Ellen Barone

All Inclusive Afternoon Diving Package at The Reef, Grand Cayman

The Reef Resort, Grand Cayman (www.thereef.com) is keeping it simple for divers who relish pristine and undiscovered East End dive sites, great pricing and uncomplicated vacation planning.  The all inclusive package is available from now until November 1, 2008 and offers:

• Studio suite rates starting at $215 per night, per person based on double occupancy (single room rates and 3 or more guest rates are also available as are additional room types)
• Afternoon diving with renowned island professionals Ocean Frontiers —- two tank dives
• Three meals a day
• Premium drinks all day from the beach bar &/or restaurant
• Entertainment (when scheduled)
• All gratuities & taxes
• Activities & amenities: tennis court plus racquet, bicycles, pools, pool towels, beach chair weekly planned activities – contact the concierge@thereef.com for weekly details
• Snorkel gear for duration of vacation stay
• Five percent off for first time guests who book the all inclusive

Source: Fareed - Zapala - Koepke LLC

Fall Super Deal at Red Mountain Spa

Each year Red Mountain Spa celebrates Autumn with savings as savvy guests enjoy cool mornings and warm afternoons in the awe inspiring setting of Southern Utah.

Hiking in the red rocks is at its finest in the brisk morning, greeted by the warmth of the sun as it rises. Afternoons offer a spectacular setting for Tai Chi on the Rocks, and the weather is ideal for biking and horseback riding. In the evening, al fresco dining under starry skies next to the fireplace brings the day to a perfect ending. Or, choose to enjoy an evening massage to soothe after an active day.

Take advantage of their Autumn special offer starting September 14th.  Fall Super Deal rates start as low as $239* per person per night in deluxe accommodations, and only $309* per person per night in Luxury Villas, a savings of up to $40 over regular rates.

For information and reservations, call  877.246.HIKE or visit RedMountainSpa.com.



Source: Red Mountain Spa

Save up to $1,000 per couple on a 2009 Africa safari adventure with Overseas Adventure Travel.

Right now, you can explore Africa on the safari of your dreams—and save up to $1,000 per couple on January-June 2009 departures.

Whether you choose to discover Southern Africa or East Africa, you’ll do so in an OAT small group of never more than 10-16 travelers, guaranteed.

But small group size means space is limited—so call toll-free at 1-866-313-6559 to reserve your Africa safari adventure today.

Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Namibia & Zimbabwe Safari

Chobe • Caprivi • Okavango Delta • Hwange • Victoria Falls
19 days from only $4995 $4495
including international airfare from Boston, New York, or Newark

The Best of Kenya & Tanzania

Sweetwaters • Amboseli • Tarangire • Ngorongoro Crater • Serengeti • Lake Manyara
19 days from only $6395 $5995
including international airfare from Boston, New York, or Newark

Refer to this code when reserving: EGDA898

SOURCE: Overseas Adventure Travel (http://www.oattravel.com)

Last Minute Discount: 

Classic Greece & the Greek Islands

Save $2400 per couple when you  reserve by Monday, July 14, 2008

Athens • Meteora • Delphi • The Cyclades: Delos, Mykonos, Santorini

15 days was $3995
is now from only $2795
including roundtrip international airfare from New York or Newark

Savings apply to
August 1, 6, 13, 2008 departures only

Trip Details
Departure Dates & Prices
Booking Request
Transportation Cost Surcharge—Due to extraordinary increases in the current cost of oil per barrel, we are forced to implement a $200 per person transportation surcharge effective immediately. Oil costs have a major impact on virtually all of our Worldwide operating costs. This one-time charge applies to new reservations only, and does not affect passengers currently booked. The prices above do not include this $200 surcharge.

Refer to this code when reserving:    EGAX802

Trip Extensions:
Athens, Greece  — 3 nights — from only $545
Crete, Greece  — 4 nights — from only $845

 

 

Source: Overseas Adventure Travel 

Discover the Galapagos For Less This Fall With EcoVentura’s Discounted September Promotion

The small ship, travel company, Ecoventura is doing what it can to soften the blow of rising fuel prices. On its Sept. 28-Oct. 5, 2008 departure the company is waiving the usual $125 per person fuel tax surcharge.

Value-minded travelers might also be pleased to know that late September and October also coincides with lower off-season rates on international flights to Ecuador as well as flights from the mainland to the islands.

An Ecoventura spokesperson, Doris Welsh, notes that this week is a prime time to visit the islands. Late September falls into the garúa season, or dry season, that continues from now to November. Wildlife activity is up and temperatures are on average 10 degrees cooler with highs in the mid-70’s.  

“Aside from our money saving promotion, the benefits to visiting this time of year include being present as sea bird chicks (including boobies and waived albatross) are hatching; sea lion pups are being born and the marine mammals are active,” says Welsh. “There is a good chance you will see whales and dolphins.”

“The Galapagos Penguins continue to delight swimmers and snorkelers with their antics at the surface and torpedo-like movement underwater. Sea lions are in estrus stage and harem-gathering males are barking and fighting on the shore. Most species of sea birds remain quite lively at their nesting sites,” notes Welsh.

While enjoying an Ecoventura cruise, guests also travel with the peace of mind that their carbon footprint is being completely offset through company actions.  

In 2006, Ecoventura became the first Carbon Neutral operation in the Galapagos (and Ecuador). Carbon emissions from the company’s four yachts (and offices including business travel) are reduced and then offset by contributions to a portfolio of projects through the US-based company NativeEnergy.

Ecoventura is a family-owned company based in Guayaquil, Ecuador, with sales offices in Quito and Miami. In operation since 1990, the cruise company transports 3,000+ passengers annually aboard a fleet of three expedition vessels; identical, superior first-class 20-passenger motor yachts with 10 double cabins. The company also operates the Sky Dancer, a 16-passenger dedicated dive live-aboard offering 7-night weekly itineraries visiting the northern islands of Wolf and Darwin. All of its vessels have been purposefully retrofitted to meet or exceed the highest possible environmental standards.

To reserve a cabin on the special September departure or to receive a copy of Ecoventura’s 2008 catalog call toll-free 1.800.644.7972, or e-mail info@galapagosnetwork.com. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries you can log onto www.ecoventura.com/.

 

 

Source: Widness & Wiggins 

Intrepid Travel announces three new India adventure trips with 10 percent off when booked by June 2008.

Get off the beaten path and experience India at its finest. Intrepid Travel announces three new adventure trips offering a unique perspective on this varied country:

Ladakh Explorer Adventure

Trek through challenging and beautiful landscapes, stopping to explore monasteries and old forts, and meet the locals during village homestays. Virtually cut off from the rest of the world, historical Ladakh is sure to delight even the most seasoned adventure traveler. 10 days, prices from $620, http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/HAL

Holy India Adventure

Journey to the heights of the Himalayan foothills in India’s Northern provinces by train and private air conditioned vehicle. Visit the home of Tibet’s exiled government and his Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala’s Little Lhasa. Watch the sun dance over the holy Golden Temple in Amritsar, the Sikh religion’s most spiritual site. Step back to the period of the Raj and discover the grandeur of Shimla, British India’s summer capital. 9 days, prices from $1300, http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/HAD

Orissa India Adventure

Soak up the vibrant cultures and architectural marvels in Orissa. Ancient civilizations and holy sites sit side-by-side with tribal areas and serene parks; discover it all on this journey that takes in markets, off-the-beaten-track towns and bustling cities. 15 days, $1275 (plus local payment), http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/HSO

For travelers to India with a yearning to get off the beaten track, Intrepid Travel opens up a whole new world of adventure. Intrepid’s small-group adventure tours immerse the traveler in Indian culture while exposing them to real life experiences along the way.

To take advantage of the 10 percent off promotion choose from any of the new India adventure trips and book with Intrepid Travel by June 30, 2008. For more information and terms and conditions on this promotion please visit http://www.intrepidtravel.com

With over 19 years of experience, Intrepid Travel is one of the world’s leading small group adventure tour operators. Intrepid offers over 400 itineraries in more than 90 destinations worldwide. Intrepid trips are designed to go off the beaten track, meet the locals and travel in an unconventional way, joining locals on their transport, in their markets and even in their homes.

SOURCE Intrepid Travel
 

TAKE A LAST MINUTE SAFARI TO CHONGWE RIVER HOUSE AND SAVE
 
LOWER ZAMBEZI, ZAMBIA

Chongwe River House is offering incredible last minute safari savings.  Guests will have the opportunity to stay at the luxurious House at the rate of US $400 per person per night.  Included in the rates are: accommodations, meals, all game viewing, laundry, bar, National Park fees, and a private guide.  That’s a saving of over 50%. The offer is valid from April through June 30th, 2008.

For travelers who wish to extend their stay in Africa, Chongwe River Camp and Robin Pope Safaris have created a nine night Lower Zambezi/South Luangwa combo.  This fantastic Zambian blend of two unique locations is only US $2880 per person for nine nights. Included in the rates are: accommodations, meals, all game viewing, laundry, bar, National Park fees, and a private guide.

The Chongwe River House is an extraordinary architectural creation.   Built around trees, the walls are integrated with the branches so there are no straight lines or right corners in the entire house making it truly an extension of the surrounding environment.  Designed by Neil Rocher, this stunning four bedroom, four bath private house is built entirely of white ferro cement walls and wild wood.

Robin Pope Safaris, located in a remote and unspoiled environment, offers guests the opportunity to go on safari in vehicles or the more up-close and personal option of a walking safari through the bush.  Robin Pope Safaris offers three camps with stylish accommodation, attentive service, fine dining, and some of the best guides in Africa.   The South Luangwa Park, where they are located is often called the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa, covering over 9,000 sq. km.

For more information or reservations on Chongwe River House, contact faith@iconnect.zm or visit the website at www.chongwe.com.  For more information on Robin Pope Safaris contact info@robinpopesafaris.net or visit the website at www.robinpopesafaris.net

 

Source: Montgomery Communications

 

The world’s great rivers and waterways have sparked the imaginations of countless artists and writers, and have prompted explorers to set out on some of history’s greatest expeditions. Join Lindblad Expeditions and take this same inspired and adventurous approach in exploring Europe’s winding Danube River, Egypt’s treasured Nile, the great lochs (lakes) of Scotland and the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the American West.

Autumn on the Danube Aboard River Cloud: Prague to Budapest and Budapest to Regensburg

12 Days/ 10 Nights
Departures: Sep.-Oct. 2008
Receive $1,000 off OR complimentary airfare select voyages.
Using the beautiful ship River Cloud as a base, take in the wonders of this historic region set in the most colorful of autumn landscapes. Accompanied by passionately caring Historians, venture into the fascinating cities of Prague, Budapest, and Vienna as well as smaller cities and towns like Regensburg, Germany; Dürnstein, Austria and Bratislava, Slovakia.

Click here to learn more about this itinerary.

Egypt: Exploring the Treasures of the Nile

10 Days/8 Nights or 15 Days/13 Nights
Departures: Oct.-Dec. 2008
Explore ancient and modern Egypt in the company of outstanding Egyptologist guides. Choose either the 10-day or  15-day journey, each featuring a Nile voyage aboard the 42-guest Triton, unquestionably one of the finest ships in Egypt. Stay in remarkable hotels too. Convenient private charter aircraft allow you to bypass airport crowds.

Click here to learn more about this itinerary.

Heart of the Highlands: An Exploration of Scotland

15 Days/ 12 Nights
Departures: May-Aug. 2008
Receive $500 off on select voyages.
Discover secluded villages, ancient sites, verdant landscapes and engaging people for an intimate perspective on Scottish life, past and present aboard the 48-guest luxury yacht, Lord of the Glens. Venture through lochs, glens and stately castles of Scotland’s Highlands and islands of the Inner Hebrides, a region of thriving seabird colonies, dramatic cliffs and glorious vistas.

Click here to learn more about this itinerary.

In the Wake of Lewis and Clark

7 Days/ 6 Nights
Departures: Sep.-Nov. 2008
Receive 15% or 25% off select voyages.
In the company of our knowledgeable Historians and Naturalists, watch the story of Lewis and Clark come alive as you are elevated more than 700 feet through a series of 8 locks to navigate the rivers. Venture all the way inland from the Pacific Ocean and the temperate rain forest of the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains, to the high desert country of eastern Washington.

Click here to learn more about this itinerary.

 

About Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions is a pioneering expedition travel company providing voyages in Galápagos, Antarctica, Baja
California, Alaska, the Arctic, and beyond. The company works in partnership with the National Geographic Society to
inspire people to explore and care about the planet by providing innovative marine expedition programs and by
promoting conservation and sustainable tourism around the world.

 

 

Source: Lindblad Expeditions 

Families Dive Into Maya Culture With New Package at Hotel Marina El Cid

Families soak up the savings along with the sun with the Maya Discovery Family Adventure Package, now through June 30, 2008, at Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Offering discounts of up to 30 percent, this package includes three excursions. You’ll immerse yourself in cultural and ecological wonders, while exploring the region’s ancient civilization, pristine beaches and vibrant underwater life.

Maya AdventuresThe Maya Discovery Family Adventure includes three exciting expeditions for a total of $150 USD per person, including taxes, in addition to the all-inclusive rate, down from $215 per person for these excursions booked separately

The second excursion, the Snorkeling Trip, explores vibrant underwater life in the protected Puerto Morelos National Reef Park.  Located 500 yards offshore from Hotel Marina El Cid, Puerto Morelos is the world’s second largest barrier reef system. You’ll get up-close views of exotic sea life, including brightly colored tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays, purple sea fans, coral and more.

Each of the Maya Discovery Family Adventure excursions includes transportation and lunch. The Chichen Itza tour leaves from the lobby, while the snorkeling and sailing tours depart from the El Cid Marina, located one block from the resort.  This private, state-of-the-art marina accommodates up to 120 slips. In addition to catamaran and snorkeling tours, the full-service facility offers sport fishing expeditions, organized fishing tournaments, private trips, water sports, and dive center.

All-Suite ResortHotel Marina El Cid is set along 1,969 feet of Mexican Caribbean beachfront.  Its low-rise buildings surround the magnificent 22,000 square-foot, free-form pool.  The resort’s suites mix Mexican Colonial and contemporary architectural design.  Each of the new, elegantly appointed Junior Suites have contemporary décor, a king bed, a queen Murphy bed, kitchenette and private balcony with views of vibrant tropical gardens or the Caribbean Sea.  The bathroom features a capacious shower and marble walls, floors and countertops. In-room amenities include luxury bedding and linens, wireless Internet access, satellite TV, air conditioning and a mini-bar stocked with snacks and cold beverages.

Deluxe All-InclusiveWith four restaurants and four bars, Marina Hotel El Cid offers an array of culinary options, from casual to gourmet. The newly expanded, family-friendly Hacienda Arrecife celebrates the traditional hacienda in grand style with brightly colored walls, original Mexican art and gourmet Mexican cuisine accompanied by a selection of more than 100 different tequilas. Guests dine indoors or al fresco at the casual, family-style La Alhambra, featuring a gourmet buffet and freshly prepared dishes to please all ages and palates. El Alcázar is a favorite for romantic dinners and special occasions, with chic décor and creative blend of Asian and Mediterranean cuisine. Situated on El Cid’s private marina next to the resort, La Marina serves up fresh seafood and stunning sunset views overlooking Puerto Morelos Bay. Also outdoors, guests linger in the new Scaramanga Moon & Beach Lounge, enjoying cocktails, carpaccios, cool ocean breezes and live music.

For more information on Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort, visit the Web site  www.elcid.com.  For reservations, call toll-free 1-800-525-1925 or 1-888-733-7308.

 

Source: Ypartnership 

Sunsail, the company for sailors by sailors, is helping vacationers get away from it all with the biggest deal of the year so far: up to 30% off the Sunsail Oceanis 423 or Sunsail Lagoon 410 catamaran this June in the British Virgin Islands. Island hop in paradise with sample yacht charter prices from only $286* per person, per week — a total saving of $735 per boat, per week!

Or savor the cultural delights and lush landscapes of St. Martin, Guadeloupe, Martinique, or St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and save up to 35% off any Sunsail monohull under 48’ or any catamaran under 43’ between June 1 and October 31, 2008.

Indeed, Sunsail is so confident they represent the best value in sailing charters, they guarantee to match any other offer for a comparable yacht in the same destination for the same dates. Call for details. (1-800-772-3500)

And if flights are your concern, Sunsail has that covered too, with low airfare deals from $499*. But hurry, these offers expire April 30, 2008.

Contact Sunsail at 1-800-772-3500, http://www.sunsail.com, or email sunsailusa@sunsail.com.

* Based on U.S. $ rates six sharing a Sunsail Oceanis 423 for 7 nights departing the 1st of June in Tortola, includes 5% repeat customer discount. New bareboat bookings only with a 5 night minimum. Must be reserved and confirmed by April 30, 2008. Offers are not combinable, except with repeat customer discount. Airfare offer is subject to black out dates and exclusive of taxes.

About Sunsail
Sunsail offers a wide choice of sailing vacations for all skill levels, with nearly 1,000 yachts in over 28 locations worldwide. In addition to bareboat and skippered sailing vacations, Sunsail provides flotillas, sailing school courses, beach club resorts and incentive team building events. Sunsail was founded in 1974 and is owned by TUI Travel PLC. Visit http://www.sunsail.com/ or call 1-800-772-3500 for vacation information.

 

Source: Sunsail