping vacation. The 25
family farms roll out the red carpet for families and are found in all
corners of the state. Pennsylvania Farm Vacation Association
http://www.pafarmstay.com or 888/856-6622.