10 Places to Visit Before They Vanish

We may be one of the last generations to see some of the Earth’s most cherished places.

Whether it’s rising sea levels, desertification, torrential monsoons, melting glaciers or ocean acidification, climate change is rapidly altering the landscape of our planet.

10 Places to Visit Before They Vanish

National Trust 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations

For those looking for a different type of trip, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has just released its 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations list, highlighting “cultural and recreational experiences different from those found at the typical vacation destination.”

This year, for the first time, the National Trust will allow travelers to choose their favorite.

Have a look at the 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations list below and then go to PreservationNation.org/ddd to cast your vote.

Source: USA Today

Women Boomers Ultimate Travel Consumers

No traveling demographic will grow faster over the next 10 years than women aged 50-75.

79% of Boomer women already have their leisure travel planned. 42% will spend $2,500 per person on each vacation they take.

40% have planned 2010 leisure travel outside the U.S., to Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, on cruises, or elsewhere. They have seen the U.S. and are ready for more.

70% of Boomer women make their travel decisions by themselves – even though 63% of them are married. Less than 20% shared their decision-making with their spouse/partner. And only 4% said that their spouse/partner made their travel decisions.

Boomer women are active and curious travelers 58% prefer “moderate” or “extensive” physical activity when they travel. They don’t want to sit on buses, and resent travel planners and marketers who imply that they do.

For Boomer women, travel is learning: 31% have taken trips that included educational travel. And 57% would pay up to 50% more for trips that include educational components.

Source:

Top Hotel Deals in Mexico

Mexico has so many interesting vacation destinations –

Alcapulco - One of the first resort destinations in Mexico

Cancun – 200-plus days of sun a year and a temperature that averages 80F

Cozumel – Mexico’s largest island

Los Cabos – Located at southern tip of Baja California peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf meet

Mexico City – Cosmopolitan and modern destination.

Puerto Vallarta – Situated on the same latitude as Hawaii

Riviera Maya – Oone of the most popular spots in Mexico, and is often called the “Mexican Caribbean”

Mazatlan – Beautiful Pacific resort city takes a very laid back approach to tourists

Find out MORE about each destination and available vacations

Last Minute Deals

SAVE up to 60%!

Not ready to travel within 3-14 days? No problem! Last minute deals are available 24/7 .

What does change are the destinations, available hotels and dates. But with deals from around the world – there us always somewhere exciting to visit and NOT bust the budget.

So bookmark the site – when you know your travel dates simply come back within 2 weeks of travel and find your ideal vacation destination on the cheap!

Top 10 Places for Valentine’s Day Trysts

Travel-planning site Away.com delivers some selling points and suggestions in its of the top 10 romantic getaways for 2010:

1. Bermuda
Its allure comes from the miles of rose-colored beaches with frothy waves warmed by the sultry Gulf Stream. Combining British formality and tropical ease, Bermuda is ideal for destination weddings and honeymoons.
2. Paris
No city in the world is as connected to the feeling of love as is Paris. Period. Its curving river, iconic landmarks, intimate cafes, and celebrated works of art are the physical embodiments of a culture dedicated to love, romance, and sensuality.
3. Kauai, Hawaii
Adventure and romance go hand in hand here, and couples looking for exhilarating activities will find plenty to do. Known for its secluded beaches, Kauai also provides tons of thrills in the form of snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, helicopter tours, and catamaran cruises.
4. New Orleans
The Big Easy is well on the comeback route from Katrina, and nowhere in the United States can you find the level of culture, music, and excellent food as you do in N’awlins.
5. Riviera Maya, Mexico
Palm trees, beach bars, and Mayan ruins strung along the Caribbean Sea provide a suitable backdrop to some of the world’s best all-inclusive resorts. After all, relaxation is a key component to romance.
6. Bali
An exotic island of volcanoes, waterfalls, and rain forests, Bali has a dreamlike cadence punctuated by the heady perfume of tropical flowers and gamelan music. Coastal beaches and the lush interior make Bali a popular draw for couples.
7. Venice
Everyone knows about the canals, but Venice has so much more, from sunsets over St. Mark’s Basilica to day trips to nearby beach towns. Sophisticated eateries, Old World architecture, and, of course, boat rides in the canals complete the picture.
8. Vancouver
Few places combine cosmopolitan sophistication with a spirited love of the outdoors as seamlessly as Vancouver. British Columbia’s jewel features blocks of upscale shops and eateries, parks full of ancient cedars, and a wealth of cultural treasures.
9. Fiji
Fiji’s seductive beauty lies mostly in miles of pristine beaches arcing at the edge of see-through aquamarine seas that couples can enjoy all alone. Romance takes many forms, and Fiji embraces them all, from adventure diving to the sweet nothingness of swaying in a hammock under a palm tree.
10. Miami
Sun-kissed days and steamy nights. Moonlight strolls on a balmy beach. An ocean view from your hotel room. Miami pampers couples with luxury resorts, grand old hotels, intimate boutique hideaways, and Art Deco jewels.

Visit www.away.com.

Australia Says No to Cougars and Cubs

Carnival Cruise Lines announced that it would no longer welcome Cougar related cruises, and now  the country of Australia had denied entry for the Cougars – and their cubs.

Read full story at Cruise Vacation Planning Blog

Airlines Drop Latest Fare Increase

Evidently the increase did not go over well with the traveling public . . .

The major U.S. airlines (American, Delta, United and Continental) have dropped their effort to raise fares by up to $16.00 roundtrip after some carriers resisted the increase.

American Airlines have confirmed today they have dropped the fare increase announced last week – and of course the rest fell into line.

Half Moon Expands Children’s Program – JamaicaObserver.com

desc

via Half Moon Expands Children’s Program – JamaicaObserver.com.

Disney’s New Hawaii Resort

The mouse returns to Hawaii!

Back in 1937, Mickey Mouse took a surfing trip to Hawaii in the animated film Hawaiian Holiday. Watch the video

Walt Disney Parks & Resorts announces the name of its new Hawaii resort  – Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawaii. It is Disney’s first stand-alone family destination resort and is scheduled to open in 2011.

The new resort will feature 830 hotel and vacation time-share rooms (combining a 350-room hotel with 480 vacation villas), as well as a water play area and an 18,000 square-foot spa. The timeshare units will be part of the 350,000-member family-oriented Disney Vacation Club, which has eight other resorts.

Nearly 1,000 “cast members” will be hired by the anticipated opening date in 2011. Currently Disney has no plans to expand the resort into a theme park.

St Maarten – New Luxury Property

Located on Cupecoy Beach, the new luxury oceanfront Rainbow Beach Club Resort is built on a massive coral cliff, offering breathtaking scenery of the Caribbean Sea.

Guests have access to the beautiful, secluded beaches and private cave. The property offers spacious, luxury accommodations with oversized balconies and terraces.

Rooms have designer furnishings, kitchens with granite counterstops and stainless steel appliances, Italian marble/granite baths,cable tv with Video on Demand, Wifi, washer and dryer, in rooms safes.

Three designer pools overlook the Caribbean Sea, and Rainbow Beach Club Resort also offers a Cybex equipped universal fitness and yoga center, an accredited roof-top Tennis Court, concierge service, and hi-tech 3000 square foot Business Center.

World class casinos, restaurants, health spas and retailers can be found within a short walking distance of the resort. On site Italian restaurant opening in Spring 08′.

More info

Family Cruise Programs

Many families are looking to take a cruise this year due to the high price of gas, and for the family friendly atmosphere found onboard major cruise lines.

Cruise lines cater to families and provide entertainment, activities and fun for the whole family.

For families trying to find just the right ship with the best family cruise programs that cater to their vacation needs, check out all the family cruise programs – and find a perfect cruise for your families needs.

Family Cruise Programs Offered by Major Cruise Lines

Airlines Raise Baggage Fees Again

PACK LIGHT OR PAY DEARLY!

These news charges are especially bad for families. It’s nearly impossible for families with small children and babies to travel without diapers, food, toys, etc. BUT GET THIS . . . fees are waived for elite-level frequent fliers, and for those in business or first class. Not FAMILY FRIENDLY!

To date SOUTHWEST AIRLINES is the only airline NOT charging baggage fees.

United Airlines was the latest to boost the cost of checking a bag to $25, while checking a second bag will cost $35, an increase of $5 from the previous charges. United’s higher fees take effect for tickets purchased after Jan. 14 for travel on or after Jan. 21.

Delta Air Lines and Continental both raised their fees to $25 and $35. Delta began charging the fee for tickets purchased beginning Jan. 5 for travel on or after Jan. 12. Passengers pay $23 for the first bag and $32 for the second if they prepay while checking in online.

Continental began charging the fee on tickets purchased on or after Jan. 9 for travel beginning Jan. 16. Again, passengers can save $2 on the first bag and $3 on the second by prepaying when they’re checking in online.

New Cayman Island Property

Grand Cayman Welcomes New Community

New resort openings are a common occurrence in the Caribbean, but Camana Bay in Grand Cayman is really a new town on the island’s map, with 500 acres of new apartments and townhouses, shops, parks, a school, restaurants and offices located within walking distance of the town center, which features a landmark observation tower.

Cayman News Net recently reported that Camana Bay boosters hope the town will grow into a new tourism hub, particularly for travelers heading for Stingray City, the top tourist attraction in the Caymans.
http://www.caymannetnews.com/news-19735–1-1—.html

United Airlines Fined $30,000 for Violations

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) assessed a $30,000 civil penalty against United Airlines for failing to disclose the full price consumers must pay for air transportation as required by the department’s rules.
The department’s Aviation Enforcement Office found that for approximately 60 hours, United failed to include the 7.5 percent federal excise tax in fares in the initial search results page of its website.
This is the second penalty against United for price advertising violations within the past five months. On Aug. 25, 2009, DOT fined United $75,000 for failing to provide appropriate notice of taxes and fees at the first point a fare was advertised on its website, and for publishing each-way fares without making it clear that they were available only for a roundtrip flight.

Source: Travel Pulse

Travel Gadgets to Enhance Your Vacation!

Your much awaited travel plans will be greatly enhanced if you are well equipped with the appropriate travel gadgets.

Here is a list of some gadgets that are sure to fill the down time and enhance the wow time!

Haiti Desperately Needs Assistance

Tens of thousands are feared dead on the island of Haiti!

A number of viable charities and relief organizations are on the island – or in route to Haiti. Please donate whatever you can to assist in the relief effort.

For an updated listing of charities – click here

Top 10 U.S. Girlfriend Getaways

With the Super Bowl and Pro Bowl around the corner, the Daytona 500 down the block, and FIFA World Cup on the horizon, there may be too much testosterone in the air for the average female. But even those who are huge sports fans could use a luxurious spa retreat, refined wine tasting tour, carefree nightlife escape or relaxed shopping trips, right?

According to the Travel Industry Association of America, 24 percent of American women have taken a girlfriend getaway in the past three years while 39 percent plan to take one in the next three years. As women everywhere have quickly discovered the blissful escape of girlfriend getaways. , HotelsCombined.com names the Top 10 Girlfriend Getaways in the U.S. and offers some deals to these familiar and off-the-beaten-path locales.

1. Las Vegas— Vegas is a favorite destination for women looking for a little self-indulgence. The Four Seasons tempts its female guests with a package that includes in-room cocktails and immediate access to world-class gaming.
2. Palm Beach, FL— This iconic beach town that inspired the whimsical fashions of Lily Pulitzer welcomes trendsetters to the new The Omphoy Ocean Resort, which features yoga sessions on the beach and private spa treatments on oceanfront terraces.
3. San Francisco – From trendy bistros to exemplar seafood, San Francisco offers foodies the chance to experience culinary masterpieces and chocolate delights found all around The Fairmont Heritage Place in Ghirardelli Square.
4. Austin, TX— Shopaholics in need of retail therapy appreciate this central location next to three upscale malls in this emerging shopping haven. A little further south, girlfriends discover Austin’s distinguished SoCo district, full of bohemian shops and hip boutiques. Hotelscombined.com recommends Hyatt Place Austin Arborteum.
5. Portland— For wine connoisseurs, the Hotel Vintage Plaza private wine room and nightly wine hour complement a relaxing outing in Oregon’s renowned wine country.
6. Miami— Home of “fruit caviar” cocktails and the hottest local DJs, the Hotel Victor in South Beach brings the vibrancy of Miami nightlife right to its doorstep. With Friday night Ice Bar Chill-Outs and Saturday night Sunset Sessions, girlfriends can dance the night away.
7. Asheville, NC— The Biltmore Inn, located on the 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate, is the ultimate secluded escape. Surrounded by beautiful wooded scenery in the heart of the Great Smokey Mountains, women in need of rejuvenation will leave feeling refreshed and revitalized.
8. New York— After exploring the Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, art lovers staying at The Roosevelt Hotel take advantage of a special package that includes tickets to Broadway’s longest running musical, the Phantom of the Opera.
9. Stowe, VT— Women of all ages will fall in love with Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa, which treats mind, body, and soul via Sound Therapy body tuning and the ancient art of Ayurvedic herbal oil treatments.
10. Savannah, GA – Experience the charm of Savannah’s southern hospitality with the River Street Inn’s Eat/Sleep Southern Package. Located alongside the country’s best antique shops, the Inn provides antique lovers direct access to hundred-year-old armoires and other old-world treasures.

SOURCE: TRAVEL AGENT CENTRAL

7.0 Earthquake hits Caribbean island of Haiti

A major earthquake registering 7.0 hit the island of Haiti today just before 5 p.m. eastern time. The quake was centered about 10 miles from the capital, Port-au-Prince.

This is the largest earthquake ever reported in the Caribbean region in 250 years. The last major earthquake was 6.7, and recorded in 1984.

According to the U.S. National Geological Survey, there  were two aftershocks measuring 5.5 and 5.9.

Damage is expected to be extensive – the city of Port-au-Prince is estimated to have around 2 million residents.

The island of Haiti is one of the poorest nations in the Western Hemisphere with 70% of the population earns less than $2.00 daily, and more than half of the total island population of 8.5 million is unemployed.

The quake was also felt in the Dominican Republic, which shares a border with Haiti – and on the eastern island of Cuba.

The White House was notified, and the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Agency for Int’l Development, and the U.S. Southern Command are currently working on an assessment of the damage.

A tsunami watch for Haiti, the Dominican Republic, parts of Cuba, and the Bahamas following the has been canceled according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

http://caribbean.braveweblog.com/entry/48545

Caribbean Travel and Tour

Caribbean Islands Directory, listing all Restaurants, Tours and attractions,
Hotels, sightseeing, Resorts & Spa.

List your business with us.

http://www.caribbean-tour.com/

email: info@caribbean-tour.com