Jetsettersblog

This year sees the 25th anniversary of Philip Larkin’s death, which will be commemorated through a series of celebrations in Hull.

The poet, novelist and jazz critic will be remembered through cultural events and exhibitions to celebrate his artistic and professional achievements, ensuring his place as one of the city’s cultural icons.

One of the major projects for the Larkin25 programme will be the Larkin Trail; an interactive journey based on the key locations of Larkin’s life and work, beginning at the newly refurbished Royal Hotel, the landmark hotel where Larkin wrote his seminal poem, ‘Friday Night at the Royal Station Hull’.

To mark the start of the Larkin Trail, a 7ft tribute statue of the poet has been commissioned by sculptor Martin Jennings on Hull station concourse, leading visitors into The Royal Hotel.

Jennings was one of three sculptors who presented ideas and scale models to an invited audience at the Royal Hotel in February, and his work will be unveiled on 2 December on the anniversary of the poet’s death.

Launching in autumn 2010, the Larkin Trail will be a permanent installation, continuing to attract visitors to the region and introducing them to Larkin’s poetry for years to come.

The trail will feature approximately 35 sites which are significant to Larkin, linking different aspects of his life and work to a sense of place and locality.

A website, interactive media and trail map will give more extensive information on the buildings, streets and parks where Larkin lived, worked, visited and places which inspired his poetry.

The hotel has recently completed a substantial £1.5 million refurbishment by Focus Hotels, providing comfortable and stylish accommodation for guests visiting the city.

The historic building has been carefully restored to combine the splendour of the Victorian era and the comforts of modern living, offering stylish accommodation whilst retaining the individuality and character of the building.

Creepywoods Haunted Forest, is a Halloween adventure now in it’s 3rd Year located on Huber’s Farm in Kingsville, MD, just minutes north of White Marsh Mall on Rt. 7 (Philadelphia Road).

BALTIMORE, MD — Experience an even longer and action packed trail: filled with incredible new scares, impressive new scenes and even more gore. You’ll find a few new surprises that will leave you screaming for more.
Creepywoods Haunted Forest, is a Halloween adventure now in it’s 3rd Year located on Huber’s Farm in Kingsville, MD, just minutes north of White Marsh Mall on Rt. 7 (Philadelphia Road).
Summon your courage and prepare to enter the dark of the forest in a walk-through haunted trail filled with live actors, awesome special effects and amazing monsters! Come face to face with terrifying creatures and tortured souls that are neither living nor dead roaming about in search of their next victims.
We’ve been working all year creating the newest and most diabolical scares for you to enjoy. Come experience why Creepywoods Haunted Forest is Maryland’s Fastest Growing Halloween Adventure!

WHAT: Creepywoods Haunted Forest
Self-guided themed haunted trail.
(Parental consent is necessary for children under 10)

WHEN: October 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 & November 5th
Friday & Saturday Nights 7:30pm -11:00pm (ticket window hours only)
Sunday Night 7:30pm -10:00pm

WHERE: Creepywoods Haunted Forest at Huber’s Farm 11898 Philadelphia Rd. Kingsville, MD 21087
Take 95 North Exit 67A 43 (White Marsh Blvd.) towards Rt. 40. Take the Rt 7 exit. Make a right
at the light onto Rt 7. Follow 4 Miles. Creepywoods is on the left.

COST: Tickets Prices (all ages):
1.) General Admission $15
2.) Speed Pass $25

BACKGROUND: Created by Bennett Productions LLC, Creepywoods Haunted Forest is a walk through haunted trail. Owner Allan Bennett, 34 is Maryland’s “King of Halloween” is a board member of the Haunted House Association as well as a member of the International Association of Haunted Attractions. With partner and wife, Jill Bennett, their goal is to provide a professional Themed Haunted Attraction with film quality costumes, props, and sets with high tech animation. Creepywoods Haunted Forest is a self-guided tour open during October in Kingsville, Maryland, at Huber’s Farm. Bennett Productions LLC also offers Bennett’s Curse Haunted Attraction (www.bennettscurse.com), which is a Medieval Themed Haunted Attraction that debuted October 2001. In 2007, Allan Bennett launched http://www.mdhaunts.com the #1 source for Halloween and Haunted Houses in Maryland.

For more information call 410-538-6461 or visit http://www.creepywoods.com

Alsace, France’s smallest region and a hidden secret as far as British tourists are concerned, is fast becoming a major attraction for motoring holidaymakers and car and motorsport enthusiasts alike.

Apart from offering quiet roads running through stunning countryside littered with vineyards, medieval villages and castles that are ideal for late summer or autumn motoring, Alsace is home to one of the most charismatic names in the world of cars, Bugatti.

The famous company’s Molsheim plant near Strasbourg, which made its first cars in 1909, now produces what is claimed to be the world’s most beautiful sports car, the Bugatti Veyron.

And if you want to see the world’s largest collection of old Bugattis then head for Mulhouse and Cité de l’Automobile.

The Schlumpf Collection is certainly the most prestigious car collection in the world. This is demonstrated by the two Bugatti Royales, including the famous Coupé Napoléon, the 150 Bugatti, Hispano-Suiza, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Maserati, Maybach and Mercedes models,. It was in a former Mulhouse woolen mill, with its typically 19th century architecture, that Fritz Schlumpf established his fabulous collection of 437 cars belonging to 97 different brands.

Today the Cité de l’Automobile sees itself as being to cars what the Louvre is to art!

For motorsport enthusiasts Alsace also has a strong connection with the world of international rallying, so strong in fact that in October the annual Rallye de France will be held in the region, the first time ever that the event has been held outside of Corsica.

It will be a home coming for the legendary driver Sebastien Loeb, born in northern Alsace and who has won the World Rally Championship an amazing six times.

However if it just a peaceful motoring holiday in a relatively unknown part of France that you want then Alsace should not be overlooked.

Sitting between the Rhine and the peaks of the Vosges mountains it is at the real centre of Europe, with its colourful, complex culture created by German, Swiss and Flemish influences.

Drive on through undiscovered wine country and go and see some of the best fortified castles in France.

After that enjoy outstanding food and wine, as there are more Michelin starred restaurants in Alsace than anywhere else in France other than Paris.

To discover more about all that is happening in Alsace in 2010 visit www.tourism-alsace.com

Situated in the eastern corner of Jutland and surrounded by sea in three directions, Djursland is renowned for its wonderful natural diversity and extensive array of family friendly attractions, making it a pristine playground for young and old alike.

Sporting over 150km of white, sandy beach with inviting shallow waters, open heath, rolling farmland, dense forest and picturesque lakes, the countryside is ideal for exploring by foot, bicycle, horse or canoe.

There is a great selection of well established walking routes and cycling tracks, such as the stunning Nordsøstien Path through small coastal villages along the North Sea Trail.

Home to Denmark’s second National Park Mols Bjerge with its stunning hilly landscapes stretching down to the sea, nature’s other highlights include the rocky coastline of the Ice Age worn Helgenæs peninsula; Kolindsund – an area rich in bird life with numerous canals and one of the largest lakes in Jutland; and the steep calcareous cliffs of the Northern coast – Klinterne ved Gjerrild and Karlby og Sangstrup – where you can find fossilised sea urchins, belemnites and, if you are lucky, shark’s teeth.

With numerous beaches to choose from, holidaymakers can opt for one of the many EU’s Blue Flag awarded spots such as the popular Grenaa Strand (which was recently voted the best beach in Jutland) or more adventurously for the coves of Ebeltoft and Kalø to check out the surf, carve a few waves or head underwater to discover some of the areas best dive sites.

For more watery fun, Denmark’s largest water park Djurs Sommerland has over 60 daredevil rides including the country’s largest and fastest rollercoaster reaching ‘splashtastic’ speeds of 90km/hour. Exhilarating encounters can also be had at the Kattegatcentret where you can ‘Discover Scuba Diving’ and take a dip in the attraction’s Oceanarium with rays, two metre long sharks and other exotic creatures from the deep.

Avid landlubbers, who prefer a walk on the wild side, can visit Randers Rainforest, an enormous indoor tropical safari featuring each of the world’s rainforest regions.

With 450 kinds of plant and 200 different animals, many of which live freely, kids can get up close and personal with monkeys, iguanas, bats and parrots.

Or for animal magic a little closer to home, the Scandinavian Animal Park features over 20 different Nordic species including bears, wolves, arctic fox, moose and deer with more European natives found at the Ree Park – Ebeltoft Safari alongside savannah roaming cheetahs and African wild dogs.

With ancient buildings and picturesque towns, Djursland’s historical attractions provide a fascinating insight into the region’s development. Step back to 3300BC to sunrise at Porskær Stenhus – Denmark’s largest ‘Stonehenge’ monument; soak up the past’s royal grandeur at the magnificently maintained castles of Rosenholm Slot, Gammel Estrup, Clausholm Slot and the gardens at Det Jydske Haveselskab. Wander through the quaint village of Ebeltoft exploring the town’s museum which is housed in Denmark’s’ smallest town hall, old dye works, Helgenæs Vicarage and former classroom.

For a complete immersion in ‘days gone by’, take a trip to Denmark’s second largest city -Aarhus, to its award-winning 5 star attraction Den Gamle By (‘The Old Town’). Providing an interactive snapshot into the time of Hans Christian Andersen, this ‘living museum’ comprises 75 period buildings serviced by costumed staff that go about their everyday life as they would have done a hundred years ago.

Other slices of history can be had at the Danish Agricultural Museum, which showcases the nation’s largest collection of agricultural tools and machinery alongside traditional breeds of farm animals that children can play with; onboard the Fregatten Jylland – the longest wooden ship in the world; inside the Djurslands Museum & Dansk Fiskerimuseum – a picturesque Merchant’s house containing intriguing artefacts including pottery, clothing, the largest ancient coin discovery from Kirial and items from the fishing industry; and at the Glasmuseet Ebeltoft, a world class glassworks and museum which houses a renowned collection of international and contemporary pieces and is the perfect place to see the resident glassblowers create stunning artworks in front of your eyes.

For those who enjoy the flexibility of self-catering, Djursland offers an excellent range well-equipped campsites and beach house properties.

Camping options range from simple tent pitches to cosy, comfortable cabins and en-suite chalets, with accommodation to suit every taste and budget.

For example, stay right on the beach at Grenaa Strand Camping with easy access to all the attractions from as little as £7.65(DK68)/adult/night in a tent with standard cabins sleeping up to six people from £55.50(DK495)/night.

Novasol has a large choice of houses and, with the Danish school holidays following a slightly different pattern those in the UK, it’s possible to make significant savings during this otherwise peak period, when prices in many other European destinations can be sky high.

For example a very comfortable, well-appointed house sleeping eight, just 300 metres from the beach, costs from £1,199 per week during the peak season in July but if travelling after 28 August the price drops to £780 per week – representing a saving of £419 on the peak-season price.

Getting there:

Ideal for a self-drive holiday, the best way to experience the area is to arrive by ferry with DFDS Seaways (www.dfdsseaways.co.uk)

They offer a regular service of departures every other day between Harwich and Esbjerg, during June, July and August and crossings three times a week between September and May.

DFDS Seaways has fares from Harwich to Esbjerg from £232 for two people + car + caravan one-way (caravans go free on Sunday & selected Mondays for bookings made 30 days in advance). Djursland is approximately two and a half hours easy drive from Esbjerg with many good attractions to explore on the way.

For additional information on the region visit www.visitdjursland.com  or for more details on Denmark visit www.visitdenmark.com

From ‘Seafaris’ To Geology Trails And Sea Sports Galore Discover The Hidden Secrets Of The English Riviera Geopark

You might not associate south Devon with a Sahara-style desert, a Caribbean-type ocean and drowned forests, but The English Riviera is home to a host of hidden stories unseen elsewhere in the world.

Nestling within rolling hills, the geology of the area has created today’s English Riviera coastline, linking a rich diversity of landscape with wildlife, people and culture.

Thanks to a landscape untouched by glaciation, The English Riviera Geopark, member of the Global Networks of National Geoparks with the support of UNESCO, is one of only 57 Geoparks around the world. The exclusive Geopark membership helps protect and promote some of the world’s most important geological heritage.

And visitors are being invited to join in the celebration of a unique landscape by enjoying new experiences, facilities and events.

From special cruises around the bay – offering the best views of the spectacular geology and beautiful coastline – to more energetic geopark trails and stunning gateway sites, The English Riviera Geopark boasts a whole host of attractions.

Patron of the English Riviera Global Geopark is TV geologist Dr Iain Stewart, presenter of Journeys from the Centre of the Earth, and the BBC’s award winning series Earth – The Power of the Planet.

He says of the area: “The English Riviera Geopark is one of the most exciting initiatives I have seen in terms of the quality of the geology and the enthusiasm of the team.

The Geopark is great because it is within an urban area, but you can still tell a lot of the story of Britain, and the dramatic changes which have taken place, for example in climate, from looking at the different ages and types of rocks found in the area.”

Over 22 miles of beautiful coastline and a mild climate has ensured that the English Riviera has been a popular tourist destination since the Victorian era, but the area’s geological story stretches back to the days of hippopotami, mammoth, straight-tusked elephants and sabre-toothed tigers as well as earliest man.

Now there are new ways for visitors to appreciate the geology and coastline.

Geopark Cruises – view the Bay’s spectacular geology and beautiful coastline from the sea – the best vantage point. Cruises run everyday through to September (weather permitted) and last around one hour.

Seafari trip – a two hour family fun cruise in search of birds, seals, dolphins, and porpoises, with a free fact sheet compiled by Living Coasts, Torquay’s coastal zoo and conservation charity. There are a choice of two tickets, one including entrance to Living Coasts and one without.

Geotrails – take to two feet for a spectacular view on a network of trails and waymarked walks. Follow the English Riviera Geopark Trail and travel through 400 million years of time, with a new Geopark Trail leaflet now available.

Get GeoActive – as well as walking and cycling the clifftops and countryside above, the English Riviera’s sheltered bay provides the perfect arena for watersports, with sailing particularly popular.

But how about trying Sea kayaking? For more adrenaline-fuelled fun, try wakeboarding. The Bay boasts some of the calmest and warmest waters in the British Isles, making it the perfect venue for beginners in particular.

In addition there are also flagship ‘gateway sites’ to the Geopark:

Kents Cavern – an award winning visitor attraction in Torquay with tours, shop and café. A protected national monument and a site of special scientific interest, the cave has an incredible record of human activity from all three stages of the Stone Age stretching back over 500,000 years.

The cave’s most important find is a human jawbone dated at 37-40,000 years old, currently the oldest anatomically correct human fossil in Europe. (www.kents-cavern.co.uk)

Berry Head National Nature Reserve – the area’s most important wildlife site, this limestone headland rising 200 feet above the sea, forming the southern arm of Tor Bay. This free-to-enter 100-acre National Nature Reserve, holding some nationally rare plant and animal species, is also a Country Park boasting two well preserved Napoleonic War-era Forts.

This year saw the opening of a new visitor centre and Guardhouse Café, with interactive displays about the site. (www.berryhead.org.uk)

When visiting, please remember the geology of The English Riviera is special, and that all sites are protected by law.

For more details about the Geopark, its attractions and events visit www.englishrivierageopark.org.uk

For details on other attractions and accommodation visit www.englishriviera.co.uk

The Horseshoe Inn at Eddleston joins The Great Inns of Britain
and celebrates becoming the second Scottish member of this exclusive collection.

Widely revered as one of the finest places to dine in Scotland, The Horseshoe Inn at Eddleston is celebrating its latest accolade, becoming only the second Scottish property to join The Great Inns of Britain – a collection of stylish, historic properties, whereby membership is by invitation only.

Situated just 30 minutes south of Edinburgh near Peebles in the Scottish Borders, The Horseshoe Inn at Eddleston brings The Great Inns of Britain total membership to 24.

Following extensive refurbishment in 2005, Vivienne and Patrick Bardoulet have finally realised their lifelong dream, to open their own hotel and restaurant.

Within just two years it proved a hit, bagging a string of awards for outstanding hospitality and cuisine, which include:

3AA Rosettes, AA Restaurant of the Year (Scotland) 2007-2008, Scottish Hotel of the Year Awards Rising Star and an EatScotland Gold Award.

Housed within a former blacksmith’s smiddy, Bardoulet’s (Fine Dining) Restaurant and informal Bistro offer imaginative, seasonal menus that combine the best of local Scottish produce with French influences from Patrick’s homeland, to create dishes that blend traditional with modern, with a good helping of European flavours from his experiences of working in top-rated establishments across England, Ireland, Denmark and Cyprus.

Patrick and his team have hand-picked key suppliers to ensure diners can savour the freshest, locally sourced produce, with many ingredients travelling from just a few miles away. Edinburgh’s Campbells Prime Meat Ltd supplies the majority of the meat selection, while Kelso’s Burnside Farm Foods specialises in fresh poultry and game, sourced from their own and surrounding estates, while Fresh Local Produce in Glasgow ensures that salads, fruit and vegetables are grown no more than 50 mile radius.

Sustainably sourced shellfish and seafood is delivered by M & J Seafood, while the finest artisan cheeses, charcuterie, olives, foie gras, caviar and Valrhona chocolate are sourced from a range of European gourmet specialists by Clarks Speciality Foods in nearby Midlothian.

The creative talents of Vivienne Bardoulet have transformed the village’s former Victorian Primary School into eight individually furnished bedrooms that offer the perfect retreat from a day of exploring the local countryside and towns of the Scottish Borders and nearby Edinburgh.

Inspired by the couple’s former home in Ancrum, Vivienne has created a real ‘home from home’ with warm, cosy interiors and furnishings.

Perfectly placed for visitors to enjoy walking and cycling,

The Horseshoe Inn’s location close to the River Tweed also offers the chance to enjoy a fishing break on one of the world’s greatest rivers. Through a partnership with the Tweed Guide, Scotland’s foremost guiding organization for fly fishing, you can try your hand at fishing for trout, grayling, sea trout and salmon, with expert knowledge and guidance – and all equipment provided.

Patrick Bardoulet says:

“It’s been great to finally realise our dream at The Horseshoe Inn at Eddleston and we’ve had some fantastic support since we arrived; and while we’ve become well known within Scotland, I think that our membership to The Great Inns of Britain and the Historic Hotels of Europe will help to bring even more visitors into Eddleston and even Scotland.”

Welcoming the membership of The Horseshoe Inn at Eddleston, Sir Thomas Ingilby, Chair and co-founder of the Great Inns of Britain,
said:

“The Great Inns of Britain is delighted to welcome The Horseshoe Inn at Eddleston, as it becomes only our second Scottish member in the collection, joining The Royal Hotel in Comrie, Perthshire.

Each new member brings its own unique offer and characteristics, but all share the essential qualities of The Great Inns -historical charm, first class food and hospitality, coupled with excellent wines and real ales. And now, with The Great Inns elected as members of The Historic Hotels of Europe, I hope that The Horseshoe Inn at Eddleston will be marked firmly on the European map.”

Membership of the Great Inns of Britain is by invitation only from the existing members. The collection of independently owned Inns was first established over twelve years ago by the late Paul Whittome, owner of The Hoste Arms at Burnham Market in Norfolk, and Sir Thomas Ingilby, owner of The Boar’s Head in Ripley, North Yorkshire.

For more information contact The Horseshoe Inn at Eddleston, Nr Peebles, Scottish Borders, EH45 8QP.
T: +44(0)1721 730225
E: vivienne@horseshoeinn.co.uk
W: www.horseshoeinn.co.uk

For a brochure with details of the 24 Great Inns in the group call 01423 770152. Details also on www.greatinns.co.uk

For further information about the Historic Hotels of Europe visit www.historichotelsofeurope.com

From Monday to Saturday every week up to October 30, a Northern Rail service runs from Preston, in Lancashire, to Dalegarth, in the beautiful Eskdale Valley, Cumbria, on a journey that provides spectacular views of beautiful Morecambe Bay and the Furness Peninsula en route.

The train leaves Preston railway station at 08.38, Lancaster at 08.58 and Carnforth at 09.08, picking up at various other Lancashire and Cumbrian stations including Silverdale, Arnside, Grange-over-Sands and Ulverston.

On leaving Barrow-in-Furness, the train continues along the Cumbrian Coast line to Ravenglass – the only coastal village in the Lake District. There, passengers can board a Ravenglass and Eskdale 15″ gauge train and take a seven-mile steam journey full with the romance of steam travel.

The magical journey transports passengers through hidden Miterdale, past woods and landscapes rich in wildlife and along a route that runs in the shadow of Muncaster Fell.

Travelling through the beautiful Eskdale Valley enables passengers to experience some of the lesser-known, stunning landscapes of the Western Lake District before they arrive at Dalegarth.

A modern visitor centre, complete with Romans in Eskdale exhibition, awaits those wishing to explore the station’s facilities, which also include a well-stocked gift shop, catering for both children and adults alike.

The Fellbites Eatery at Dalegarth provides home cooked, tasty hot and cold food, whilst the play area, officially opened by Princess Alexandra in summer 2009, has some exciting features on which children can let off steam.

There is enough time for passengers to also explore the local village of Boot with its historic working, water-powered corn mill and take a short walk before the return journey, which starts at 14.50 Monday to Friday. Passengers will then arrive back in Carnforth for 18.54, Lancaster at 19.04 and Preston at 19.30.

On Saturdays, passengers have an extra hour in Eskdale, leaving at 15.50 and returning to Carnforth for 18.54, to Lancaster at 19.04 and to Preston at 19.30.

The fare from Preston to Dalegarth costs £27.60 for an adult and £13.80 for a child. The adult return fares generate a £1 donation to The Railway Children charity thanks to the fundraising efforts of Martin Cookman, assistant general manager at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway.

Martin is raising funds for this charity, which supports children who are abandoned or have run away from home, for a variety of reasons, and who arrive at railway stations around the world, living in station buildings, on the track, or on trains themselves. Martin has raised funds for this worthwhile cause for the last two years.

Why not have a great day out this summer and help a great cause at the same time?

More details of Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway can be found at www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk  and tickets for this full day out by train can be bought at Mainline railway stations or on Northern Rail trains.

Annoucnes the Renaissance Retreat Package in conjunction with the 2010 Texas Renaissance Festival

CONROE, Texas – For those seeking a diversion from the everyday stresses of today’s fast paced society through an escape to a simpler time, La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa – the official resort of the Texas Renaissance Festival – extends an invitation to indulge in the Renaissance Retreat Package. Positioned on the playful shores of Lake Conroe, La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa all-suite resort is a natural retreat just outside downtown Houston.

The Renaissance Retreat Package – available for travel Oct. 9, 2010 through Nov. 28, 2010 and starting at $189 per room, per night – includes a luxury suite, four daily tickets to the Texas Renaissance Festival and round trip transportation to and from the event.

The enchantment and amusement of the sixteenth century provides the perfect backdrop to the medieval era courtesy of the Texas Renaissance Festival.

The Festival features 200 daily performances, 300 arts and crafts shops, 60 food and beverage outlets, and 3,000 costumed characters that stroll the grounds to further enhance the cultural atmosphere.

The Texas Renaissance Festival has been entertaining guests for 36 years and plays host to more than 400,000 visitors each year.

A treat for everyone, The Renaissance festival’s traditions of long ago make for an exhilarating excursion for the young and old alike.

La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa

Renaissance Retreat Package

Starting at $189, per room, per night

Oct. 9 – Nov. 28, 2010

Luxury one or two bedroom suite
Four complimentary tickets to the festival daily (an $80 value)

Round trip transportation to the Texas Renaissance Festival

Perfect for families, couples, socialites and outdoor adventurers, La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa features countless enticing activities.

Whether sport fishing and navigating a personal sailboat on Lake Conroe, floating down the lazy river at the Aqua Park or teeing off on the 18-hole golf course, guests of all ages are engaged in building lifelong memories together. Balancing outdoor adventure with world-class sophistication, La Torretta features Texas’ only Michelin-starred chef serving French delicacies at the water front Chez Roux restaurant as well as global spa treatments at the renowned SpaTerre.

For additional information or to book the La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa Renaissance Retreat Package, visit www.LaTorrettaLakeResort.com  or call 936-448-4400. 

Read the Jetsetters Magazine feature about La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa and the Texas Renaissance Festival.

When you think of a dream vacation spot, many people will think of Hawaii. But “Hawaii” isn’t just one big destination, it’s several small ones, each with its own personality, charm, and distinctive flavor. How to choose the best Hawaiian Island for your vacation? We’ll help…

Kauai

At the top of the Hawaiian Island chain is the island of Kauai. This is the oldest and most northern of the islands, and is distinctive for its extraordinary natural beauty. The lush tropical vegetation has earned Kauai the nickname “The Garden Island.” Kauai highlights include stunning Wiamea Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” the Napali Coast with its spectacular sea cliffs, and Wailua River – the only navigable river in the entire state of Hawaii.

Oahu

The next link in this island chain is Oahu, home to Hawaii’s state capital, Honolulu, and most of Hawaii’s population. Oahu is a mix of scenic wonders and cultural events. Oahu highlights include Waikiki Beach, that iconic beach destination known the world over, Pearl Harbor with its U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, and North Shore, birthplace of giant wave surfing.

Maui


Maui is the second largest island, and offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, some of the best whale watching in the world, and is the “windsurfing capitol of the world.”

Other Maui highlights include watching a spectacular sunrise from the top of the Haleakala crater, and driving a breathtaking scenic route to the charming little town of Hana.

The Big Island


Hawaii’s Big Island is larger than all of the other islands combined, and is vast enough that it amazingly holds 11 of the world’s 13 climatic zones. This means that the things to do on this island vary immensely, from basking on sandy beaches to hiking above the timberline on snowcapped mountains. Highlights of the Big Island include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with a view of Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and dazzling waterfalls along the Hamakua Coast.

It’s hard to go wrong with any of these wonderful choices.

And, whether you’re a budget-conscious vacationer or a jetsetter, the secret to a perfect Hawaiian vacation is – a timeshare rental.

You’ll find all kinds of timeshare rentals, including inexpensive accommodations and penthouse units, at luxury resorts in Hawaii.

With more space and a savings of up to half off the price of a hotel room, consider browsing the timeshare rentals listed by owners on www.redweek.com, then start planning your dream vacation in paradise!

Ski.com, North America’s largest provider of mountain vacations, announced an exclusive partnership with Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH), the world’s largest heli-skiing operator. For the first time in its 45-year history, CMH is working directly with a travel provider based in the United States. Through this new relationship, travelers can use Ski.com to book four- to seven-day CMH heli-skiing trips in British Columbia and also arrange additional vacation components including air, ground transfers and pre- and post-trip stays in destinations such as Banff, Lake Louise, Whistler, Revelstoke, Vancouver and Calgary – all with one phone call.

Ski.com has handpicked a number of its industry-leading Mountain Vacation Specialists to concentrate on the heli-skiing product.

Each has been trained to work with travelers to determine which heli-skiing trip is best for them. CMH is the world’s largest employer of mountain guides certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) and the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association (IFMGA).

The company offers intermediate to expert skiers and riders the choice of eight lodges and three town-based hotels in the Columbia Mountains of British Columbia.

Combined, these 11 properties offer access to nearly 10,000 square miles of some of the best terrain in the world via Bell 212 twin-engine helicopters. Bell 407s and 206s are also used for smaller groups, snow safety and special flights.

For more information, visit www.ski.com/heli-skiing