Travel Savings Alerts Newsletter - January 2006 Issue
tips2travel
P.O. Box 91033
Columbus OH 43209
http://tsalerts.fre.espaces.com
travel...@wowmail.com
ISSN: 1542-801X, Copyright 2006, All Rights Reserved
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In This Issue: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!
40% off Suites at Silverado
60% Savings on Merrion Golf Package
Ski Fr-ee at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
IATA Disputes French Airline Tax
United Award Ticket for 40% Less Miles
Renovated Southern Cross Club Package
TSA Changes
ResorTime.com's Timeshare Trivia Sweepstakes
Ithaca Snow Guarantee, Save when it Snows
Budapest Winter Package
2-for-1 Alaska Travel Guide
AmericInn $10,000 Sweepstakes
Maintain, Don't Gain
$899 Singapore Luxury Package
New Packages, Flights to Aruba
London Superior Class Vacation $529
Footloose in Fiesta City -- story by Kay Douglas
American Offers Shorter Flights for Fewer Miles
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The Leather Connection -- Bring out your hidden fashionista with this
spectacular two-strand, 15-inch black leather necklace. Hand-crafted
in Mexico, the bold sterling toggle clasp is accented with quartz,
turquoise and jade micro-beads. A cherry quartz drop is the perfect
complement to this beautiful and extraordinary necklace.
Unbelievably priced at $49. Order at http://www.3ajewels.biz
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40% off Suites at Silverado -- The Silverado Resort in Napa Valley, CA,
dropped the price of its junior, one-, two- and three-bedroom suites.
The reduction represents more than 40 percent off the summer-season
rates. The reduced off-season rates are in effect through Feb. 28,
2006.
Per night Sunday through Thursday rates are $185 for a
junior suite, $200 for a one-bedroom, $260 for a two-bedroom and $320
for a three-bedroom suite.
Friday and Saturday night rates are $250 for a one-bedroom,
$300 for a two-bedroom and $370 for a three-bedroom suite. Summer rates
range from $290 to $560. Rates do not include taxes and surcharges.
The 280 condominium units and private cottage suites
surround the fairways of the resort's two golf courses. Each suite
includes a kitchen, dining area, balcony or patio.
Silverado Resort features a 16,000-square-foot spa, an
exercise facility and full-service salon; tennis courts; swimming
pools; volleyball courts; basketball courts; jogging trails; and
10-speed mountain bikes for rent. The resort offers two restaurants.
Silverado Resort http://www.silveradoresort.com or
800/532-0500.
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60% Savings on Merrion Packages -- The Merrion Hotel in Dublin,
Ireland, offers an opportunity for golfers to play the championship K
Club course, the first golf course in Ireland to host the prestigious
Ryder Cup.
This two-night Merrion Golf Package, at €510 per person,
based on double occupancy,
includes chauffeur-driven transfers to and from the K Club, a round of
golf per person, accommodations in the hotel's garden wing and Irish
breakfast daily.
Available through Mar. 31, 2006, the Merrion Hotel offers
savings of up to 60 percent off the normal room rates of €390 to
€410 per night and the normal charges for golf, breakfasts and
amenities. All rates include taxes and service charges.
If golf is not your forte, the hotel's Winter Escape
package is valid to Feb. 28, 2006. The special rate of €250 is good
for two people sharing a superior queen room in the garden wing and
includes breakfast the following morning.
The Merrion Hotel http://www.merrionhotel.com or
800/628-8929.
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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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Ski Fr-ee at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek -- Lift tickets are fr-ee with two
hotel packages at the ski-in/ski-out Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and
Spa, in Beaver Creek, CO. You have the
option of five or seven-night stays, with lift tickets interchangeable
between Beaver Creek Resort, Arrowhead or Bachelor Gulch Ski Resorts,
all connected by chair lifts. In addition, ski fr,ee package
participants may ski in Vail, eight miles west of Beaver Creek.
Both packages include a 10 percent discount at the Park
Hyatt's Allegria Spa and are offered on select dates through mid-April.
The five-night stay includes four days of skiing for two
adults. The seven-night stay includes six days of skiing for two.
Prices, based on double occupancy, offer substantial savings.
From Apr. 3 to15, 2006, the five-night package is $1,099
per room; the seven-night package $1,499. Packages are subject to
availability and based on double occupancy.
The ski and spa package includes the following: a choice of one
50-minute massage, a 45-minute holistic facial or manicure/pedicure;
one 50-minute fitness class or a 90-minute "Snowshoe Journey" group
excursion; a half-day ski excursion on Beaver Creek Mountain; one full
day lift ticket and one night's accommodations. Prices start at $$998
per room (plus tax) through Apr. 1, 2006 and $597 per room Apr. 2 to
16, 2006. A single occupancy package is also available.
The Signature Spa Package one night's stay plus: one 50-minute
massage; one 45-minute holistic facial and one manicure/pedicure
combination. Prices start at $459 per room, per night, based on double
occupancy. This package is offered year round.
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek http://Beavercreek.Hyatt.com or
800/778-7477.
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IATA Disputes French Airline Tax -- The International Air Transport
Association (IATA) attacked the proposed French airfare surcharge to
help world poverty. IATA said the development tax on aviation is
misguided, and France should address the real problems of trade
barriers with developing countries.
The tax levy was adopted by France's upper house of the
parliament, the Senate, paving the way for a July 1, 2006 launch. The
French parliament is comprised of the lower house, the National
Assembly, and the upper house, the Senate. The lower house has already
passed the bill.
The tax will apply to air travelers flying from France. The
tax amount will depend on the type of ticket and distance traveled,
ranging from US$1.20 to US$47. A passenger flying economy-class within
Europe from a French airport will pay 1 euro and 4 euros for flights
beyond Europe. Business and first-class travelers can expect to pay
"multiples of 10," a government source said.
The French government is hoping to generate US$236 million a
year for health programs aimed at helping the world's poorest countries
with African countries getting the bulk of the funds collected. The
fight against HIV/AIDS is reported to be among the top priorities.
IATA said airlines already contribute substantially to
development through trade, bringing visitors to under-developed
countries and transporting goods around the world. The real focus of
development aid should be on European farm subsidies that work against
developing countries. Through the European Union's Common Agricultural
Policy (CAP) France receives 11 billion euros in subsidies, a quarter
of which (3.3 billion euros) go to five percent of France's farmers who
are the largest and richest.
An IATA official noted that the French Government doesn't
understand the needs of the developing world nor what's going on in
its own backyard. Airlines and passengers already contribute 726
million euros (US$855 million) to France through excessive aviation
taxes and charges.
French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy told the UN
General Assembly that more than 66 countries support the campaign for a
development tax on air travel. Algeria, Brazil, Chile, Germany and
Spain are sympathetic to an airfare surcharge. The United Kingdom wants
to divert some money already collected in taxes on travel. The United
States is opposed, arguing that airfares are already heavily taxed and
an additional development levy would put a greater burden on air
travelers than the general population.
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United Award Ticket for 40% Less Miles -- United extends the time
through Feb. 28, 2006, when Mileage Plus members can redeem a Saver
Award and travel for as much as 40 percent fewer redeemable miles than
usual. For a United economy-class Saver Award ticket, you need only
redeem 15,000 miles, which normally costs 25,000 miles. Members
interested in flying first- or business-class need 30,000 miles for a
roundtrip Saver Award ticket that normally costs 40,000 miles. The
offer applies to qualifying short-haul, non-stop flights booked online
within the 48 contiguous states and between the U.S. and Canada on
United, United Express and Ted. Short-haul flights are up to and
including 750 air miles each way.
Qualifying sample flights to and from United's hub
cities include travel between: Chicago and New York, Washington, D.C.,
and Toronto; Denver and Las Vegas, Dallas, and Phoenix; Los Angeles and
Las Vegas, Reno, and Phoenix; San Francisco and Los Angeles, Salt Lake
City, and Seattle; Washington, D.C. and New York, Philadelphia, and
Boston.
United Airlines http://www.united.com/reducedawards.
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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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Renovated Southern Cross Club Package -- One year after Hurricane Ivan
demolished four of its beachfront bungalows and severely damaged its
piers, the Southern Cross Club Fish & Dive Resort, on Little Cayman
Island in the British West Indies, completed its post-storm
reconstruction.
During the rebuild, upgrades include a new 500 sq. ft.
open-air dining pavilion, a new seaside mini-spa, five new beachfront
bungalows and revamping its power, water and waste systems to comply
with the United Nation's Green Globe 21 (GG21) eco-friendly standards.
To commemorate the completion of construction, the
resort introduces an Adventure Travel package for new and returning
guests who book a seven-night trip by Dec. 31, 2006. Guests will be
charged 2003 rates and will receive a $960 activity credit (per couple)
that can be used towards any professional fishing or dive-related
activity provided by the club. Kayaks and island bikes are fr-ee for
all guests.
Packages start at $650 per person for a three-night stay
including all meals, service charges, and airport pickup on Little
Cayman Island.
Southern Cross Club Fish & Dive Resort
http://www.southerncrossclub.com or 800/899-2582.
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TSA Changes -- Airline travelers can expect more random screenings,
fewer prohibited items and a workforce focusing on more serious
threats, such as explosives. These changes are part of an update to
security procedures announced by Transportation Security Administration
Assistant Secretary Kip Hawley.
With federal air marshals on planes, bulletproof cockpit
doors, armed pilots and 100 percent screening of checked baggage, the
threat of a terrorist taking over an airplane has lessened since the
2001 attacks. The biggest concern now is explosives.
Airline passengers will be allowed to carry small scissors
and tools onto planes, reversing a rule that allowed confiscating sharp
objects at airports since the Sep. 11 terror attacks. Scissors longer
than four inches, tools larger than seven inches in length and all
crowbars, drills, hammers and saws are still prohibited. Lighters
continue to be banned from the cabin of aircraft and in checked
baggage.
Passengers will continue to walk through a metal detector
and have their carry-on and checked baggage screened. This may include
a brief additional search of your or property. Examples of this
additional screening include: explosive screening of shoes,
hand-wanding of passengers, enhanced pat down searches and inspections
of carry-on bags. These searches will be generated at random and will
take only about a minute to complete. They will allow Transportation
Security Officers (TSOs) to better screen passengers for explosives and
other threats to the aviation system.
Transportation Security Administration
http://www.TSA.gov.
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ResorTime.com Trivia Sweepstakes -- ResorTime vacation rentals offers
the Timeshare Trivia Sweepstakes that tests your timeshare knowledge
and gives you a chance to win $25,000 in prizes including week long
vacations, weekend getaways, or a 30G MP3 player.
To play the game, go to the sweepstakes website and
answer multiple choice questions about timeshares and ResorTime.com.
You are then automatically entered into the monthly drawing. To help
players, all the answers can be found on the website. You can play each
week as new questions are added every week.
For more chances to win, have your name entered up to five
additional times each month. All you need to do is enter the email
addresses of up to five friends who will be invited to play the game.
When your friends play, you get another entry in the sweepstakes.
There is no purchase necessary to play the sweepstakes
which ends Mar. 31, 2006.
ResorTime.com represents more than 300 resorts and condos
located across the county that feature spacious living areas, fully
equipped kitchens and multiple bedrooms. Most resorts offer amenities
such as swimming pools, hot tubs, and recreational activities,
depending on the location.
Timeshare Trivia Sweepstakes rules
http://www.ResorTime-Trivia.com or 877/477-7368.
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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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Ithaca Snow Guarantee, Save when it Snows -- Ithaca, New York, gears up
for Jack Frost by offering the first-ever Snow Guarantee, to encourage
travelers to visit the region at one of the most picturesque times of
the year in the Finger Lakes.
When you stay at participating hotels through Mar. 31,
2006, and request the Snow Guarantee when booking, you will receive one
percent off nightly room rates for every inch
of snow that falls during your stay (10 inches equals 10% off). The
more it snows, the more you will save. Snow Guarantee rates are priced
per night, based on double occupancy, and do not include tax or
service. Blackout dates apply.
Finger Lakes Region hotels will offer additional perks to
make in-room cocooning more fun. Unlimited hot chocolate, coffee and
tea, fr-ee in-room movie, a list of local restaurants that deliver and
a fr-ee bottle of wine are part of most Snow Guarantee rates.
Participating properties include: A Cayuga Lake County
Inn, $150, Unlimited hot chocolate, coffee and tea. Fr-ee breakfast in
bed, fr-ee bottle of wine and in-room movie.
Courtyard by Marriott, $109, Unlimited hot chocolate,
coffee and tea.
La Tourelle Resort & Spa, $125, Unlimited coffee, tea, hot
chocolate and fr-ee in-room movies.
Super 8 Motel, $70, Unlimited hot chocolate and coffee and
fr-ee cable with HBO.
The Federal House, $125, Unlimited hot drinks of your
choice and fr-ee in-room movie.
The Hampton Inn, $119, Unlimited tea, coffee, hot soup and
homemade cookies, fr-ee in-room movie, bottle of wine, fr-ee hot
breakfast bar daily and high speed internet access.
The Holiday Inn, $149, Unlimited hot chocolate and popcorn
with fr-ee in-room movie and $10 in downtown dollars.
The Inn @ City Lights, $125,Unlimited hot chocolate,
coffee and tea.
Turtle Dreams B&B, $90, Unlimited hot chocolate, coffee
or tea, fr-ee in-room movie, bottle of wine.
Ithaca Snow Guarantee http://www.visitithaca.com or
800/28-ITHACA.
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Budapest Winter Package -- TourCrafters makes Budapest, the Hungarian
capital, affordable and easy to visit with their five-day/four-night
"Budapest Hot Deal" package. Prices start at $579 and include
roundtrip transatlantic air, four nights at the Hotel Ibis Emke, daily
breakfast, hotel service charges and taxes. The package is valid for
travel through Mar. 31, 2006.
The recently renovated Hotel Ibis Emke is in the heart of
Pest (Buda is the hilly side, Pest the flat side) and offers shuttle
bus service to and from the airport. All rooms feature mini-bars,
satellite television and hair-dryers. Non-smoking rooms are available
on request.
The $579 price is for Boston departures. Prices are per
person, based on double occupancy, are subject to availability and do
not include airport taxes or fuel surcharges. Departures from New York
are $639, Washington D.C. $677, Miami $704, Chicago $664, Houston $744
and Los Angeles and San Francisco are $804.
TourCrafters http://www.tourcrafters.com or
800/482-5995.
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2-for-1 Alaska Travel Guide -- The 2006 edition of the Great Alaskan
TourSaver features more fishing, flightseeing, wilderness lodges and
access to Alaska's national parks than ever before -- all at 2-for-1
savings. The 2006 edition is available online for $99.95.
The Great Alaskan TourSaver features more than 150 2-for-1
activities, tours and accommodations. Their website has a complete list
of this year's 2-for-1 Alaska travel savings and includes a directory
of fr-ee wireless wi-fi "hotspots" around the state.
This year's favorite offers include: a 2-for-1 National Park
cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park with Renown Tours; 2-for-1
accommodations in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park at Kennicott Glacier
Lodge; 2-for-1 tour to Valley of the 10,000 Smokes in Katmai National
Park; 2-for-1 cruise/tour of Glacier Bay National Park; 2-for-1
flightseeing of Mt. McKinley with a glacier landing from Talkeetna;
2-for-1 jetboat tour of the Copper River; 2-for-1 package with
fly-out, at Denali Wilderness Lodge; and 2-for-1 halibut fishing
charter in Seldovia with Alaska Treetops.
Great Alaskan TourSaver http://www.toursaver.com
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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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AmericInn $10,000 Sweepstakes -- To celebrate the franchise's growth
and reward guests for their patronage, the AmericInn hotel chain offers
the $10,000 giveaway sweepstakes. To be eligible for the cash grand
prize, you must register at AmericInn's website before Jan. 31, 2006.
No purchase is required to register for the $10,000
giveaway. Just follow "The AmericInn $10K Giveaway" link on the home
page and fill out a short entry form to be eligible for the cash grand
prize. You can increase your odds of winning by revisiting the site and
entering their information once per day until Jan. 31, 2006.
The contest is open to legal residents of all 50 states
and the District of Columbia who reached the age of majority.
Winners will be selected in a random drawing from all
eligible entries received on or about Feb. 1, 2006. The winner will be
notified by phone or e-mail, at the Sponsor's discretion. Odds of
winning will depend upon the total number of eligible entries received.
For the winner's name, send a self-addressed, stamped
envelope to AmericInn Sweepstakes Winners List, AmericInn
International, LLC, 250 Lake Drive East, Chanhassen, MN 55317. All
requests must be received by Jan. 31, 2006.
AmericInn http://www.americinn.com or 800/634-3444.
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Maintain, Don't Gain -- On your vacation, sensational sweets and
tempting treats will likely surface. Sodexho, the leading provider of
food and facilities management in the United States, has tips to stay
trim and help avoid vacation weight gain.
1. Eat breakfast. It jump starts your metabolism and provides
you with fuel so you won't be tempted to graze through the morning.
2. Don't skip meals to save calories. You'll only be
tempted to rebound later at the buffet.
3. Take control of portion sizes and increase the number of
smaller portions per day. You can build up a bank of extra calories for
a special event by reducing your daily intake by about 100 calories
(approximately one slice of bread) for a week.
4. Add 10 minutes to your normal exercise routine every day to
burn off extra calories.
5. Drink plenty of water, especially before a big meal. It will
fill you up and prevent overindulgence.
6. Keep a diary of what you eat and drink, even if it's just
through your vacation. The act of recording your intake will raise
awareness and help identify any triggers for over consumption.
7. Liquid calories count, enjoy them in moderation. One five
ounce glass of wine has about 100 calories, a 12 ounce regular beer
contains 150 calories and 1.5 ounces of 80 proof distilled spirits has
100 calories.
9. Seek lower calorie options at the appetizer buffet.
Crudités of vegetables and fruit, or shrimp and scallops with cocktail
sauce are wise choices.
10. Step away from the table. Listen to your body, and when it
tells you it's full, believe it.
Sodexho USA http://www.sodexhoUSA.com
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$899 Singapore Luxury Package -- Globotours offers savings to Southeast
Asia with their Luxury Singapore Escape package from $899 per person,
based on the double occupancy. The package is available through Mar.
31, 2006. Government taxes and fees are not included. Booking is
subject to availability plus change, holiday/seasonal supplements,
blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
The package includes roundtrip economy class airfare from
Los Angeles, San Francisco or New York on Singapore Airlines; four
nights at the Ritz Carlton Millenia, The Oriental or Grand Hyatt;
half-day city tour; roundtrip airport/hotel transfers; service of local
host for optional tours and shopping suggestions; city maps and
shopping guides; service charges and hotel taxes and $200,000 Flight
Insurance.
The offer is valid for weekday flights only. Add-on
airfare from other domestic cities is available as are extensions to
Tokyo, Bangkok or other Asian destinations.
Globotours http://www.globotours.net or 800/988-4833.
Use tour code: SINDELUXE.
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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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New Packages, Flights to Aruba -- Continental Airlines launches new
nonstop Saturday service to Aruba from LaGuardia International Airport.
The Saturday flight takes off at 7:50 a.m. and arrives at 1:20 p.m.,
giving you the chance to enjoy most of the day.
Various tour operators offer travel packages to kick off
the new service. Below find several packages. Rates are per person,
based on double occupancy.
Travel Impressions http://www.travelimpressions.com --
Packages include roundtrip airfare, seven-night's hotel
accommodations, hotel tax and service, and roundtrip airport transfers
in Aruba. Blackout, weekend, and holiday peak season surcharges apply.
The Mill Resort - includes fifth night fr-ee, valid Jan. 4
to Mar. 31, 2006, $919
Hyatt Regency - valid Jan. 3 to Feb. 13, 2006, $2159
Occidental Grand Aruba, all-inclusive, valid Feb. 1 to 28,
2006, $2425
Liberty Travel http://www.libertytravel.com -- Five-night
travel packages include taxes, roundtrip air based on a Saturday
departure and roundtrip airport transfers. Packages are valid for
travel Jan. 16 to Mar. 31, 2006 and must be booked by Feb. 23, 2006.
Availability, holiday blackouts, peak period surcharges and other
restrictions apply.
Wyndham Aruba Beach Resort $1615
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino $1795
Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino $1839
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London Superior Class Vacation $529 -- HURRY! BOOK BY JAN. 12 --
Go-today.com extends the purchase deadline on its London Superior Class
vacation package.
Book by Jan. 12, 2006 for travel through Mar. 11,
2006, with a six-night hotel stay at superior class hotels such as the
Harrington Hall Hotel, located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and
Chelsea.
Priced from $529 from New York, the London Superior
Class sale includes roundtrip airfare, roundtrip minibus transfers from
airport to hotel, six nights' hotel accommodations in London with
continental breakfast daily, hop-on/hop-off sightseeing tour, hotel
taxes and service charges.
The package is available from other gateway cities
including: $569 from Boston, $570 from Philadelphia, $599 from
Washington-Dulles, $629 from Atlanta, $649 from Chicago or Miami, $699
from Dallas or Houston, $709 Los Angeles or San Francisco, and $789
from Seattle or Portland, OR. Air taxes, fees and surcharges are in
addition to package price.
London Superior Class Supersale http://www.go-today.com
or 800/227-3235.
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Footloose in Fiesta City -- story and photos by Kay Douglas
There's always something to celebrate in "Fiesta City,"
as San Antonio is popularly called. Famous for its signature Fiesta
held each April over 10 days, the city showcases its cultural roots --
and its love of a good party -- throughout the year with events such as
the Texas Folklife Festival, Cinco de Mayo, Oktoberfest, the Holiday
River Parade Lighting Ceremony, and a brace of celebrations feting the
music, art, and food of the region.
If all this sounds a bit frantic, don't be alarmed. San
Antonio is also a terrific place to kick back and relax. Quiet,
less-touristy stretches of its famous River Walk, lush botanical
gardens and manicured parks, and scenic historic Spanish missions
provide ample opportunity to pause and reflect, while excursions to
nearby Hill Country coax visitors from the city out into wide open
spaces dotted with working ranches and up-and-coming wineries.
I was in town November 2005, for the New World Food & Wine
Festival, which showcases the city's finest chefs and restaurants as
well as wines from across the Americas. Daniel Jacob, festival chair,
emphasized what sets San Antonio's food and wine festival apart:
"Quality, not quantity."
At the festival's black-tie gala at the Westin Riverwalk, a
phalanx of chefs prepared a banquet spotlighting the cuisine of the
Oaxaca, featuring exotic dishes such as wild boar tenderloin paired
with wines from Argentina and Chile. Even more memorable was an
intimate luncheon prepared by Executive Chef Jeff Balfour at Citrus, a
feast for the mind and the senses as winemakers and wine enthusiasts
discussed subjects as diverse as Chardonnay trends and physics.
Texas wines and foods came to the forefront at several
festival events, most notably "Totally Tejas," a grape-stompin',
steak-grillin', booty shakin' extravaganza held at Rio Cibola Ranch.
And for international appeal there was Hemisfare, an evening event
featuring 100 wines plus a smorgasbord concocted by dozens of chefs
that amply supported San Antonio's claim to being a prime gateway to
the cultures and cuisines of Mexico and Latin America.
Aside from its festivals, visitors to San Antonio should
visit the Institute of Texan Cultures to further explore the state's
rich cultural heritage. The Institute has exhibits for 26 distinct
ethnic groups that make up the Lone Star State. Upon entering the
building, I was immediately drawn to a lively display of footwear -
primarily boots - worn by famous Texans, ranging from Laura Bush's
immaculate red-white-and-powder-blue sneakers to Don Henley's scuffed
cowboy boots.
Later, while exploring the hall devoted to German
immigrants, I was drawn to an elaborate bandstand, where I learned that
the fusion of European polkas and waltzes with Mexican ranchero music
ultimately led to the distinctive sound that San Antonio still
celebrates in its annual Tejano/Conjunto Festival.
San Antonio also celebrates Dias de los Muertos on Nov. 1
and 2, a Mexican traditional holiday that commemorates departed loved
ones, hoping to entice their spirits back to earth through offerings
made at an ofrenda (altar) festooned with colorful paper decorations,
playful skeletons, and favorite foods of the loved ones.
At the Institute of Texan Cultures, an ofrenda dedicated to
Americans who have died in Iraq struck a poignant note: MREs, an
American flag, dessert camouflage caps, and aluminum mess kits were
arrayed near the more traditional offerings of pan de muertos (bread
fashioned in the shape of skulls or bones) and candles lit to guide the
spirits to the altar.
San Antonio's missions offer a window onto the city's past, symbols of
the time when the might of the Spanish church and state combined to
push an empire north. Four of the five Spanish missions are part of the
National Park Service's Mission Trail, located along a nine-mile
stretch of the San Antonio River just outside town. However, the most
famous mission, San Antonio de Valero, better known as the Alamo, is at
the very heart of the city. No visit to San Antonio is complete
without stepping inside the hushed interior of Texas' most famous
shrine, which is open to the public every day except Christmas Eve and
Christmas. Take time to view the nearby Wall of History or listen to a
volunteer speaker in Alamo Plaza give a stirring account of the famous
battle.
Besides the Alamo, San Antonio's most-visited area is the River Walk,
a widely-heralded triumph of urban planning that today serves as the
city's chief tourist magnet. Its shaded walkways along the downtown
stretch of the river are popular with out-of-town conventioneers and
locals alike.
For a morning excursion, consider taking a breakfast cruise on the
river. Reasonably priced cruises depart from several area restaurants.
I enjoyed an egg dish containing corn tortilla strips and chiles
prepared at Zuni Grill as the flat-bottomed barge glided along the
river. The tour was narrated by an enthusiastic guide who pointed out
area landmarks along the way, and spotting yellow-crested night herons
roosting in the moss-draped trees near the river. For landlubbers, I
can recommend the Sunday brunch at Acenar featuring a lively mariachi
band and positively addictive blood-orange margaritas.
Along River Walk you'll also find la Villita, an historic arts village
containing numerous shops, galleries, and restaurants. Take in a fr-ee
performance at la Villita's outdoor stage or watch glassblowing
demonstrations by local artisans. Dedicated shoppers will also want to
check out El Mercado, a hub of bargain-hunting activity that features
several notable restaurants (check out the colorful murals in Mi Tierra
Café and Bakery), open-air food stalls, street performers, and fr.ee
events year round.
While taking in the River Walk, however, don't forget to look up -
at San Antonio's unique architecture. The San Antonio Conservation
Society was largely responsible for saving the river itself, which was
once slated to be paved over, and also had a hand in preserving many of
the city's signature buildings. Today, almost a century's preservation
work stands as testimony to their foresight, with architectural gems
such as the Bexar County Courthouse, the Tower Life Building, and the
Fairmont Hotel (the heaviest structure to ever be moved, according to
the Guinness Book of Records) gracing the city's skyline.
One long-term project of particular note is the renovation of San
Antonio's historic downtown theater district. Two of the city's
landmark theaters, the aptly named 2,500-seat Majestic Theater and the
Empire Theater, host theatrical and musical events. Not far from the
Empire, a third theater is currently undergoing renovation, the Aztec.
It's slated to become one of River Walk's premier attractions, with a
fr-ee special effects show held several times daily, not to mention
performances on the theater's original 1925 Mighty Wurlitzer organ.
A fourth historic theater, the Alameda, is as emblematic to Latinos as
Harlem's Apollo Theater is to African Americans. When it opened in
1949, the Alameda was the largest theater in the U.S. to feature
Spanish-language films and performing artists. The campaign to restore
the Alameda envisions the theater at the heart of a Latino art and
cultural zone that will also encompass the new Smithsonian-affiliated
Museo Americano. This vibrant new museum will chronicle the Latino
cultural experience in America.
Come for its festivals; come for its rich cultural history; or come
simply for its warm Texas-style hospitality. Whenever you come to San
Antonio, you're sure to find something unexpected.
San Antonio Visitor's & Convention Bureau
http://www.sanantoniocvb.com or 800/THE ALAMO.
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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
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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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American Offers Shorter Flights for Fewer Miles -- American Airlines
makes it easier to take to the skies when booking your next award trip.
With short-hop MileSAAver awards, you can fly roundtrip on nonstop
routes under 750 air miles one way within the continental United States
and Canada for a reduced number of AAdvantage miles when booking award
travel on American's web site.
Available for travel through Feb. 28, 2006, economy class
roundtrip awards are available for 15,000 miles, a 10,000-mile savings.
First- or business-class roundtrip awards require 30,000 miles, a
savings of 15,000 miles.
Awards are valid for nonstop, short-hop flights operated
by American Airlines, American Eagle or AmericanConnection carriers.
AAdvantage members can check award availability using the
AAdvantage HotSpots calendar online. The green color indicates the best
opportunity for MileSAAver award availability.
American Airlines http://www.aa.com/shorthops
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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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CURE & CLEAN NATURALLY -- Throw out your harmful toxic disinfectants,
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spend a fortune on fancy store-bought preparations with their "secret
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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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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.
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