Travel Savings Alerts Newsletter - December 2005 Issue
tips2travel
P.O. Box 91033
Columbus OH 43209
http://tsalerts.fre.espaces.com
travel...@wowmail.com
ISSN: 1542-801X, Copyright 2005, All Rights Reserved
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In This Issue:
Singapore Airlines Savings
New Carrier MaxJet
2Afrika Waives Single Supplement
EL AL Winter Packages
New York Ski Specials
In-flight Gambling, Fre.e Flights?
Delta Tickets for Life
Thunderbird Lodge Reduced Winter Rates
National Park Discounts during Quiet Season
Holidaze Ski Deals
Days Hotels Winter Rates in U.K., Ireland
$100 for $100
Outer Banks Getaway Card
Rosen Hotels "Orlan-Dough" Mega-Value
Ski Fr.ee in Jackson Hole
European Countries Urged to Improve 112
British Columbia's Grand Buildings
D.C. Winter Restaurant Week 2006
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EXCITING NEW Holiday Gift Basket Arrangements! Lowest Prices Ever!
Indulge your clients or loved ones with Cheese and Wine's NEWEST
holiday gift baskets. New assortments include wine, beer, champagne,
chocolates, gourmet apples and more! Impressive Holiday gifts are one
click away! Visit http://www.cheeseandwine.com/?source=ogp to order
your HOLIDAY GIFT
BASKETS TODAY!
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A Profusion of Pearls -- AAA Jewelry Outlet reminds us it's not too
early to think holidays or treat yourself to this cultured stunner.
Cultured black freshwater pearls interspersed with sterling silver lend
a lovely luster to this spectacular necklace. To make this the perfect
accessory, the extender chain with a matching pearl drop adjusts the
necklace length from 15 to 18 inches. Unbelievably priced at $129.
A matching 8 inch long bracelet for a mere $109 completes the set.
Order at http://www.3ajewels.biz
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Singapore Airlines Savings -- In-Transit Deal - Fly on Singapore
Airlines and arrive at Singapore's Changi Airport. While in transit,
you can receive discounts of up to half off the airport's shopping,
dining and lifestyle services. Many of the airport's other services
will be available for fr.ee. You must present your Singapore Airlines
boarding pass (valid for same-day travel) to take advantage of this
offer at participating retailers. The promotion ends September 2006.
Bali Deal - If you fly to Bali on Singapore Airlines, you
can receive privileges and discounts at many locations around the
island. Simply present your Singapore Airlines boarding pass within
seven days of your flight to enjoy these discounts. The Bali promotion
ends December 31, 2005.
Singapore Airlines http://www.singaporeair.com
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New Carrier MaxJet -- MaxJet is the new carrier that offers discount
business-class-only service from New York's JFK to London's Stansted
airport. Roundtrip airfare which started at $1,558 plus taxes and fees
has dropped to $1358 roundtrip plus taxes and fees. Other airlines are
charging at least $2,382 roundtrip.
The maximum stay in London is 365 days. Seats are limited
and certain flights and travel days may be unavailable at the lowest
prices, especially during busy travel periods. Tickets are
nontransferable, but may be reissued for a $100 change fee plus any
applicable difference in fare. Tickets are refundable for a $300 fee.
The airline operates B767 aircraft configured with 102
business class seats with 60" pitch, upscale meal service, airport
lounges and portable on-demand entertainment.
The airline plans to begin service out of Dulles in
December.
MaxJet http://www.maxjet.com or 888/435-9629.
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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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2Afrika Waives Single Supplement -- 2Afrika, a tour operator in Jersey
City, NJ, that specializes in African safaris, is waiving single
supplements on several itineraries. For example, the "Lions Share"
safari, with roundtrip air from Washington, D.C. and six nights at four
lodges in Kenya, starts at $2,715 per person single or double. Singles
usually pay $600 more for departures Apr. 1 to May 31, 2006. Departures
June 1 to 24 are slightly higher. Taxes are about $295.
Starting Jan. 1, 2006, their "Affordable Tanzania
Safari" will be available for the 2006 season. With 24 departures in
2006, each with a maximum of 24 passengers, the 13-day safari will
cost from $2,695 plus tax. Certain times during 2006, you can depart
from Newark, Boston, Washington Dulles, Miami, Los Angeles or San
Francisco for $20.06 more.
2Afrika http://www.2afrika.com or 866/462-2374.
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EL AL Winter Packages -- EL AL, Israel's national airline, offers
winter savings packages for passengers flying from the U.S. to Israel
through Mar. 2006.
EL AL and Hertz offer a seven-day "Fly & Drive" package
from New York (JFK and Newark), Los Angeles, Miami and Chicago for
travel through Dec. 19, 2005 and Jan. 6 to Feb. 28, 2006. You can fly
EL AL and choose a Hertz manual car rental with unlimited mileage for
$1,134 from New York (JFK and Newark); $1,443 from Los Angeles; $1,305
from Miami; and $1,237 from Chicago. With a Hertz automatic car rental
with unlimited mileage the cost is $1,188 from New York (JFK and
Newark); $1,497 from Los Angeles; $1,359 from Miami; and $1,292 from
Chicago. All "Fly & Drive" package prices include a fuel surcharge.
Gas and insurance are not included.
EL AL's package to Israel includes tours of top religious
sites for $1,499 (including fuel surcharge) per person, based on double
occupancy (single supplement $175). Through March 31, 2006 (except Dec.
16 to Dec. 24, 2005), you'll receive roundtrip airfare from the U.S.
to Israel, seven nights in a first class hotel, daily tours of holy
sites throughout Israel, and a traditional buffet breakfast with a
choice of lunch or dinner daily. Daily tours will visit Jerusalem,
Nazareth, the Jordan River, Masada, the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum,
Bethlehem, and stops at attractions in Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea and along
the Mediterranean. The package is subject to availability and must be
ticketed at least three weeks prior to departure. $79.70 taxes not
included.
EL AL has partnered with leading hotels in Israel for
air/hotel packages for passengers flying from New York (JFK and
Newark), Los Angeles, Miami and Chicago. Reduced rates for children are
available. ). A package with an EL AL flight (from (JFK and Newark) and
five consecutive nights' accommodations starts from $1,275 per
person, double occupancy at the Regency Jerusalem Hotel (with fuel
surcharge included). Other leading hotels include the Dan Panorama
Hotels in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Haifa for $1,285; the Holiday Inns in
Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Eilat, and Haifa for $1,335; Sheraton Moriah
Hotels in Jerusalem (Sheraton Plaza), Tel Aviv and Tiberias (Sheraton
Moriah) for $1,385; Carlton Hotel in Tel Aviv for $1,415 and the Inbal
Hotel in Jerusalem for $1,445.
EL AL's weekly winter schedule includes 19 weekly nonstop
flights from JFK and Newark, twice weekly from Chicago and Miami and
five weekly flights from Los Angeles.
Packages are subject to availability and must be ticketed
at least three weeks prior to departure. Tickets, which are in "H"
class, are valid six to 30 days and are non-refundable once issued. Up
to $81.20 taxes not included. Cancellation/change and other
restrictions may apply.
EL AL http://www.elal.com or 800/ELAL-SUN.
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New York Ski Specials -- Located north of New York City, the Catskill
Mountains attract
skiers and snowboarders from across the Northeast every winter. In
addition to early-bird discounts for season passes, deals are available
for those planning a special trip or trying skiing or snowboarding for
the first time.
Hunter Mountain http://www.huntermtn.com or 800/486-8376
- For $46 get an all-area lift ticket, equipment rental, group lesson
and lunch. The offer is open to all ladies, ages seven and up, every
Wednesday through March (excluding Dec. 28, 2005). For less than $30 a
day, the Beginner Try-Pak is for people looking to save money while
learning how to ski or snowboard. For $89, get three separate visits
which can be used any time during the season. It includes a lower
mountain lift ticket, equipment rental and a group lesson, all on a
convenient swipe card.
Windham Mountain http://www.windhammountain.com or
800/754-9463 - Windham 1Cardholders are eligible for deals throughout
the season, including fr.ee food and ski lessons and discounts on
apparel. Ski during the week and the $30 Weekday Frequent Saver Card
provides a 50 percent discount on weekend non-holiday lift ticket
purchases throughout the season.
Plattekill Mountain Resort http:// www.plattekill.com or
800/NEED2SKI -- College students pay $99 for a season lift ticket when
they sign up with at least three other friends. Passes
must be purchased at the same time. Students must show a valid college
I.D. and be 18 to 21 years old. This discount is available all season.
Boy Scouts, members of the Armed Forces, and Fire, Police and EMS all
receive $10 off a lift ticket on special discount days. Carload Day
offers even steeper discounts.
The 4th grade Ski and Ride Passport
http://www.44fr.ee.com or 800/ILOVENY - allows fourth graders to ski
for fr.ee at many New York State ski centers, when accompanied by a
paying adult. To receive a passport, fill out the application, include
a copy of a report card and a check for the $15 processing fee.
Application deadline is Mar. 1, 2006.
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Fun, Fr-ee Things, 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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In-flight Gambling, F.ree Flights? -- Ireland-based Ryanair is
exploring offering more fr.ee flights if it can generate enough revenue
from in-flight gambling.
Chief Executive Officer Michael O'Leary said the discount
carrier gave away about a quarter of its seats last year and the
success of gambling could see all of its fares eliminated.
The airline expects to pick an online gaming operator to
partner with and begin testing the system next summer. O'Leary
predicts that if 25 to 30 percent of passengers chose some in-flight
wagering, then it could add $85 million to Ryanair's bottom line.
Passengers will be able to gamble using their mobile
phones or supplied Blackberries, provided it can devise a payment
system that allows it to debit a passenger's credit card before the
plane lands. All the calls would be routed through an onboard mobile
"sub-station" enabling the airline to get a cut of the call charge and
a percentage of the takings.
Ryanair launched its last fr.ee ticket offer in the
beginning of November, giving away two million seats through January
2006.
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Delta Tickets for Life -- Delta Air Lines offers its U.S. frequent
flyer customers the opportunity to enter the "Tickets for Life"
sweepstakes and a chance to win a daily prize of 50,000 SkyMiles or the
grand prize of 2.5 million miles and $25,000 cash.
Here's how the contest works. You must enroll in the
promotion online and provide your SkyMiles number. If you are not a
member of Delta's SkyMiles program, you can sign up and enroll in the
promotion at the same online address.
One daily prize of 50,000 miles will be awarded each day
until Dec. 15, 2005. To be eligible for the daily prize, you must
purchase a qualifying roundtrip ticket on the daily prize date. For
example, to be eligible for the daily prize on Nov. 5, 2005, you must
purchase a
qualifying ticket on Nov. 5.
One grand prize of 2.5 million miles and $25,000 cash will
be awarded in Feb. 2006. All SkyMiles members who purchase a qualifying
ticket through Dec. 15, 2005, and complete travel by Jan. 31, 2006,
will be entered into the drawing for the grand prize.
At Delta's web site, there are no ticketing fees and
there's a 1,000 bonus miles for every flown roundtrip ticket
purchase.
Complete official rules
http://www.delta.com/ticketsforlife.
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Thunderbird Lodge Reduced Winter Rates -- Cooler temperatures mean
deals at Thunderbird Lodge, the only lodging facility in Canyon de
Chelly National Monument in northeastern Arizona. Rates for the 2005-06
winter season are reduced up to 43 percent off summer-season rates.
Overnight visitors on Saturday, Sunday and Monday will also receive
coupons for continental breakfast, 10 percent off canyon tours and 10
percent off gift shop purchases.
The winter rates are in effect through Mar. 31, 2006.
Rates per night are $58.50 for a single room, $65 for a double, $71 for
a triple and $77 for a quad. Suites are available starting at
$90.50. Rates do not include taxes.
Thunderbird Lodge features 74 rooms equipped with
comfortable beds, full bathrooms and cable television. The lodge sits
on the site of a trading post built in 1896, and its cafeteria-style
restaurant is located in the trading post's original building. The gift
shop and rug room offer some of the region's finest examples of Native
American jewelry, crafts and Navajo rugs.
Thunderbird Lodge http://www.tbirdlodge.com or
800/679-2473.
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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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National Park Discounts during Quiet Season -- As the country's
national treasures settle in for the "quiet season," visits to Zion,
Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Parks decreases dramatically over
summer season numbers. Xanterra Parks & Resorts, who operates lodges,
restaurants, gift shops and activities in those and many other U.S.
national parks and resorts, offers discount to visitors who prefer
cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.
Grand Canyon - Room rates at the South Rim drop by as
much as 31 percent from summer rates. Room rates at the park's two
off-rim lodges, Maswik and Yavapai Lodges, range from $72 to $83 plus
tax. Summer rates for those rooms are $76 to $120 per night. Called the
"Winter Value Rate," pricing is for single or double occupancy, and the
cost for each additional person in the room is $9. Children 16 and
under stay at no extra charge.
At the South Rim's El Tovar, the romance package
includes one night in a standard queen room, a bottle of sparkling
wine, fruit basket and dinner for two in the hotel's dining room. The
base package is $264 plus tax. Upgrade to a deluxe room or suite for an
additional charge, based on availability. Mention "ROMA" when making
reservations.
Both packages are available through Mar. 9, 2006, excluding
Dec. 23, 2005 through
Jan. 2, 2006. Grand Canyon Lodges http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com or
888/297-2757.
Zion National Park - Through Mar. 9, 2006, experience
Southern Utah and "Zion in Winter" rates. The nightly rate for a
Sunday-through-Thursday stay is $79 for a standard room and $89 for a
western cabin. On Fridays and Saturdays, the rate is $89 for a standard
room and $99 for a western cabin. The package, based on double
occupancy, includes breakfast but does not include taxes or gratuities.
Each additional person in the room is $10. The weekend rate applies
during Dec. 22 to 30, 2005 and Feb. 17 to 19, 2006. This offer is not
available on Dec. 31, 2005 or Feb. 14, 2006. Mention promotion code
"WNTR" when making reservations.
Zion National Park Lodge http://www.zionlodge.com or
888/297-2757.
Yellowstone National Park - The winter season begins Dec.
21, 2005, when Old Faithful Snow Lodge opens. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel
opens Dec. 23. Rates per night at the Mammoth Hotel start at $75 per
room without a private bathroom or $99 per room with a bathroom. Rates
at the Snow Lodge are $161 for a lodge room, $121 for a Western Cabin
or $83 for a Frontier Cabin, all with private bathrooms. The "Nordic
Heaven at Mammoth" package includes a minimum of two nights' lodging,
two breakfasts per person, welcome gift, full-day ski rental, one ski
drop per person, a one-hour hot tub rental, unlimited ice skating and
skates. Rates start at $119 per person, based on double occupancy.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel closes for the season on Mar. 5, 2006. Old
Faithful Snow Lodge closes Mar. 12, 2006.
Yellowstone National Park
http://www.TravelYellowstone.com or 307/344-7311.
Death Valley National Park - Winter is the most popular
season when temperatures are moderate and comfortable. The Furnace
Creek Inn & Ranch Resort in Death Valley National Park offers rooms
discount for seniors age 60 and older. Seniors staying Sunday through
Thursday receive a 10 percent discount off a room when they stay one
night, 20 percent discount for two nights and 30 percent discount for a
three-night stay. Some blackout dates apply.
Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort
http://www.furnacecreekinn.com or 760/786-2345.
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Holidaze Ski Deals -- Holidaze Ski Tours of Belmar, NJ, offers five
winter ski packages from $905 per person, based on double occupancy,
that include seven nights' accommodations, roundtrip air, and
transfers.
The ski Val Thorens package, from $1,175 per person,
includes roundtrip airfare between New York and Geneva, transfers to
and from Val Thorens, seven nights at a three-star hotel, breakfast and
dinner daily, local taxes and departure taxes and fuel surcharge.
Departures Jan. 6 through Apr. 7, 2006.
Ski and see Chamonix from $905 per person; Meribel from
$1,009 per person; Courchevel from $2,168 per person and Val D'Isere
from $995 per person. Like the Val Thorens package, the other four
packages include roundtrip airfare from New York to Geneva, transfers
to and from the ski destination, seven nights at a three- or four-star
hotel, breakfast and/or dinner daily, local taxes and departure taxes
and fuel surcharge. Departures start Jan. 6 and continue through Apr.
7, 2006.
Holidaze Ski Tours http://www.holidaze.com or 800/526-2827
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Days Hotels Winter Rates in U.K., Ireland -- Book and stay at
participating Days hotels in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland
through Feb. 28, 2006, and get rates from 35 pounds Sterling as part of
the Days Inn Winter Sale.
Spend a night, weekend or the entire week at any Days Inn,
Days Hotel or Days Serviced Apartment and you are eligible for Winter
Sale rates, based on availability. Book reservations online or contact
the property directly.
You must reference promotional code SSS for all bookings.
Reservations at the promotional rate are non-refundable and must be
booked at least 24 hours in advance of the stay. Special terms and
conditions apply.
Amenities at Days locations in the U.K. and Ireland
include in-suite bedrooms with private attached bathrooms and power
showers; satellite TV; 24-hour front desk; white duvets and fr.ee
in-room tea and coffee. Days Hotels have fully licensed bars, lounges,
in-house restaurants and a cooked or continental breakfast.
Days Hotels http://www.daysinn.co.uk
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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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$100 for $100 -- Millennium Hotels & Resorts have a deal where you pay
$100 for a guest room and get a $100 credit for food and beverage at
the property. These packages are available at the Millennium Hotel in
Cincinnati and the Millennium Maxwell House in Nashville through Dec.
30, 2005, and at the Millennium Airport Hotel in Buffalo, N.Y., through
Jan. 31, 2006.
Millennium Hotels & Resorts
http://www.millenniumhotels.com or 866/866-8086.
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Outer Banks Getaway Card - Get discounts on accommodations, food,
recreation and shopping with the Outer Banks Getaway Card. The fr.ee
Getaway Card is available when you request the 2006 official travel
guide.
The card, representing a partnership between local
businesses and the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, is valid Jan 1 through
May 15, 2006 and again Sep. 15 through Dec. 31, 2006. Offers on the
card are not valid on holidays and adjacent weekends and cannot be used
with other promotions, specials, sales, coupons or discounts, unless
specified.
When making reservations, request the Outer Banks Getaway
Card rate or offer. Your visit must be within the dates that the card
is valid to get the discounts and your card must be presented at the
time of purchase. Discounts are based on availability and are subject
to change. Tax, gratuities and alcohol are exempt. Other restrictions
may apply.
The Getaway Card can be ordered on the Outer Banks
Visitors Bureau's web site, which also lists seasonal savings that
are updated daily and attraction passes.
Outer Banks Visitors Bureau http://www.outerbanks.org or
877/OBX-4FUN.
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Rosen Hotels "Orlan-Dough" Mega-Value -- The Rosen Hotels and
Resorts, in Orlando, FL, offer an Orlan-Dough Mega-Value deal with
rates from $39.95 to $49.95 (plus 11.5% tax) per room, per night. The
rate depends on the day of the week and is valid for travel through
Feb. 10, 2006. Rooms include a "Semi-Suite," with two double beds and
amenities you'd expect to find in a suite, including refrigerator,
microwave and coffee-maker.
The package also offers a Kids Eat F.ree Program, fr.ee
transportation to many areas attractions, fr.ee in-room safe and the
"Orlan-Dough Mega Value Pack" with two-for-one discounts at area
attractions.
Value pack 2-for-1 or half-price tickets include
Universal's City Walk, Wet 'n Wild, Pirate's Dinner Theater, Capone's
Dinner & Show, Hawaiian Rumble Adventure Golf and Skull Kingdom.
Shopping and dining savings are offered at Shogun Authentic Japanese
Steakhouse, Ron Jon's Surf Shop, Orlando Harley-Davidson, Festival Bay
Mall and Old Town.
Located near most Orlando-area attractions, the offer is
good at the four Rosen hotels including the Quality Inn International,
7600 International Dr., Rodeway Inn International, 6327 International
Dr., Quality Inn Plaza, 9000 International Dr., and Comfort Inn Lake
Buena Vista, The participating hotels are pet
friendly and accept pets for an additional $10 per day pet fee.
Reservations are subject to availability. A credit card
is required to guarantee reservation at time of booking.
Rosen Hotels and Resorts
http://www.orlandohotels4less.com/megavalue or 866/337-6736.
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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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Ski Fr.ee in Jackson Hole -- The Spring Creek Ranch in Jackson Hole,
WY, gives skiers a chance to experience the Teton Range at discount
rates through Dec. 2005. The resort has teamed with Jackson Hole
Mountain Resort, Grand Targhee and Snow King Resort to offer "Ski
Fr.ee" packages.
The ranch's "Ski Fre.e Package" is priced from $150 per room,
per night, based on double occupancy, a savings of more than 50
percent. The package includes accommodations with a fireplace,
breakfast for two daily, lift tickets to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
or Grand Targhee ( two per day).
For added flexibility, you can create a personalized package
by choosing your length of stay and ski areas with Spring Creek Ranch's
Build Your Own program.
Spring Creek Ranch's accommodations are suites, studios
with full kitchens, two- and three-bedroom condominiums and executive
homes. In season, the resort provides a fr-ee shuttle service to town
and to the ski areas.
Spring Creek Ranch http://www.springcreekranch.com or
800/443-6139.
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European Countries Urged to Improve 112 -- An emergency phone system,
intended to help tourists in Europe, is not working properly according
to the European Commission. Many emergency call handling centers for
the Europe-wide emergency number, 112, need technology upgrades to
handle the "automatic" emergency calls ( or eCalls) that vehicles
will soon be able to make in the event of a crash, or if the driver is
unconscious. eCalls could cut response times and save thousands of
lives, but the technology is behind schedule, according to the European
Commission.
The 112 single European emergency phone number can now be
called from any phone, fixed or mobile, across 25 countries of the
European Union, but the service is not working as well as it should.
There have been numerous complaints from tourists that when they call
112, there is no one at the other end who can speak English. In some
countries, the resources are not in place to handle the multiple
languages required. In others, the technology to locate cell phone
callers geographically is not available and in many countries people
are not aware that the service exists.
The 112 call handling centers are meant to deal with
automatic emergency calls from vehicles involved in road accidents.
eCall systems can report the exact location of a vehicle to the
emergency services, even if the driver is unconscious. New cars
produced in Europe from 2009 should have eCall units installed under a
plan between the European Commission and the automotive industry.
According to EC statistics, if all cars in Europe were
equipped with eCall technology, it could cut emergency response times
in rural areas by up to 50 percent and in urban areas up to 40 percent.
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British Columbia's Grand Buildings By Sue Kernaghan, photographs
courtesy of British Columbia Tourism
Soaring sails on a city waterfront, a wall of glass on the
ocean's edge, ancient cedar long-houses and even an homage to Rome's
coliseum. Unusual? Perhaps. Stunning? Certainly.
A tour of British Columbia's grand buildings can uncover
everything from little-known Art Deco gems, to some of the world's most
innovative public spaces.
A great place to start is on Vancouver's waterfront, at the
city's iconic Canada Place complex. Home to the Pan Pacific Hotel, the
Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, and the city's main cruise
ship terminal, this striking landmark mimics the look and feel of the
cruise ships it hosts with a prow jutting four city blocks into the
harbor and five white sails, made of Teflon-coated fiberglass, soaring
into the air. Canada Place is the first glimpse many visitors have of
the Pacific Coast metropolis and, since its construction (as the Canada
Pavilion for Expo '86), it's been one of the most distinctive features
of Vancouver's skyline.
Before 1986, that honor was held by the Marine Building, a
1930 Art Deco treasure at the foot of Burrard Street. Inspired by New
York's Chrysler Building, this was Vancouver's first skyscraper. Sea
life, transport images, ocean waves, and other maritime themes decorate
the 21-story exterior. Step through the polished brass doors to see the
zodiac mosaic on the lobby
floor, take a ride up the pretty retro elevator, and then walk across
to the corner of Hastings and Hornby Streets to see the structure
reflected in its neighboring high rises.
"It's one of my favorite buildings," says Colin Wong,
Director of Communications at the Architectural Institute of British
Columbia. "It's reflective of the period, and really takes advantage of
its view of the North Shore and the water."
Making the most of the view is a recurring theme in BC's
architecture. "We have lots of natural beauty around us and there's no
need to shield ourselves from it," adds Wong. "We also try to be
harmonious with our environment, so you'll see a lot of curves and
natural organic shapes, rather than sharp edges, as well as buildings
designed to blend well with the structures around them, and lots of
natural light."
Vancouver's Library Square building is a prime example of
this organic approach. Designed by architect Moshe Safdie and opened in
1995, this spiraled post-modern complex takes up a whole city block
and, for many Vancouverites, recalls the ancient Coliseum of Rome. Home
to Vancouver Public Library's main branch, the complex has become a
popular local
gathering place.
The master of public spaces, though, and the architect
who's had the biggest impact on Vancouver is undoubtedly Arthur
Erickson. Born in Vancouver in 1924, Erickson, with his singular use of
modern materials, clean lines, and natural light, has helped define
West Coast style.
His best known works include the 1976 Museum of
Anthropology, a long-house-inspired cliff-top structure at the
University of British Columbia, where 50 foot high windows showcase a
collection of towering cedar poles against a backdrop of water,
mountains and sky. Erickson also designed Simon Fraser University on a
Burnaby mountaintop, and Robson
Square, an innovative three-block complex in downtown Vancouver.
Straddling Robson Street between Hornby and Howe streets
and completed in 1979, Robson Square's low profile, geometric stramps
(stairs and ramps combined for easy public access), indoor and outdoor
greenery and masses of water, including three waterfalls and a
block-long reflecting pool, create a much more welcoming public space
than the office block that was originally proposed for the site.
At the south end of the complex are the Provincial Law
Courts, where more than an acre of sloping glass (topped with greenery)
provides natural light and a sense of transparency to the legal
process.
Bookending the north end of the square is the Vancouver
Art Gallery. The city's original courthouse, this neo-classical
structure was designed in 1911 by BC's other seminal architect, Francis
Rattenbury. In the early 1980s, Erickson helped transform it into a
gallery as part of his Robson Square design.
Rattenbury, a young British immigrant, was based in what
was, in his day, the vastly more important city of Victoria, where he
was responsible for virtually all of that city's important structures,
from the Crystal Garden (to re-open in 2006 as the BC Experience) and
the CPR Steamship Terminal (now the Royal London Wax Museum), to the
Parliament Buildings and the
Fairmont Empress Hotel. Built in 1898 and 1908 respectively, the latter
two complexes dominate
Victoria's Inner Harbour.
Rattenbury didn't stick to any particular style when
designing the Parliament Buildings (he was just 25 years old at the
time), but he certainly showcased local resources, using Vancouver
Island stone, granite and slate for the facade, foundation, and roof
respectively, and local copper for the buildings' 33 domes. Statues of
historic figures dot the complex (that's Captain Vancouver atop the
main dome, and Queen Victoria out front) and more than 3,000 lights
outline the buildings at night.
Across the way at the grand, ivy-draped Fairmont Empress,
one of the chateau-style hotels built by the Canadian Pacific Railway,
afternoon tea in the Edwardian tea lobby is as civilized an experience
as it was in 1908. While you're there, take a peak at the wonderful
stained glass ceiling in the Palm Court.
Another rich vein of Victorian and Edwardian architecture
can be found in the pretty lakeside town of Nelson, in BC's Kootenay
region. Nelson's more than 350 heritage buildings have attracted so
much interest, the Architectural Institute of BC has added the town to
its walking tour roster, along with Vancouver and Victoria (see below
for tour details).
Of course, BC's architectural history vastly predates
colonial times.
In Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, on Haida Gwaii (or
the Queen Charlotte Islands), you'll find SGang Gwaay Llnagaay, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the best surviving examples of a
Northwest Coast First Nations village site. The site is remote and a
guided tour is recommended.
Also on the islands and rather more accessible is the
Haida Gwaii Museum at Qay'llnagaay, near Skidegate. It's home to an
excellent collection of Haida artifacts and is one of several BC museum
buildings that echo the traditional Northwest Coast long-house style.
These include Vancouver's Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of
Northern British Columbia in Prince Rupert, and the Quw'utsun' Cultural
and Conference Centre in Duncan on Vancouver Island.
Enlightening insight into traditional First Nations
architecture can be found at 'Ksan Historical Village, near Old
Hazelton in Northern BC. Here, a re-created Gitxsan village of seven
long-houses replicate a community that stood near the same riverside
site for hundreds, or possibly thousands, of years. It's a lush, green
and peaceful spot where the beautifully decorated
post and beam structures work in harmony with the natural setting.
It's this kind of harmony that many observers envision
for BC's future buildings, with increased use of green space and
respect for the environment.
Says Wong: "One great thing about living in BC is that
even in the cities we have a tremendous amount of green space and we've
realized that even roofs can be green spaces. In a lot of newer
buildings, you'll see trees on the top." Wong expects to see many more
green roofs and rooftop gardens in the future. "One day I would hope
that if they took a satellite photo of
Vancouver all you'd see is forest."
The Architectural Institute of British Columbia conducts
architectural walking tours in Victoria, Vancouver and Nelson during
July and August. The fee in Victoria and Vancouver is $5; the Nelson
tours are fr-ee. For more information, contact the AIBC at 800/667-0753
(ext. 333), 604/683-8588 (ext.333) or their Web site at www.aibc.ca.
You can also drop in to the AIBC's Architecture Centre
Gallery at 100 - 440 Cambie Street (at Pender Street), in Vancouver.
Admission is f.ree.
British Columbia http://www.hellobc.com or 800/HELLO-BC.
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Silky Travel Jewelry Roll -- A must have for travelers. Our silky
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D.C. Winter Restaurant Week 2006 -- When it comes to dining out,
Washington, DC is home to some of the world's finest cafés,
restaurants and talented chefs. During Jan. 9 to 15, 2006, many of the
city's most popular eateries offer special three-course, prix fixe
menus at $20.06 for lunch and $30.06 for dinner, in honor of the year.
Washington, DC Restaurant Week is produced by the
Washington, DC Convention & Tourism Corporation and Restaurant
Association Metropolitan Washington. A complete list of participating
restaurants will be available at http://restaurantweekdc.com by the end
of December.
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Have you had a good experience on a plane recently? Stumbled across the
perfect place to stay or eat or drink? If you'd like to 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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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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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.