Travel Savings Alerts Newsletter - March 2007 Issue
tips2travel
P.O. Box 91033
Columbus OH 43209
http://tsalerts.fre.espaces.com
travel...@wowmail.com
ISSN: 1542-801X, Copyright 2007, All Rights Reserved
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In This Issue:
Savings on Barge Cruise
Great St. Louis Getaway
Spirit to Charge for 2nd Bag
Royal Lahaina Re-Intro Fr.ee Upgrade
Argentine Assistance
New Airline for London-NY Service
Virgin America Identifies First Six Destinations
United's Spring Getaways
Fr.ee Upgrade on American Airlines
Frontier Flies to Memphis
Picasso Private Yacht Cruises
Save $100 Icelandair Anniversary Celebration
Luxury for Less, Inn at Perry Cabin
Hilton Latin America Weekends
Cancun Winter Escape
Spring In Panama City
Maxjet Spring Sale
Finding a Nice Cuppa in BC by Cathryn Atkinson
Vietnam's Discount Airline Offers $1 Tickets
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Heart of the Matter - - Don't wear your heart on your sleeve, wear it
around your neck with a stunning ruby necklace from AAA Jewelry
Outlet.
It's a heart full of faceted, triangular shaped ruby stones that 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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Savings on Barge Cruise - - French Country Waterways offers a special
summer rate of $2,995 per person, for a six-night cruise aboard the 18-
passenger barge Esprit, through Burgundy's Cote d'Or wine-growing
region.
This is a savings of $1,900, or 38 percent, off the published price of
$4,895. Available on a space-available basis for departures July 1
through Aug. 26, 2007, the Esprit follows the Canal du Centre, the
River Saone and the Canal de Bourgogne between St. Leger-sur-Dheume
and Dijon.
The price includes accommodations, all meals with wine, open bar,
sightseeing, bicycles and transfers between the barge and Paris.
Excursions include a walking tour of Dijon, the private Chateau de
Longecourt, Beaune, the port of Chalon-sur-Saone, La Rochepot castle
and wine tastings in Santenay. During you f.ree time, you can relax on
the sundeck and walk or bicycle along the barge towpaths. Hot-air
ballooning is an option.
French Country Waterways http://www.fcwl.com or 800/222-1236.
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Great St. Louis Getaway - - Through Apr. 30, 2007, you can get special
package deals at more than 25 St. Louis hotels.
The Great St. Louis Getaway Guide features the hotel packages for
families, couples, shoppers, sports fans, culture lovers and casino
players. Prices start at $59.
Sample packages include:
TGIF package includes overnight accommodations at the OMNI Majestic
Hotel with cocktails and appetizers for two, breakfast for two,
parking and a 2 p.m. check out. Cost: $149 to $169.
Zoo/Forest Park package includes overnight accommodations for two at
the Sheraton Clayton Plaza, two Saint Louis Zoo train passes,
transportation to and from Forest Park and continental breakfast.
Cost: $139.
Cardinals package with overnight accommodations at the Adam's Mark,
Cardinals tickets and a voucher for a full-sized souvenir bat. Valid
Mar. 31, to Apr. 30, 2007. Cost: $169 to $499.
Arch Gateway Getaway includes overnight accommodations at the Embassy
Suites Airport, four tickets for the tram ride to the top of the arch,
breakfast and parking. Cost $139.
St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission http://www.explorestlouis.com
or 800/916-0040
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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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Spirit to Charge for 2nd Bag - - If you plan to fly on Spirit Airlines
and check two pieces of luggage, be prepared to pay an extra fee when
you check in.
The airline now charges $10 for that second piece of luggage, making
the Miramar, FL based, low-cost airline the only airline in the
country to charge.
Other low-cost airlines allow passengers to check two pieces of
luggage at no cost. Southwest Airlines allows three checked pieces of
luggage fr.ee.
The move, by an airline who garnered publicity by offering seats from
1 cent plus taxes and fees, is a way to increase revenues and keep
discount fares. Under this plan, Spirit makes some things optional
rather than mandatory. If you want extras, you can still get them but
you now must pay for them.
Other airlines aren't planning to change baggage allowances.
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Royal Lahaina Re-Introductory Fr.ee Upgrade - - Escape to Maui and
save more than 35 percent on a new luxury room at the Royal Lahaina
Resort on Kaanapali Beach. As a special re-introduction to the resort,
you can reserve a Terrace View room in the newly renovated Lahaina Kai
Tower and receive a fr.ee triple upgrade to a new Ocean View room for
$235 per night. This triple upgrade offer is for new bookings made
through Apr. 14, 2007. Pricing is based on double occupancy and does
not include hotel taxes.
The resort's Lahaina Kai Tower completed a $30 million room
renovation. Each refurbished, island-inspired room includes a
contemporary design with teak custom-crafted furnishings. Custom
artwork accents the Hawaiian canoe and water sports theme present
throughout each room.
Each room offers beds topped with 330-thread count Egyptian cotton
linens. Standard amenities include a 32" high-definition flat screen
television, a sound system with iPod and MP3 ports, wireless high-
speed internet service, cordless phone with voice-mail, central air-
conditioning, coffee/tea maker with fr.ee coffee and tea,
refrigerator, safe, hair dryer, iron and ironing board.
On-site, there are two oceanfront swimming pools, a tennis ranch, two
18-hole golf courses, snorkeling, fr.ee scuba lessons, two
restaurants, three bars, nightly torch lighting ceremony and an
oceanfront Luau.
Royal Lahaina Resort http://www.royallahaina.net or 800/222-5642.
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Argentine Assistance - - The Sub Secretariat of Tourism of the
Government Office of Buenos Aires, Argentina, launched a toll fr.ee
number for assistance for local and foreign tourists.
The hotline number, 0800-999-2838 (BUETUR), provides assistance in
Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian and French. Its purpose is for
tourists to report crime and fraud in business dealings, robberies,
thefts, losses and non-fulfillment of contracted services and other
crimes within Buenos Aires.
The hotline is available daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from a land line
or a public telephone.
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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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New Airline for London-New York Service - - Zoom Airlines, a low-fare
transatlantic carrier wants to bring its service to the London-New
York market this summer.
Zoom Airlines filed an application with the Transportation Department
in January asking permission to let it start daily service in mid-
June between London (Gatwick) and New York (Kennedy) using 767
aircraft.
Zoom Airlines is a Canadian carrier and offers scheduled service from
eight Canadian cities to five U.K. destinations, including London
(Gatwick), and from four Canadian cities to Paris.
In Aug. 2006, the Bank of Scotland bought a minority stake in Zoom for
about $11 million. With the money, Zoom plans to establish Zoom U.K.
to fly to non-Canadian destinations, such as the U.S.
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Virgin America Identifies First Six Destinations - - Virgin America,
the new start-up, low-fare airline to be based in San Francisco,
announced four additional cities the carrier plans to serve, pending
its certification by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The airline previously announced its inaugural flight between San
Francisco and New York City (JFK). Within nine months of operation,
Virgin America also plans to serve Washington, DC (Dulles), Los
Angeles (LAX), San Diego and Las Vegas.
Virgin America expects to serve as many as 10 cities within a year of
operation and up to 30 cities within five years of service. Additional
cities under consideration include: Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore,
Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver,
Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Hartford, Houston, Indianapolis,
Jacksonville, Kansas City, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville,
Newark, New Orleans, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh,
Providence, Portland, Ore., Raleigh-Durham, Sacramento, Salt Lake
City, San Antonio, San Jose, Calif., Sarasota, Seattle, St. Louis,
Tampa and West Palm Beach.
The onboard cabin will include first class seats with 55 inches of
seat pitch (legroom) and massage chairs, mood lighting and a digital
inflight entertainment system with on-demand movies and TV, games,
music and online chat rooms plus self-service mini-bars for snacks and
beverages throughout the flight.
The airline asks travelers to rank where they should fly next by
visiting its website.
Virgin America http://www.letvafly.com
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United's Spring Getaways - - Purchase your Europe getaway for March,
when temperatures are warming, prices are still low and crowds are
minimal. Book by Mar. 15, 2007 for travel through Mar. 28, 2007. With
this promotion, receive up to $100 in fr.ee tours and get a fr.ee
night's stay at select hotels!
European city packages includes your roundtrip airfare on United
Airlines in W class, up to $100 in fr.ee tours, four nights'
accommodations, daily breakfast, hotel taxes and fees. Use promotional
code EUFREETOUR when booking to take advantage of the fr.ee tour
offer.
Rates to London start from $574 from New York; $594 from Boston; $644
from Washington D.C.; $684 from Chicago; $739 from Portland; $779 from
Denver, San Francisco or Los Angeles; and $794 from Seattle.
Rates to Brussels start from $659 from New York or Boston; $699 from
Washington D.C.; $769 from Chicago; $809 from Denver; $834 from Los
Angeles; $874 from San Francisco; $1020 from Seattle; and $1315 from
Portland.
Rates to Florence start from $814 from Boston; $839 from New York;
$849 from from Washington D.C. or Chicago; $934 from Denver; $959 from
Seattle; $989 from San Francisco; $994 from Los Angeles; and $1019
from Portland.
Rates to Zurich start from $899 to New York or Boston; $919 from
Chicago; $934 from Washington, D.C.; $994 from Denver; $1044 from San
Francisco; $1055 from Seattle; $1069 from Los Angeles; and $1495 from
Portland.
Fares do not include international taxes and fees of up to $152,
passenger facility charges of up to $18, flight segment fees of $3.30
per domestic segment and the September 11th Security Fee of up to $10.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and reflect Wednesday
and Thursday departures and include a fuel surcharge fee of up to
$150. Prices for Friday to Tuesday departures are about $50 higher per
person. W class bulk flights are only available when booked
electronically on unitedvacations.com
United Vacations http://www.unitedvacations.com/deals/specials.asp?specialID=5lastchance
or 800/699-6122.
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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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Fr.ee Upgrade on American Airlines - - Book a business class flight
from New York to London and receive a fr.ee first class upgrade on
American Airlines. You must purchase your tickets on American's web
site by Mar. 31, 2007 and complete your travel by Mar. 31,2007.
Upgrades are valid on roundtrip or one-way business-class flights from
New York (JFK) to London (Heathrow) booked in fare basis code DUP. The
offer applies only to new reservations.
First Class transatlantic flights on Boeing 777 aircraft offer
reclining seats with six feet and six inches of sleeper comfort,
personal powerports, leather head-rests and increased leg room.
Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or dates.
Blackout dates and additional restrictions may apply.
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Frontier Flies to Memphis - - Denver-based Frontier Airlines will
offer service from Memphis to and from Denver, Las Vegas and Orlando.
The airline said the new service will use new Airbus planes with wider
seats and fr.ee Direct tv built into seat backs.
Flights start in May. Introductory rates are offered, if you book by
Mar. 28, 2007. The temporary, one-way, intro rates are $99 to Denver,
$79 to Orlando and $109 to Las Vegas.
Frontier Airlines http://www.frontierairlines.com or 800/432-1359.
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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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Picasso Private Yacht Cruises - - If you dreamed of cruising on your
own private yacht, Picasso Tours & Cruises can make that dream a
reality with its Blue Cruises.
>From $275 per person, based on double occupancy, or $412.50 for
singles, you cruise seven nights onboard schooner-rigged yachts or
traditional wooden built ketches known as gulets. Cruises are along
the Turkish Turquoise Coast, known for clear water, bays and islands,
and lush green coastline. Turkish ports of call include Marmaris,
Ekincik, Fethiye, Gocek Islands, Oludeniz, Agalimani, Kumblubuk,
Kadirga and Turunc. Three daily meals are included on the cruise.
Departures from Marmaris are every Saturday April through October.
The gulet yachts are 60 to 80 ft. long boats with four to12 cabins,
each with double berth and private facilities and crewed by a captain,
cook and deck hand. The yacht is equipped with a galley and bar, where
you can help with the food preparation if desired.
Your trip can extend to nine nights if you include a pre-cruise option
in Istanbul. The land/sea package starts from $589 per person, double
occupancy or $685 for singles. In addition to the cruise, the package
includes two nights' hotel accommodations in Istanbul with daily
breakfast, half-day Istanbul city tour, roundtrip flights between
Istanbul and Marmaris, airport and port transfer to and from Marmaris.
Departures for land and cruise packages are every Thursday April
through October.
Picasso Tours and Cruises http://www.picassotours.com or 800/995-7997
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Save $100 Icelandair Anniversary Celebration - - Icelandair kicks off
its 70th anniversary celebration with a Spring Sale with $100 off per
person, on four of the most popular packages to Iceland. The packages,
which must be booked by Mar. 15, 2007, for travel during March and
April 2007, are the Iceland Getaway, Iceland Party Weekend, Romantic
Reykjavik and Glaciers, Geysers and Waterfalls multi-day guided
tour.
The Iceland Getaway package includes two nights in Iceland and a
multiple of options, such as hotel, car rental, gourmet dining and
sightseeing tours.
The Iceland Party Weekend includes air, three nights' hotel
accommodations, transfers, admission to Reykjavik's Ice Bar, and
several tours.
Romantic Reykjavik includes air, two nights' hotel accommodations with
breakfast, an evening visit to the Blue Lagoon and a three-course
dinner at a romantic restaurant.
The Glaciers, Geysers and Waterfalls package includes five nights in
Iceland with guided tours.
Icelandair flies from Boston, New York-JFK, Baltimore/Washington,
Minneapolis/St. Paul, Orlando Sanford and Halifax (starting May 2007).
Icelandair http://www.icelandair.com.
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Luxury for Less, Inn at Perry Cabin - - The Inn at Perry Cabin, in St.
Michaels, MD, an Orient-Express Hotel, offers three nights for the
price of two, through Mar. 31, 2007. The offer costs $540 for the
three evenings based on double occupancy in a Signature room, without
taxes and gratuities..
The 3-for-2 offer, a 40 percent savings, includes: Board games by the
fire or in your room, DVD movies for your second evening, candlelight
turndown service, in-room cordials and a bubble bath on the third
evening, fresh-baked cookies with evening turndown service.
The circa 1816 inn is located on 25 acres overlooking the Miles River
by the Chesapeake Bay. The hotel features 80 guest rooms, most with
water views, private terraces, in suite fireplaces and oversized
bathrooms with soaking tubs for two
The Inn at Perry Cabin http://www.perrycabin.com or 866/278-9601.
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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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Hilton Latin America Weekends - - With the U.S. dollar still
struggling, you can find some travel values in South America. Below
are some of Hilton Latin America's weekend packages with rates from
$150. Packages are available in nine destinations including Buenos
Aires, Belem, Cartagena and Quito.
All packages are available through Dec. 31, 2007 and are valid Friday
to Sunday, based on availability. Prices vary by property and are
listed per room, per night, based on double occupancy. Taxes are not
included and restrictions may apply.
Be Romantic package includes deluxe or suite accommodation, chilled
champagne, chocolate, and fresh flowers on arrival, breakfast daily,
f.ree use of leisure facilities, and late check-out on Saturdays and
Sundays. Request booking code PR04BR.
Be Romantic packages start at: Buenos Aires $210, São Paulo Morumbi
$213, Cartagena $289, Colon Guayaquil $210, Colon Quito $158,
Barquisimeto $155, Caracas $153, Margarita & Suites $255
Get Together packages include a second room at half price, daily
breakfast, fr.ee meals for children, and late check-out on Saturdays
and Sundays. Request booking code PR09GT.
Get Together packages start at: Buenos Aires $190, Belem $150, São
Paulo Morumbi $185, Cartagena $211, Colon Guayaquil $192, Colon Quito
$153, Barquisimeto $130, Caracas $124, Margarita & Suites $160.
Spoil Yourself packages offer upgraded accommodations, daily
breakfast, two beauty treatments per stay, and late check-out
Saturdays and Sundays. Request booking code PR04SY.
Spoil Yourself packages start at: Buenos Aires $220, São Paulo Morumbi
$243, Belem $170, Cartagena $265, Colon Guayaquil $273, Colon Quito
$183, Barquisimeto $160, Caracas $100, Margarita & Suites $210.
Hilton Hotels http://www.hilton.com or 800-HILTONS.
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Cancun Winter Escape - - The InterContinental Cancun fully remodeled
its property in 2006 including the motor lobby, reception area, pool
areas and all 299 rooms. The beach and pool area feature all new
furniture and palapas.
Rates are $163 per night with two people in a room, $199 per night for
three people in a room. Rates don't include 12 percent taxes and
there's a minimum stay of three nights. Prices are per person, land
only, based on double occupancy. Travel must be booked by Mar. 28,
2007.
The offer also includes ground transfers to and from the airport,
fr.ee internet access in the business center, upgrade to Ocean View
subject to availability , fr.ee transportation to the Cancun Golf
Course with 10 percent discount on green fees and 10 percent discount
in the hotel's Italian restaurant. If you are a InterContinental
Priority Club member, you get double points, 4,000 for your stay.
The resort offers three dining options and two bars.
InterContinental 888/424-6835.
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Spring In Panama City - - Surf's up and rates are down in Panama
City Beach, FL with discounts up to one-third off at beachfront
properties.
Savings on packages listed below are available for spring vacation.
By The Sea Resorts offer unique packages at its three beachfront
resorts, Legacy by the Sea, Beachbreak by the Sea and Beachcomber by
the Sea. The Explore the Shore package includes a "Peterson First
Guide to Shells of North America" book, five magnifying lenses, a
souvenir pail with a Frisbee lid and a shell assortment. Packages
start at $84 per night based on double occupancy. With the Passport To
Play program, your key card or parking pass doubles as a discount
card, earning savings at area attractions. You'll receive 20 percent
off admission at Zoo World and Gulf World, 15 percent off local spa
services, up to $10 off at Holiday Golf Club, $1 off bowling and
skating at Rock'It Lanes and more.
With the Pizza in Paradise package, stay three nights at any By The
Sea property and get a large two-topping Domino's pizza and a two-
liter bottle of soda for fr.ee. Rates start at $69 based on double
occupancy and include a gulf-front suite and fr.ee continental
breakfast. The offer is valid for Sunday, Monday or Tuesday arrivals
only, and advance reservations are required. Delivery charges apply.
The Edgewater Beach Resort's Family Fun package provides
accommodations in a one-bedroom condo with private gulf-front balcony
and fully-equipped kitchen. The rate is $439 per unit for two nights.
Fr.ee breakfast daily, daily beach chair set up with umbrella, access
to the health club and fr.ee daily cleaning service are part of the
package, valid through May 17, 2007. Blackout dates are Mar. 30 to
Apr. 6, 2007. http://www.edgewaterbeachresort.com or 800/874-8686.
Sterling Resorts' "Sailing with Sterling" package features a fr.ee
sunset cruise on the Gulf of Mexico as part of a three-night stay at
several of its condominium resorts. From $176 per night, Sailing with
Sterling is available Apr. 14 to May 20, 2007, at Sterling Reef,
Sterling Beach and the new Splash, Northwest Florida's first vacation
condominium resort with an onsite water park. The package must be
booked seven days or more before arrival. Http://www.SterlingResorts.com
or 888/632-8905.
The Summit Condominiums Spring Family Getaway package offers a one-
bedroom condo at weekly rates from $694, down from the summer rate of
$1,054 per week, a savings of nearly 35 percent. Each furnished condo
has a fully-equipped kitchen and private balcony with Gulf views.
Rates are valid Apr. 7 to May 23, 2007. Special rates are also
available for two and three-bedroom condo. Http://www.reservethesummit.com
or 800/824-5048.
>From Mar. 1 to June, 1, 2007, you pay $230 per night at the Princess
Condominiums for a two-bedroom condo, down from $300 per night during
the summer for a savings of nearly 25 percent. Http://www.princesscondo.com
or 877/565-5651.
The beachfront Osprey Motel offers savings of up to 30 percent. Each
package includes a double efficiency room with two queen beds, fully-
equipped kitchen and private beachfront balcony. With the March Rates
special, visit during the week from $75 per night with a minimum three-
night stay, Mar. 2 to 22, 2007. The Spring Fling package offers rates
from $65 per night for midweek stays, with a minimum stay of three
nights, Apr. 14 to May 2, 2007. Http://www.ospreymotel.com or
850/234-0303.
Panama City Beach offers 27 miles of white-sand beaches along the
waters of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. Http://www.thebeachloversbeach.com
or 800/850-233-5070 .
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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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Maxjet Spring Sale - - BOOK BY MAR. 5. - - Maxjet, the all-business-
class airline flying into London Stansted (STN), offers a spring fare
sale. The sale fares start at $499 each way, out of New York (JFK),
Washington (IAD) or Las Vegas (LAS). Reservations must be made by Mar.
5, 2007 for travel through Sep. 15, 2007. T
Seats are limited and certain flights may be sold out due to demand.
Fares are non-transferable, but refundable for a $300 fee. Changes can
be made for $100 (£60) plus any additional increase in fare.
Additional taxes and fees are about $74 each way.
Maxjet http://www.maxjet.com or 888/435-9629.
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Perfection to a Tea, Finding a Nice Cuppa in BC by Cathryn Atkinson
Chai, bubble, matcha, mint - Chamomile, earl grey, jasmine dragon
tears, and good old orange pekoe. There are many ways to enjoy a nice
cup of tea.
A good brew is something cozy and warm, rather like good company. You
might believe, like the 18th-century English author Henry Fielding,
that "Love and scandal are the best sweeteners of tea." Or perhaps you
prefer the approach of the Chinese philosopher T'ien Yiheng, who used
it to rest, refresh and reflect: "Tea is drunk to forget the din of
the world."
Whatever the case, tea can be found in a bag, as loose leaves, in
"pearls," or compacted in bricks, and because of the immigrants from
around the world who made BC their home, British Columbians can boast
that they know how to serve a nice cuppa. This is a guide to some of
the great tearooms around the province.
Some tearooms are stylish, while others are traditional. The Café
Fleuri at The Sutton Place Hotel (845 Burrard Street, Vancouver,
604/642-2900, www.suttonplace.com) is definitely a combination of
both, with traditional "British" fare and a decidedly chic West Coast
clientele.
Entering the salon-like rooms of the Café Fleuri for afternoon tea
transports you far away from the bustle of nearby Robson Street. It
has elegance and ceremony without being stuffily formal (casual attire
and designer clothes are equally welcome). The café is not
understaffed so there is old-fashioned, high-quality service that
suits the atmosphere. Once seated, the diner is given a small menu
outlining the teas and finger foods on offer. An "English Service"
high tea costs $22 per person, $27 if you add sparkling wine to the
mix.
Our waiter brought out a small case, rather like a jewel box, that
contained 13 small jars. In them were samples of the special blends on
offer - each with a delicious smell. The variety ensures that any
visitor should find a tea worth brewing. There are herbal blends as
well as caffeinated.
I took as my dining companion my eight-year-old son, who was on his
first tea room visit. We selected a Darjeeling oolong with lavender
flowers infused throughout. Our waitress promptly brought out our pot
and a three-tiered dish of goodies to go with it.
For savories we had that traditional English favorite - cucumber and
watercress in tiny sandwiches that seemed more like sculptures than
food items. There was also smoked salmon pinwheels on dark
pumpernickel and tiny ham and Camembert croissants.
For the sweet end to it all, two chocolate-dipped strawberries sat
next to scones, cakes and eclairs. Devonshire clotted cream and a
variety of jams were on the table. If the word "exquisite" isn't
normally in your vocabulary, the spread on the table provides ample
opportunity to use it.
And our tea was wonderful - the Darjeeling and lavender mix had a
flowery fragrance and taste that rounded out everything else about our
visit beautifully, yet it was strong enough to satisfy my need for a
caffeinated refresher. The teapot was refilled with boiling water
twice and that power was not lost.
And what did my eight-year-old soccer loving, video game fan think?
"This is heaven," he said, sinking into his comfortable chair. He
quickly helped himself to another small cake and took a sip of tea
from a white porcelain cup.
Several blocks and a world away is another tea room, with a different
look but the same mission - to provide a delicious cup and a haven
away from the downtown hubbub. Muzi (870 West Cordova, Vancouver,
604/689-3188, www.muzitea.com ) is a prime example of the boutique-
style metropolitan "tea bars" that have sprung up around the
province.
Muzi has done much to introduce exotic forms of tea to BC,
particularly matcha - "The greatest of green teas," which was brought
to North America by the company (while one could likely find matcha
several years ago, it was Muzi that launched it to the masses and made
it a popular beverage, especially in the Vancouver market). And let's
not forget granite-ground powder teas - white, black, and rooibos
blends - that "pack 10 times the nutritional punch" of "regular"
steeped teas.
Muzi was previously known as Infuze, and changed its name last year.
The service, quality and variety of tea on offer remains the same,
however, and customers voted it best tea house of 2006 in Georgia
Straight magazine. A fine, exotic cuppa can be bought for under $5.
Decked out in a minimalist white with contrasting hues of color, Muzi
has a downtown look and cool atmosphere. The firm places a large
importance on educating the customer on the tea brewing process, the
quality of tea varieties, history of tea, tea cultivation, flavor
profiles and health benefits.
Phoenix silver needle (a rare south Chinese tea made from silvery
unopened buds) and white monkey (made from peony flowers in the Fujian
region of China) are among the more unusual teas offered. To be
recommended is their Mediterranean-style mint tea, which mentally
transports the taster to a Casbah in North Africa.
Plans are afoot to expand the Muzi franchise around Canada and the
U.S. So, while Seattle brought the coffee revolution north of the
border, it looks like BC will return the compliment in tea.
The city of Victoria is, of course, synonymous with sipping tea. The
epicenter of Vancouver Island's passion for the liquid gold is the
Fairmont Empress Hotel, near the legislative building and along the
city's spectacular inner harbor (721 Government Street, 250/384-3111,
www.fairmont.com).
For almost 100 years, the lobby of the Edwardian landmark has hosted
its daily afternoon tea - long considered one of Victoria's grand
traditions. Award-winning Pastry Chef D'Oyen Christie creates an
authentic and memorable experience, with delectable offerings and the
hotel's own Tea at the Empress tea blend. The Tea Lobby, as the
eating area is known, was recently renovated and customers are
encouraged to dress smart-casual.
And for those seeking out a bit more on the art of sipping, a visit to
the annual Victoria Tea Festival at the Holiday Inn Victoria on March
11 provides the perfect cup (3020 Blanshard Street; www.victoriateafestival.com
). This one-day event features a tasting of a wide variety of teas
from around the world as well as presentations on tea topics.
Representatives will provide samples, share tea steeping and serving
tips, and discuss the history and health benefits of tea. Local
tearooms, bakeries and restaurants will also be on hand to display
their menus, tea selections, and provide samples of their products.
The day marks the signature annual fund-raising event for Camosun
College Child Care Services, and will feature a silent and live
auction.
Of course, there are many more fine establishments all around British
Columbia that can brew a great pot of tea. Sometimes tea refreshes
while visiting a new place and sometimes the tea itself provides the
reason for the journey. Here are some of the best tea houses:
Thompson Okanagan
Chai Baba Tea House - A contemporary tea lounge with a wide range of
loose leaf teas.
Location: 104-1289 Ellis Street, Kelowna Phone: 250/717-5616
Kootenay/Rockies
Julie's Teas and Coffees - In historic downtown Castlegar. A good
cuppa "anytime." With loose leaf and chai.
Location: 1010 3rd Street, Castlegar Phone: 250/365-4866
Northern BC
The Royal Empress' Tea House - A casual atmosphere with lavender
scones to die for. Boasts all sorts of teas from around the world and
a vegetarian menu.
Location: 1739 South Nicholson Street, Prince George Phone:
250/564-9512
Vancouver Island
The White Heather Tea Room - Located in Oak Bay, this locale is a
favorite with locals with an afternoon tea menu that includes the Wee
Tea, the Not So Wee Tea and the Big Muckle Giant Tea for Two.
Location: 1885 Oak Bay Avenue, Victoria Phone: 250/595-8020
Lower Mainland
Madhatter's Tea Shop - Tea bar and shop with casual atmosphere,
serving dozens of varieties of teas. Private parties available.
Location: 5498 Salt Lane, Langley Phone: 778/238-1979
Vancouver
Wedgewood Hotel - Popular traditional teas in the Bacchus Restaurant
and Piano Bar. Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Location: 845 Hornby Street, Vancouver Phone: 604/689-7777
T - Tea room and merchant that has 350 blends of loose teas and
tisanes, tea bags and iced teas.
Location: 1568 West Broadway, Vancouver Tel: 604/730-8390
Moonstruck Chinese Teahouse - Chinese style and Asian tea ceremony
Location: 1590 Coal Harbour Quay, Vancouver Phone: 604/602-6669
The Secret Garden Tea Company - This cozy tearoom serves delicious
scones, desserts and sandwiches and makes high tea an occasion.
Location: 5559 W. Boulevard, Vancouver Phone: 604/261-3070
British Columbia http://www.HelloBC.com or 800 HELLO BC.
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