In theaters this month, the heartfelt romance Last Chance Harvey stars Oscar® winners Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffman. The film shows off the city’s mix of history and modern edge while introducing movie-goers to new locales. We give you the scoop on London’s hidden gems like Maida Vale, a neighborhood with Venice-like canals and Belsize Park, an elegant area where you’ll see the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin out for a stroll.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Winter Blues Turn Turquoise in the Turks & Caicos 5th Night FREE on all room categories this winter
The Somerset on Grace Bay has long understood the importance of balancing great travel experiences with much-needed family time and cost. Therefore, starting January 3rd, a 5th Night Free promotion is being offered for the winter months, the time when a warm weather break is needed most. Now more than ever, value and pure together time have never been so priceless.
The 5th Night Free is valid for consecutive night stays in all room categories through February 28, 2009, making it ideal for a post-holiday getaway, Valentine’s Day weekend or school vacation with the family. Winter rates start at $600 double occupancy per night for a Standard Gardenview Room and go to $4,000 double occupancy per night in a five bedroom penthouse ocean view suite.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Variety Cruises, the world’s largest small-ship cruise company, is spicing up their 2009 calendar, announcing new tours of the Greek islands and the launch of its Share-A-Sail charter yacht program. These additions further compliment Variety Cruises’ vast range of packages, letting guests choose a life of luxury at sea or a more affordable cruise experience on its intimate ships and charter vessels. Discerning travelers seeking exquisite facilities, personalized service and explorations of unspoiled destinations rich in history find options to fit every budget with Variety Cruises.
NEW 2009 PROGRAMS:
AEGEAN ODYSSEY: Departing from Marina Zea in Athens, guests will enjoy seven nights in the Cycladic Islands before reaching sites of Kusadasi, Ephessus and the lesser known islands of Patmos and Samos. Sailing dates are April 10 through October 16, 2009, on the Mega yacht Harmony G or Harmony V. Rates begin at $1,832 per person.
JEWELS OF THE CYCLADES: This itinerary departing from Athens and heads southeast of mainland Greece on the M/S Galileo through a collection of islands, including Poros, Kimolos, Santorini, Paros, Mykonos, Kea and Sounion. Sailing dates are April 24 through October 23, 2009. Rates begin at $1,160 per person.
SHARE A SAIL: A new concept in yachting! Nautical travelers don’t have to charter a sailing yacht or be an experienced sailor to sail in the Greek Islands. Guests book a cabin and enjoy an amazing eight-day sailing holiday with a maximum of three other couples and a crew. Itinerary includes Kea, Paros, Adiparos, Poliegos, Serifos, Poros and Marina Zea. The 50-foot yachts offer four cabins and are crewed with one experienced skipper plus one host/hostess. Sailing dates are May 2 through October 17, 2009. Rates begin at $1,190 per person.
In addition to the new 2009 routes, Variety Cruises continues to provide the following Greek island cruise:
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
For the first time, in summer 2009, Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA) brings its sought-after active family vacation programs to Europe with four family-friendly cycling trips exploring France, Holland, Germany and Austria.
“Routes have been carefully assessed both for cycling ease and inclusion of those sites and scenes that will be of most interest to children as well as their parents,” says director Dan Austin.
As a point of distinction that sets ALA apart from other cycle tour operators, Austin explains, “Instead of focusing on the most prestigious lodgings with paths that get us there, we first choose the best pedaling paths, most scenic routes and least trafficked byways and then target the most charming, authentic lodgings to serve as our way stations along our family-friendly routes.”
ALA is one of the most trusted names in all-inclusive, active and culturally rewarding vacations, widely recognized for their unique family travel programs.
The four new European itineraries for 2009 include:
France Family: La Loire Valley of the Kings
July 11-18 and Aug. 15-22; 8 days / 7 nights at $3,498 per adult double ($565 single supplement); $3,148 first child, $2,798 additional child. Includes a stop at Le Clos Lucé in Amboise, to explore the countless inventions at this last residence of Leonardo da Vinci plus kayaking on the Vienne River.
Holland Family: Bike Paths, Windmills & Pancakes
July 19-26 and Aug. 9-16; 8 days / 7 nights at $2,998 per adult double ($510 single supplement); $2,698 first child, $2,398 additional child. Itinerary includes exploration of a 17th century working windmill in Schermer and a breeding center for giant storks.
Germany Family: Mosel Magic
July 11-17 and Aug. 8-14; 6 days / 5 nights at $2,498 per adult double ($480 single supplement); $2,248 first child, $1,998 additional child. Itinerary includes a forest hike to fairytale Berg Eltz Castle and a visit to the doll museum in Neef.
Austria Family: Fun in the Alps
June 27-July 4 and Aug. 8-15; 8 days / 7 nights at $3,298 per adult double ($780 single supplement); $2,968 first child, $2,638 additional child. Itinerary includes a toboggan ride in the hills of Hochkönig, scenic ride on a cable car, optional tandem paraglide or an afternoon of glacier skiing and a swoosh down the giant slide at the entrance to the Hallein salt mines.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
From April 11-18 and April 18-25, 2009, a select group of ten skiers on each tour will explore the pristine Bugaboos range of the Canadian Rockies the way Canadian Mountain Holidays founder Hans Gmoser did almost a half century ago. With two guides per trip, guests on the Ski Touring expedition will head out by helicopter to remote spots in the Bugaboos range, where they’ll be dropped off for a thrilling downhill run on fresh tracks — but instead of hopping back in the chopper for a ride back up, skiers will strap on their skins, release their heels, take off a layer and start the rhythmic ascent towards another great run.
“Ski touring allows us to experience the mountains in a way that’s very different from Heli-Skiing,” says Rob Rohn, CMH Director of Mountain Operations. “Your body gets into an almost Zen-like rhythm as you patiently climb towards a new vista at every corner. The quiet is deafening.”
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
RELAX, REJUVENATE, DANCE…
Forget about your busy and hectic life for one week in sunny Oaxaca, Mexico from January 10-17, 2009 for a relaxing and rejuvenating Salsa dance and yoga retreat.
Regardless if you are new to yoga or have practiced for many years, enjoy our yoga classes lead by yoga instructor extraordinaire, dancer and aerial artist Jennifer Hill. Experience the surge of inner peace, love, and energy that results from connecting with yourself during your yoga practice, dancing will become the perfect way to connect with others. Whether you are an experienced Salsa dancer or simply want to try something new - you can take advantage of this exclusive opportunity to learn from the experienced instructors and well-known performers from Academia Tumbao.
Escape from the dullness of winter with an energizing vacation that offers an in-depth cultural experience, a physical workout that will bring a smile to your face, and some well-deserved time to relax.
Information:
Web: www.salsaretreat.com; info@salsaretreat.com; Phone: 206.234.3720; Fax: 866.613.8979
NOTE: THE AIRFARES TO OAXACA HAVE DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY RECENTLY. CALL OR EMAIL TODAY TO CHECK AVAILABILITY.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".