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"Karla Darocas: Artist, Entrepeneur and Canuck Expatriate in Spain"
Presenting: Caribana - Toronto's Huge Caribbean Culture Festival
Orbitz: Free Shore Excursions on Select Cruises!
ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc., (NYSE:AAI) , advises passengers that due to a severe weather system expected to move across the Atlanta area this weekend, some flights may be cancelled or rescheduled at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Saturday, January 19, 2008.
Passengers holding reservations for travel scheduled to/from Atlanta on January 19, 2008, should check www.airtran.com under "Flight Status" for updates or call 1-800-AIRTRAN (247-8726). AirTran Airways passengers can change their reservations without penalty as long as the selected travel dates are made prior to the original travel date and moved for travel up to and including January 24, 2008.
AirTran Airways, a Fortune 1000 company, offers more than 700 affordable, daily flights to 56 U.S. destinations. With 8,900 friendly Crew Members and America's youngest all-Boeing fleet, AirTran Airways provides XM Satellite Radio and Business Class seating on every flight. For more information and free online booking, visit http://www.airtran.com/.
Source: AirTran Airways
Web site: http://www.airtran.com/
MIAMI, Sept. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A vacation should be an adventure - whether it's a quick escape to the Caribbean or a long-awaited Alaskan expedition. But how to choose, with a world - literally - to choose from? Enter Sammy the Suitcase, host of www.hungrysuitcase.com, Royal Caribbean International's newest interactive website designed to help vacationers pinpoint the perfect adventure that matches their personality. Sammy sings; he tells jokes; he will even help you invite friends along for the trip on the travel planning site that is sure to keep visitors amused and entertained.
Sammy guides visitors through the site in his stylish, virtual home, brimming with items representing the three vacation styles of adventure, culture or relaxation. Visitors feed the hungry suitcase with volcanoes, hammocks, surf boards, fine wine, cheese, bicycles, bears, tuxedos and castles based on their travel preferences. The contents are evaluated by the "Vacation Fun-a-lyzer" which then delivers a personalized cruise vacation recommendation ... in song ... from Sammy. Want to know more about the smooth-talking Sammy? Log on and listen to the messages on his answering machine or watch a few home videos of his global adventures.
"We're taking advantage of the latest online technology to help travelers choose and plan a cruise vacation in a highly interactive, entertaining and unique way," said William Hayden, director of relationship marketing, Royal Caribbean International. "The Hungry Suitcase website will be a great introductory tool for travelers who have never considered a cruise vacation; a fun way for families and friends to share in deciding on a cruise together; and perhaps help travelers find out their true vacation destination calling through Sammy's Vacation Fun-a-lyzer."
Sammy has completed his out-of-town tryouts which began in July 2007 and is finally ready for opening night - actually, he performs on demand. Sammy has received rave reviews so far and www.hungrysuitcase.com has already achieved numerous awards including: Travel Industry Association's Odyssey Awards; New York Festivals' 2007 Finalist for Service Advertising; Favorite Website Awards' Site of the Month, June 2007; SXSW 2007 Web Awards - Winner in the Motion Graphics category; 2007 Webby Awards - Honoree for Travel Category; and iMedia Creative Showcase's Site of the Day, July, 24, 2007.
Hungrysuitcase.com is the latest incarnation of the interactive whizzes at Royal Caribbean that brought the award-winning FreedomoftheSeas.com to life in an immersive virtual tour of the largest cruise ship in the world. Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and three under construction. The line also offers unique land- tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, South America and New Zealand through its cruisetour division. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800)-ROYALCARIBBEAN. For travel professionals, go to www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056.
Source: Royal Caribbean International
Web site: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/
http://www.cruisingpower.com/
http://www.hungrysuitcase.com/
http://www.freedomoftheseas.com/
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Where do Americans plan to wrap up the summer of 2007? Chicago tops the list of the most popular cities for the Labor Day weekend for the second consecutive year, followed by New York City and Atlanta, according to discount travel authority Hotwire.com(TM). For Americans still unsure of where to celebrate the last holiday of the summer, there are plenty of travel deals to help them get away without breaking the bank.
The Top 10 Labor Day weekend destinations, according to hotel bookings on Hotwire.com, include (2006 rankings in parentheses):
1. Chicago, Illinois (1) 6. San Francisco, California (5) 2. New York City, New York(18) 7. New Orleans, Louisiana (21) 3. Atlanta, Georgia (4) 8. Las Vegas, Nevada (13) 4. St. Louis, Missouri (12) 9. San Diego, California (3) 5. Boston, Massachusetts (6) 10. Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Virginia (34)
What makes big cities popular this time of year? Hotel vacancies in the cities are higher once business travelers return home for the extended weekend. This means surprisingly attractive deals for consumers. Travelers can find hotel rooms up to 60% off through Hotwire(R) which specializes in selling excess inventory from trusted hotel, air and rental car brands.
Other popular big city destinations include Los Angeles (11) and the nation's capital, Washington, DC (12). Two Canadian cities -- Montreal (14) and Toronto (16) -- are drawing their share of visitors for a final summer hurrah.
"Big cities offer some of the greatest values to travelers this Labor Day, when more hotel vacancies make it possible to stay in a four-star hotel at a two-star price," said Barbara Messing, vice president and travel expert at Hotwire. "Travelers can take their pick of affordable entertainment, too -- from colorful parades and national monuments to gorgeous parks and beaches. Big cities are a big draw for value-conscious Americans."
Events attracting travelers to the cities include Chicago's famed annual Jazz Festival as well as a fireworks spectacular at the Navy Pier. New York City puts on the annual West Indian American Day Carnival, a festive celebration and parade that attracts millions of spectators. Atlanta hosts Atlanta Black Gay Pride, the world's largest celebration of its kind.
Below are examples of hotel rates recently booked on Hotwire.com for Labor Day weekend (August 31 - September 4):
U.S. Destinations
$62/night 3.5-star hotel, St. Louis, Downtown
$65/night 3.5-star hotel, Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Portsmouth
$72/night 4-star hotel, New Orleans, French Quarter
$82/night 4-star hotel, Atlanta, Buckhead
$83/night 4-star hotel, Washington, DC, DuPont Circle
$91/night 4-star hotel, Las Vegas, Downtown
$92/night 3.5-star hotel, San Diego, Downtown/Harbor Island
$104/night 4-star hotel, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills
$112/night 4-star hotel, San Francisco, Embarcadero Area
$125/night 4-star hotel, Boston, Back Bay/Copley Square
$142/night 4-star hotel, Chicago, N. Michigan Ave./Water Tower/Gold
Coast
$195/night 3.5-star hotel, New York City, Midtown East
Canada Destinations
$76/night 4-star hotel, Toronto, Downtown West
$89/night 4-star hotel, Montreal, Downtown
The discount travel experts at Hotwire recommend booking travel now to land the best travel deals for Labor Day weekend. For more information, visit http://www.hotwire.com/.
* Hotel rates shown are based on actual bookings made on Hotwire.com from July 22 - August 6, 2007 for stays between August 31 - September 4, 2007. Hotel rates shown do not include applicable tax recovery charges and fees. However, total cost, including all applicable tax recovery charges and fees, is shown before bookings are made on Hotwire.com. All bookings are non- changeable and nonrefundable. Rates subject to availability. Because rates change all the time, Hotwire customers are encouraged to check rates for themselves.
About Hotwire.com
Hotwire.com(TM) is a leading discount travel site with low rates on airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, cruises and vacation packages. Launched in 2000, Hotwire(R) negotiates deep discounts from its travel suppliers to help travelers book unsold airline seats, hotel rooms and rental cars. J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Independent Travel Web Site Satisfaction Study(SM) recognized Hotwire for ranking "Highest in Customer Satisfaction For Independent Travel Web Sites." Hotwire is an operating company of Expedia, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) . CST: 2053390-40. NST: 20003-0209. For more information, visit http://www.hotwire.com/.
(C) 2007 Hotwire, Inc. All rights reserved. Hotwire and Hotwire.com are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Hotwire, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.
Source: Hotwire.com
Web site: http://www.hotwire.com/
NEW YORK, July 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Airlines is helping beachgoers catch a break from the hot sun over the next two weekends by distributing large beach umbrellas at several of New York's and Long Island's most popular beaches in partnership with local radio stations.
"Whether in the air or on the ground, we want to help our customers enjoy their summer vacations," said Chuck Imhof, Vice President - Passenger Sales for Greater New York for American Airlines. American Airlines has served New York for 80 years, and we want to enable our citizens and visitors here to enjoy the city to the fullest, including the essential summer trips to the beach!"
American Airlines teams will be on the beaches handing out the umbrellas. The schedules, locations and radio stations are as follows:
-- Saturday, July 21
- WADO at Coney Island, 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
- WRCN at Cupsogue Beach, Westhampton, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
-- Sunday, July 22
- WCAA La Kalle at Orchard Beach, 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
- KJOY at Jones Beach Parking Lot 4, 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
-- Saturday, July 28
- WADO at Rockaway Park (between 96th and 116th Streets),
12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
-- Sunday, July 29
- WCAA La Kalle at Orchard Beach, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
About American Airlines
American Airlines is the world's largest airline. American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection(R) airlines serve 250 cities in over 40 countries with more than 4,000 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 1,000 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld(R) Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in over 140 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE:AMR) .
Source: American Airlines
Web site: http://www.aa.com/
BANGKOK, Thailand, June 15/PRNewswire/ --
Naladhu, Maldives, has been named one of the world's hottest new resorts by Conde Nast Traveler in the 2007 "Hot List". The list, featured in the May edition, comprises 138 hotels, and Naladhu, Maldives is the one of the "Hottest" new properties worldwide.
The Conde Nast Traveler Hot List recognizes hotels and resorts for design, service and ambiance, making it one of the most coveted designations. Each year, an anonymous group of writers evaluates new hotels and resorts around the world for the publication. Naladhu was chosen as one of only 138 properties whose offering surpass expectations. Of the chosen properties, each is awarded a "Hot", "Hotter" or "Hottest" title, Naladhu, Maldives claimed the position as "Hottest" in the magazine's listing.
In describing Naladhu, Conde Nast Traveler says "this intimate resort provides a level of privacy and personal attention impressive even in the Maldives". In addition "Dedicated butlers, or VGCs (Very Good Chaps), exceed expectations with quiet, smiling service".
The magazine concluded "Naladhu represents the Maldives' most convenient exclusive destination yet".
Located in the aquatic setting of the Maldives, one of the world's most celebrated tropical havens, Naladhu Maldives offers a unique lifestyle to those who appreciate the sophistication and charm of times past.
Naladhu has captured the elegant aesthetics of a slightly colonial era, with hints of Sri Lankan regality in its design. However, the resort also proffers every modern convenience imaginable to the luxury traveller. Naladhu means "pretty little island", and each of the exclusive 19 Houses - each named after a Maldivian plant - has been designed to make every guest's wish become reality.
With a commitment to perfecting every detail, Naladhu fuses modern facilities with a sense of the nostalgia. White-washed timber wall panels juxtapose the zesty Indian motifs and colours of the house upholstery. Antique furnishings, such as an early 20th century writer's desk and the decorous bar cabinet conjure up images of a romantic, bygone age.
Naladhu provides the canvass and colour palette to those who wish to make their holiday picture perfect.
For reservations please telephone +960-664-4100 or email: info@naladhu.com.
Web site: http://www.naladhu.com
Source: Naladhu
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Sunday, June 19, 2005 It was a beautiful evening for a stroll tonight, so I went down to one of my favourite places: Toronto's waterfront. Listening to the melee of languages, observing the broad mixture of people, I was thinking about upcoming travel plans, business issues, articles to write for the website, and many other things. I liken this feeling to a hamster on a wheel who's constantly spinning and moving. My brain was working overtime, which happens a lot when I think about the website and all the ideas and topics I'd like to write about. So I am strolling by the sailboat harbour at Ashbridges Bay, a particularly serene place with a quiet little inlet surrounded by willow trees on the east side, on the north side there is a private marina where hundreds of sailboats are docked, on the south side there is a little peninsula with just a few places where a variety of boats can anchor at the municipal docks. So I am walking, enjoying the reflections of the evening sunshine playing on the water, listening to the joyful songs of the birds, observing bikers, walkers, rollerbladers, watching the boats......... and then I had an idea - I might as well interview on of these boaters and find out a bit more about their lifestyle and travel adventures. I approached a houseboat and I saw that the captain was sitting on the bridge. I knocked on the glass door and asked if I could do an interview with him. The man, a white-haired bearded man in his 60s, was very welcoming and invited me in. He actually asked me to sit in the captain's chair and I shyly accepted. He introduced himself as Ron, "Captain Ron", a name by which he is well known in the Lake Ontario boating community. Ron is a former corporate sales manager, now comfortably retired, with an active lifestyle. Ron still has a house in Whitby, just outside of Toronto, but he spends a lot of his time on the houseboat, and many of his friends live full-time on a houseboat. His particular boat is an Intracoastal houseboat, meaning it has a hull and is more seaworthy than pontoon houseboats. It was made in 1970, and cost $17,000 when it was new. Ron has had it for 18 years and he regularly gets offers from people who want to buy it. Recently someone offered him $50,000 in cash for the houseboat. But since Ron loves the lifestyle, and a new boat would probably cost $150,000 to $200,000, it makes no sense for him to sell his beloved house on the water. He politely declined the offer. The boat has an elevated bridge which not only houses the "steering wheel" (is that proper marine terminology?), but also accommodates a fold-out double bed. A few steps down is the galley on the left, and a bathroom with a combined toilet, sink and shower on the right. Beside the bathroom is a small door leading down to the cabin that has 4 bunk beds. Behind the kitchen is the living room area with an eating nook and another double fold out bed. In theory the houseboat can sleep 8 people, but Ron said that you would not want to cram that many people on board with just one small bathroom. Makes a lot of sense... Ron seems to be travelling mostly by himself, judging by the lone deck chair that was located on the boat's top deck from where I had a perfect view of the serene harbour setting. Ron says Ashbridges Bay is one of his favourite spots and he was sitting there quietly, enjoying the evening, when I approached him for the interview. Ron uses the boat about 6 months of the year, he puts it in the water in mid April and takes it out in mid October and he mostly cruises Lake Ontario with it. From the 1000 Islands in the east near Kingston, a city that he loves (me too...), to Toronto with its islands, and St. Catharines with its Port Dalhousie harbour, he actively cruises the north shore of Lake Ontario. He commented that the harbours on the US side of Lake Ontario are not as clean and unfortunately since 911, the American Coastguard has become overly protective, he said even paranoid, and the minute they see him, they figure he must be a drug smuggler and they put him through the third degree. So he prefers to cruise the Canadian side of the lake. Many of Ron's friends actually live on a houseboat full-time. They sail northern waters in the summer and then connect through the Ohio River - Mississippi waterway system down into Gulf of Mexico from where they sail down to southern Florida. On the way back in the spring they take the Intracoastal Waterway (the "Ditch") to come back up north for the summer. Ron also has a lot of friends who have ocean-going sailboats who spend much of their time in the Caribbean. As a matter of fact, one of his friends has a unique type of sailboat that was recently commandeered by the producers of the sequel for "Pirates of the Caribbean". Naturally I asked Ron about the cost of houseboating. Apart from the purchase costs, which he estimated at $150,000 to $200,000 for a new boat, there are dockage costs, fuel, insurance, repairs. He said he spends about $1000 on fuel, and about $5,000 a year for dockage and other operating costs. According to Ron, the people that do the Canada-Florida run usually spend anywhere from about $10,000 to $30,000 for the round-trip which could take a whole year. The cost at the lower end means that you are using the on-board kitchen (or rather, galley) facilities, you are staying at town docks rather than private marinas, using the boat's shower, rather than the marina's expensive facilities. Since Ron is a good cook, he practically always uses his boat's kitchen to make his meals, a huge savings. Captain Ron has really figured out a perfect retirement lifestyle for himself. He houseboats in the summer, goes deer hunting in the fall, heads out of Ontario to Florida or British Columbia in the winter, where he either stays with friends and family, or rents a reasonably priced apartment inland from the coast. Or, if he sees a good offer in the newspaper, he might just hop on a plane to Mexico for a quick getaway. And he loves to spend the summers in Ontario, where he cruises Lake Ontario and spends some time on beautiful Georgian Bay where his brothers live. According to Ron, the key thing in retirement is health, and he works hard to stay healthy. He plays tennis, rides his bike, he loves to swim and he works out. He said, particularly if you want to travel to the US as a retiree, being healthy is critical. His brother had a heart attack in Florida, and his health insurance wouldn't cover his treatment costs, and he ended up a with a $150,000 bill at the end. No wonder Captain Ron considers good health a key factor for travelling.... Captain Ron gave me a glimpse into his unique lifestyle, and I couldn't help but envy him a little. He seemed so peaceful, so relaxed, enjoying the evening sun looking out over the water. I realized that he's figured it all out, and he's created his perfect little niche for himself...... Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com). Here you will find unconventional travel information and money-saving advice, cross-cultural experiences, live travel stories, interviews with travellers and other inspiring people. Submit your own travel stories and win an exciting Amazon River cruise! "Life is a Journey - Explore New Horizons" Susanne Pacher may be contacted at http://www.travelandtransitions.com or sq@travelandtransitions.com |
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by Susanne Pacher
June 15, 2005
Presenting: CARIBANA - Toronto's Huge Caribbean Cultural Festival
I had a chance to talk with John Kam, Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors, about one of Toronto's greatest special events and tourist attractions: Caribana, the city's hugely popular and internationally renowned festival of Caribbean culture which is scheduled this year for July 15 to August 1, 2005.
1.Please tell us about Caribana – what type of festival is it?
CARIBANA™ is a two-week festival of Caribbean culture that includes a great variety of events, here are just a selected few: from a media launch on June 23, to the popular Children's Carnival on July 16, a Calypso-Soca Forum on July 16, an Interfaith Service on July 17 at the St. James Cathedral, the King & Queen Extravaganza on July 28, to the big CARIBANA™ parade on July 30 which is followed up by the Arts and Cultural Festival on Olympic Island on July 31 and August 1, 2005.
CARIBANA™ is a feast for the eyes and ears, and you will be able to enjoy a great Caribbean celebration, complete with fabulous music, exuberant dancing and delicious food.
CARIBANA™ is also the only surviving Arts Project launched as part of the 1967, Canada B1-centennial celebrations. It has gone on to become the cornerstone of Tourism in Southern Ontario.
2. Please tell us about the festival’s history, how has it evolved?
The Caribbean Cultural Committee (“the CCC”, registered trademark – CARIBANA™) is a non-profit, community-based corporation created by a group of Pan-Caribbean academics, students and professionals in 1967, under the name Caribbean Committee for Cultural Advancement. The CCC was established in response to Canada’s centennial celebration commemorating its diversity and the contributions made to Canada from the various cultures that comprise the Canadian mosaic. What began as an expression of the goals and aspirations of the Caribbean community resident here—that the culture of the Caribbean had pride of place in Canada—has blossomed into the world-renowned festival of Carnival Arts, CARIBANA™.
3. How about all the colourful costumes? Who creates them? What about the cost involved?
The masquerade costumes are designed by special artists after which people with special craft-making skills are employed to actually produce the costumes at what are called mas camps. The cost varies from band to band but generally stays within the range of $75 to $130 per costume.
4. Please tell us about the Caribana Marketplace.
The Caribbean Village is going to be set up on an elevated area overlooking the parade route, on Lakeshore Boulevard. From there patrons will be able to look down and see the spectacle of Caribana as it unfolds while having another party going on nonstop! There will be more than 50 top artistes from different islands of the Caribbean performing during the course of the day from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. The artistes will come from Barbados, Grenada, Antigua/Barbuda, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Vincent & The Grenadines and much, much more. There will also be locally based Caribbean-bred performers appearing during the all-day extravaganza. This is to be staged on a cordoned off area knows as the Bandshell.
There will be Arts & Crafts booths from the different Caribbean islands set up around the area with tasty Caribbean food on sale throughout the day. All of is going to cost only $10.
The CARIBANA ™ 'Marketplace is where commerce meets culture, and everyone walks away with a tasteful memory. Dine on festival-style Caribbean cuisine, shop for an array of Arts & Crafts, and Festival souvenirs and relish a toast of the brewmaster’s craft and some of Niagara’s internationally acclaimed wines and spirits.
5. Please tell us about the musical entertainment offered during Caribana?
The musical entertainment generally comes from various top Caribbean artistes coming in from the Caribbean and of course locally based Caribbean-bred artistes.
6. What type of food services are available during Caribana?
There are various types of food available during the festival each year. On either side of the parade route on Caribana Day, authorized vendors sell different types of Caribbean cuisine including Pelau (Peas & Rice), Jerk Chicken, Bake & Shark (sandwiches) and traditional drinks including Sorrel and Mauby (a drink made from the bitter bark of a tree and sweetened with lots of sugar).
7. Please give us an idea of the sponsors who make this big event happen.
The sponsors vary from year to year. This year the list includes The City of Toronto, CTV News, The Toronto Star, Yorkgate Mall, British West Indian Airways (BWIA), The Caribbean Camera and Breyers.
8. Roughly how many people visit Caribana and what economic impact does it have on Toronto?
CARIBANA™ attracts according to research estimates from DECIMA (1990) nearly one million spectators to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), generating, according to figures compiled and released by the City of Toronto, $400 million annually for the Toronto economy.
9. What is the cost of attending Caribana? What events require tickets, how much are they and where can I obtain tickets?
Some events require the purchase of tickets, while others don’t. For instance the CCC/Yorkgate Mall Children’s Parade which takes place on July 16, is FREE. So too is the Parade Day. However, if on Caribana Day (the parade day), you wish to sit in the stadium on the CNE Grounds that requires the purchase of a ticket. Different events carry different admission fees. You will be able to get specific information about the admission prices for the official Caribana events by visiting the website: www.caribana.ca.
Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com). Here you will find unconventional travel information and money-saving advice, cross-cultural experiences, live travel stories, interviews with travellers and other inspiring people. Submit your own travel stories and win an exciting Amazon River cruise! "Life is a Journey - Explore New Horizons"
Susanne Pacher may be contacted at http://www.travelandtransitions.com or sq@travelandtransitions.com
by Susanne Pacher
July 13, 2005
Non-mainstream forms of travel have fascinated me for a long time. Combine that with affordable travel and the possibility to make the travel experience a full-time lifestyle, and I am intrigued even more.
In researching the topic, and particularly the cost angle, I found out that a new tent trailer would probably cost from about C$5,000 and up, I figured that's a pretty good entry level price for exploring the RV-ing lifestyle. Of course a bus-type Class A motorhome is going to probably run you from about C$70,000 and up for a new model while a travel trailer can probably be purchased from about C$12,000 and up. So depending on your taste and your preference for built-in luxuries, there are all sorts of recreational vehicles out there that might fit your pocket book and your travel plans.
For a while now I have wanted to investigate RVing, the concept of using recreational vehicles for short-term trips or even permanent lifestyles so I contacted the Canadian RVing Assocation to get more practical information about this form of travel. Catherine Fleming from www.gorving.ca was willing to take her time and enlighten us about this travel option.
1. Please tell us about the RVing lifestyle. There doesn’t seem to be a definition of the “RVing” lifestyle. An RV is a recreational vehicle that combines transportation and living quarters for travel, recreation and camping. An RV is suitable for vacations and weekend trips any time of year and there are even some people who RV on a full-time basis.
2. What types of recreational vehicles are there and how do they differ? How difficult is it to drive an RV?
RVs are divided into 3 main categories:
(1) Towable RVs - designed to be towed by a car, SUV, mini-van or pickup truck. These can be unhitched on arrival at a campsite making the tow vehicle available for use while the RV remains stationary. Types of towable RVs are: folding camping trailers, truck campers, travel trailers and fifth-wheel travel trailers.
(2) Motorized RVs – RVs that you drive, combining transportation and living quarters in one unit. Ranging from vans up to large bus size, all models can tow a family car. Types of motorized RVs are Class A motorhomes, Class B camper vans and Class C mini-motorhomes. (3) Park Model RVs. These are RVs with complete living quarters designed for seasonal use. Types of the Park Model Trailer 102 and the Park Model Recreational Unit.
3. How difficult is it to drive an RV?
Today’s RV models are as simple to drive as the family car. Every motorhome is equipped with power steering, brakes, and automatic transmission, resulting in a driving experience similar in many respects to driving a van. You don’t have to have the muscles of a truck driver to steer the vehicle, or the legs of a marathon runner to bring it to a stop… everything is adjusted to provide controls that feel just about the same as your typical family car… it’s just bigger!
Novice RV drivers only need a few minutes behind the wheel to become accustomed to the size and clearance requirements of a motorhome. Many new RV drivers are surprised at the enhanced visibility you enjoy when driving a big rig. Large windshields, mirrors, and optional rear-vision TV monitor systems give you a view of the highway that exceeds anything you are likely to find in a passenger car or van. Sitting in the captain’s chair, above the majority of the vehicles on the road, you can see what’s happening all around you much better than the average motorist can – and that’s a safety plus that makes motorhomes one of the most relaxing vehicles on the road today.
4. Please tell us about RVing possibilities in Canada, the US and Mexico. What type of amenities will I find in an RV campground?
There are campgrounds to suit everyone’s taste from large RV parks with every kind of luxury and amenity to beautiful remote wilderness campsites.
A study conducted by Go RVing Canada reveals that almost 24% of RVers fall into the category of owners who take the longest trips, have the highest incomes and are most willing to pay for premium services. It seems freedom of the open road is not the only thing these folks are looking for. They want a destination with all the facilities that they would expect from a fly-in vacation. Luxurious, manicured, private facilities that offer fishing, golf, tennis, community centers, health spas and more.
Upscale parks are popping up right across North America with resorts found in Canada, the United States and Mexico. Often requiring large tracts of land these sites are rural, even isolated – which most often provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing, scenic vacation. It also sets up the resort to be all-inclusive; serving today’s healthy, active RV lifestyle.
Resorts offer short and long-term rentals but also time-share type parks, straight property ownership, reciprocal camping memberships and even non-profit resorts owned wholly by their members. Freedom from ownership (which is often what attracts new RVers), is also very attractive. You have the freedom to come and go, visiting the same places each year or never visiting the same place twice. Most visitors to RV resorts stay for at least a few days, and many for months. In fact, long term stays are encouraged with the rental price often cheaper the longer you stay.
5. Please tell us about the benefits of being a member of an RV club.
The best way to get involved in the RV lifestyle is to join a club. You will find that members of RV clubs all share the same enthusiasm for adventure. Most experienced RVers discover that each RV club is different and often join more than one club just so they don’t miss out on any of the fun. Some RV clubs organize rallies and tours. There’s even a club single people who enjoy traveling, camping and the RV lifestyle.
Besides national and provincial RV clubs, many RV manufacturers have organized “user groups” for clubs for their RV owners. Contact the manufacturer of your RV to find out if there is club. You may be able to find other members near you to discuss interesting ways of modifying your RV or to share tips and ideas.
RV clubs are a great way to share experiences, get together for rallies and make a lot of new friends.
6. What type of people go RVing and why?
Who and why? Young families with kids. The family gets to spend more time together, the kids can sleep in their own beds anytime and they can eat when they’re hungry.
Busy career couples. The RV is ready to go when they are. They can leave at any time for however long they want. Have fun, relax. People with lots of time. People with not so much time but who just want to get away for a few days.
People who love the outdoors. Explore the countryside, new places, spend the night in your own piece of paradise, discover nature every morning and every night.
Retired people. Make new friends and neighbours, live life to the full at their own pace, travel to places they’ve always wanted to see.
Travelers on a budget. Great accommodation at the lowest price, meals and drinks will cost the same as at home, save money.
7. RVing is often referred to as a money-saving way of travel. What are the costs involved in RVing and the potential money savings over other forms of travel?
Costs involved include the cost of buying or renting a unit and insurance as well as the cost of gas. If you prepare your own meals you will probably pay the same amount for groceries as you would at home. You will save money on restaurant meals and hotel rooms.
8. Would it be possible for me to simply rent an RV to explore if I actually like the RVing experience?
Definitely. It’s a good way to find out if you would like to spend more time RVing and also to find out what types of options you really can’t live without. A number of RV dealerships also rent RVs and you can find a list on the Go RVing Canada web site: www.gorving.ca
9. What advice would you give someone who is thinking of becoming an RVer?
Take a good look around at the different types of units there are by visiting RV dealers and RV shows that take place across Canada in the winter and fall of each year. You can find listings of RV shows and dealerships on the Go RVing Canada website. Carefully consider how you might want to use an RV – full-time or part time.
10. What options are “must haves” in an RV and which options can you do without ?
Visit the Go RVing Canada web site at www.gorving.ca . There is a wealth of information there – from who to where to how-to. There are lists of RV Clubs, RV Shows & Sales, manufacturers, dealers, campgrounds, driving tips, where can I rent an RV and lots of RV FAQs.
Thank you, Catherine, for sharing your knowledge of recreational vehicles with us, another item in our travel tool chest.
Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com). Here you will find unconventional travel information and money-saving advice, cross-cultural experiences, live travel stories, interviews with travellers and other inspiring people. Submit your own travel stories and win an exciting Amazon River cruise! "Life is a Journey - Explore New Horizons"
Susanne Pacher may be contacted at http://www.travelandtransitions.com or sq@travelandtransitions.com
by Darlene Berkel
Florida spas tend to get busy during the winter months as people try to escape the chilly weather of their home and ease away holiday stress, so if you want to take a spa vacation in Florida, be sure to book early to give yourself a much better chance at getting what you want. During the summer months rates on spa vacations in this balmy state tend to drop; the thought of spending time in saunas and warm spas becoming unappealing to many with the already muggy weather.
Florida, one of the vacation capital of the world, is one of the most exciting locations in the world to have a treatment; if you ever had an urge to splurge on a spa, this would be the place to do it. Florida is one of the premier destinations for those looking for a variety of spa treatments. A trip to the spa is a common travel activity enjoyed by all vacationers who need to be "pampered" at least for a day.
Florida has some of the best spas in North America. Visits to the spa seem to be on the agenda of almost every visitor to this sunshine city, and for a reason. Like the hotels that host them, the spas within these establishments offer an excellent ambiance and an unforgettable experience.
Ritz-Carlton, Naples
This resort spa is located on Florida's southwest coast and offers a range of activities with heated swimming pools, lit tennis courts, a fitness center, and a spa complex spanning over 50,000 square feet. A Florida spa vacation destination that pampers its guests all day, this Old World-style resort is surrounded by three miles of pristine beaches and manicured gardens, as well as stone fountains and courtyards. Tours of the art collections and antiques in the lobby are provided by the concierge staff upon request and guests can choose from a number of signature treatments, including the Feast of Flowers Soaking Bath Ritual.
For those looking for a small break from the indulgent relaxation of the spa and its activities, downtown Naples is no more than 30 minutes away by car, and presents a number of shopping and dining locations. This Florida spa vacation spot is home to at least seven restaurants itself, each containing an exceptional variety of dishes to try.
Doral Golf Resort and Spa
The Health Spa at Doral offers fitness services, facial skin care, body treatments, hydro treatments, as well as massage therapy and over 100 other services. For the feel of a vacation at this Florida spa you can let the warm sun melt the stress away as you lounge by the pool, or try your hand at one of the five golf courses on site with lessons offered regularly.
Tennis is another popular activity, and can be enjoyed day or night on one of the 11 courts available and if you opt to book your Florida spa vacation here in suite you'll be treated to your own personal wet bar, entertainment system and Jacuzzi for further relaxation at any hour. Outside of the spa you'll find South Beach is nearby and the nightclubs stay open all night, so if you need to work off some extra energy the bubbling Jacuzzi couldn't lull away, feel free to dance until dawn.
Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne
Almost two dozen treatment rooms are scattered along this 20 thousand square-foot Florida spa vacation resort that offers treatments unique to the Ritz-Carlton of Key Biscayne such as the Everglades Grass Body Wrap and the Key Lime Coconut Body Scrub. Daily fitness classes such as Tai Chi, Pilates and Hatha Yoga are available for guests to participate in, or you can choose to head out to the Tennis Garden, designed by resident pro, Cliff Drysdale.
While you unwind with one of the several activities available to you during this Florida spa vacation your little ones can spend a half or full day out on events organized by trained staff members such as pirate treasure hunts, shell finding, and art classes. There are many more Florida spa vacation options available, but these should provide a decent starter base to work from as you hunt for that perfect relaxing getaway.
Visit http://honeymoon.every1loves2travel.com and start planning your honeymoon getaway today. We also recommend http://www.on-a-cruise.com to find out how to cruise around the world the fun way. Darlene Berkel may be contacted at http://www.every1loves2travel.com or dcbmarketing@yahoo.com
by Jenny Black
Traveling has become one of the most common activities that any person is undertaking. Be it for holidays, for business, for adventure; the frequency of people traveling in UK along with their counterparts in other parts of the globe has increased tremendously. But this refreshing experience can turn into a nightmare just within a split of a second. Your money may be lost, there might be flight cancellation etc; these can all add up and pose a threat to your financial condition. To handle this situation efficiently, you need to purchase travel insurance for yourself and your family members. And if you are a regular traveler, an annual travel insurance policy in UK is the best plan for you.
Annual travel insurance in UK provides comprehensive cover for any person who has plans to travel for more than once or twice a year. Instead of buying single trip policy for every travel, it is seen that a regular traveler can benefit convenience of an annual trip policy at a very cost-effective price.
The various covers include:
• Travel to any part of the globe as often as you like without any hassle of arranging for a policy again and again.
• All the policies will give you an extensive coverage for medical emergencies, accidents, loss or damage to belongings, travel cancellation or delay, personal liability and legal costs.
Apart from that many annual travel insurances in UK includes cover of your business travel, cover of your golf tournaments, winter sports etc. If you have to travel frequently to different countries for your business trips, then adding a cover of business travel insurance is a must. Again, if you visit to different golf tournaments frequently then you should add this cover to your annual travel insurance policy. The same with the case in winter sports; you can add this cover if you are interested in winter sports to help you to take care of your injury that may happen while playing any winter-sports.
Locating a perfect and cheap annual travel insurance policy in UK will need a systematic and comprehensive search. The whole market has to be searched if you want a policy that will suit you the best. For this you need to devote a lot of time. But, your work is now made easy with the internet facilities. Almost all companies now have their own websites and they feed all the information related to annual travel insurance in UK. So just visit those websites and grab an annual travel insurance policy in UK now!
Jenny Black is the financial analyst at HealthInsuranceUK.She health insurance, travel insurance, annual travel insurance in UK, travel insurances in UK, medical insurance visit http://www.healthinsuranceuk.org.uk
Jenny Black is the financial analyst at HealthInsuranceUK. She is providing independant insurance and financial advice on health through her informative articles. To find more about Medical insurance, Dental insurance , Vision insurance, Student health insurance , Short-term insurance, Business health insurance visit http://www.healthinsuranceuk.org.ukJenny Black may be contacted at http://www.healthinsuranceuk.org.uk
by Vernon Wells
So you have decided to get married, you realise that although the ceremony itself is a very important segment of your wedding, probably the most critical aspect to get your married life off to a great start is the honeymoon and consequently the honeymoon destinations available. The honeymoon destinations are very important your honeymoon is not only where you get to have a romantic vacation with your new spouse but also get to relax from all the stresses of the wedding itself. Do not forget that your honeymoon only occurs once during your married life. Admittedly you can always decide to go on second or third honeymoon later in your married life. Just remember that second and third honeymoons will not have the same romance and memories that you both will experience on that first honeymoon.
As with any vacation or holiday you must realise that the actual honeymoon destinations are probably the factors that are most important of your honeymoon vacation. The best option is to choose honeymoon destinations that both of you will enjoy. Consequently to really love your honeymoon it is best to choose exotic honeymoon destinations that both you and your significant other have dreamed of going to. Obviously there are a huge amount of tropical honeymoon destinations all over the globe where you both can enjoy a week or two of wedded bliss. Obviously it is imperative that you should know these vacation destinations and their locations and also that you probably are going to have to hand over some serious money in order for you to fully enjoy your honeymoon destinations.
That said you have to consider that taking your honeymoon in a tropical location does not mean that you have to spend a huge amount of cash, there is no need to have your bank account emptied. Do some research online or with your travel broker and choose the best honeymoon destinations that fall within your honeymoon budget. Before you book your honeymoon vacation with your travel broker, make sure you check out all the different honeymoon destinations available to you. You can peruse travel magazines or even bridal magazines. Using bridal magazines is a great idea as they specialize in showing you the best honeymoon destinations vacations. These honeymoon destinations are located all over the world. Perhaps your idea of great honeymoon destinations might be Hawaii, a Caribbean island, Bora Bora, Europe or even one of the exotic islands in Asia like the Maldives.
All these are great exotic honeymoon destinations. For all these destinations you will locate excellent honeymoon packages at your local travel broker. That said, probably the best option to save your hard earned cash is to book your honeymoon package online. You will find that booking your honeymoon vacations online will offer some great discounts as well as providing you with most options when it comes to honeymoon destinations. Taking all these factors into account will help you choose your honeymoon destinations and ensure that you have a wonderful honeymoon vacation.
Vernon Wells runs his own online travel business as well as running several shopping based websites. His particular speciality is vacations. Visit his website which is full of Honeymoon Destinations ideas. http://www.vacations-discounts.com/Honeymoon-Destinations.html
Vernon Wells runs his own online travel business as well as running several shopping based websites. His particular speciality is vacations. Visit his website which is full of Honeymoon Destinations ideas. http://www.vacations-discounts.com/Honeymoon-Destinations.html Vernon Wells may be contacted at or richarticles64@yahoo.com
8-17-05. Investigators are examining the devastating wreckage of a West Caribbean Airways plane that crashed and killed all 160 passengers (152 tourists and 8 crew members) on Tuesday. This is Venezuela's deadliest air disaster. Before plummeting to the ground, the pilot radioed authorities that both engines had failed. One of the flight data and voice recorders were recovered; however, the cockpit voice recorder was not. The airline has a record of mechanical problems and financial troubles.
Two days ago, a Cypriot airliner crashed in Greece killing its 121 passengers. Investigators are looking into claims that the plane had suffered technical problems in the past. According to a former chief mechanic, the jet had lost cabin pressure during a previous flight after a door was not sealed properly. Autopsies on the 25 bodies identified by relatives show that they were alive, but not necessarily conscious, when the plane crashed. The flight data recorder and badly damaged voice recorder were recovered.
Both planes belonged to new, low-cost regional carriers that are cropping up worldwide as a result of government deregulation of air travel.
[World | Travel | Venezuela | Greece | Daily News Bytes]
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