Jetsettersblog

British Airways announced it will start non-stop daily flights to San Diego from London Heathrow as a first benefit of the official launch of the new joint business agreement with American Airlines and Iberia.

The new transatlantic service to London is scheduled to begin in June 2011 and will be operated with the carrier’s popular three-class Boeing 777 aircraft.

“Inaugurating non-stop flights between San Diego and London is one of the first tangible benefits of the joint business operation with American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia, and we are pleased to be returning to this beautiful city,” said Kevin Burns, British Airways’ regional director for Western U.S.A. and Western Canada.

“We’ve been waiting for 14 years to be able to bring these benefits to our customers, and it’s great news that we can now put our plans into action starting in San Diego,” said Cathy Bradley Berg, American Airlines’ regional vice president of passenger sales, Western Division.

“Our partnership will further boost oneworld in what has been a momentous year for the alliance, and enable us to invest in new products and services while offering more choices for our customers.”

British Airways will operate its new flights to San Diego daily. London arrivals and departures will be at Terminal 5 which was designed to handle up to 30 million customers a year and has already transformed the customer experience at Heathrow.

BA and American have also placed code-shares on a significant number of additional routes, greatly increasing the number of destination choices available to customers. American will add its code to 322 British Airways and Iberia flights serving 101 destinations; BA will add its code to 2,063 American and Iberia flights serving 181 destinations; and Iberia will add its code to 354 American and BA flights serving 96 destinations. There will be further opportunities to increase code-shares in the future.

Registration is now open for Wild Africa Trek, a new immersive experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve, starting in early 2011.

The three-hour, expert-led adventure will take guests to the wildlife thrills of far-off Africa without leaving the Walt Disney World Resort.

As part of the adventure, guests will explore areas of the reserve that aren’t explored during regular park experiences.

Among the many activities offered, guests will be able to clip onto a lifeline as they step to the very edge of a cliff to get close to the hippos and menacing-looking crocs waiting below, navigate through fern and vine forests, and unwind at a private safari camp while savoring the tastes of Africa.

Wild Africa Trek will be offered several times daily at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Groups will be kept small, consisting no more than 12 trekkers per safari.

Southwest Vacations is running sales on Universal Orlando, Las Vegas and Colorado ski vacations.

The operator is offering a 25 percent discount on five-night air/hotel packages for Universal Orlando to showcase “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.”

They offer is good for a choice of three hotels — Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel, or the Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Packages must be booked between Nov. 5 and Jan. 6, 2011, by 6 p.m. CT for travel Jan. 5 through June 9, 2011.

Seven-day advance purchase is required.

For more information, visit www.southwestvacations.com/specials/harrypotter.asp.

Packages include roundtrip air via Southwest Airlines to Orlando, Universal’s U-Select theme park ticket; hotel accommodations (including taxes); on-site hotels; early park admission to “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” one hour prior to the park opening, and the ability to skip the regular lines at participating attractions in both Universal Orlando theme parks; a free benefit worth up to $87 per person, per day;

complimentary resort-wide transportation for on-site hotel guests; Rapid Rewards credit on flight portion;

24-hour traveler assistance; and two bags checked free. Prices start from $117 from Chicago (Midway);

$122 from Houston (Hobby);

$128 from Manchester, N.H.; and $114 from New Orleans.

Southwest Vacations is also offering savings of up to $75 on Las Vegas Packages at Harrah’s Entertainment properties plus one night free.

Four-night air/hotel packages start at $46 per person, per night.

Clients save $50 when they stay three nights, $75 when they stay four or more nights and receive one night free on packages of three or more nights.

Packages must be booked before Dec. 2 by 6 p.m. CT for travel through Feb. 28, 2011. Seven-day advance purchase is required. Packages include roundtrip flight via Southwest Airlines to Las Vegas; hotel accommodations (including taxes); Rapid Rewards credit on flight portion; 24-hour traveler assistance; and two bags checked free. For more information, visit www.southwestvacations.com/specials/FS0702.asp.

Southwest Vacations is also offering a free third night and a free day of skiing with air/hotel packages for three or more nights at select properties in Breckenridge or Keystone.

This offer is valid when booked  through Dec. 16 by 6 p.m. CT for travel through March 31, 2011.

Black-out dates apply. Seven-day advance purchase is required. Packages include roundtrip flight via Southwest Airlines to Denver; hotel accommodations (including taxes); three- or five-day Keystone/Breckenridge interchangeable lift ticket; Rapid Rewards credit on flight portion; 24-hour traveler assistance; and two bags checked free, including skis and snowboards.

Participating properties include The Village at Breckenridge Resort, The Inn at Keystone, and Keystone Lodge & Spa. Prices start at $211 from St. Louis, Mo.; $212 from San Antonio, Texas; $217 from Houston (Hobby); and $220 from Chicago (Midway).

Visit www.southwestvacations.com/specials/special.asp?specialID=FS0699

For more information visit the South West Vacations banners above.

The Jamaica Tourist Board is celebrating the launch of new American Airlines flights from Chicago’s O’Hare International to Jamaica’s Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. American has three nonstop flights per week, bringing this carrier’s total to five weekly roundtrip flights that will operate between these gateways.

The dark nights are upon us and the winter chill has just about started, so what better time to book a short break away with DFDS Seaways. Take advantage of the current Let’s Go Dutch offer and travel on a Mini Cruise to Amsterdam from only £69 for two people. You buy one ticket and the other is courtesy of DFDS Seaways!

With two nights onboard the ship in an en suite cabin you can enjoy a great meal in one of the four onboard restaurants and afterwards why not enjoy a drink and live entertainment in the Columbus Club or simply chill out in one of the onboard lounges.

After a relaxing night’s sleep you will arrive fully refreshed to start your Amsterdam adventure. Relax in a café, hit the shops or take a trip down the canal, the choice is yours.

With museums, galleries, attractions and more, Amsterdam has something for everyone.

If you fancy a longer break, why not extend your Mini Cruise break and include an overnight stay, through DFDS Seaways, in Amsterdam.

2 nights from £69 for 2 people. Based on 2 sharing inside cabin

What’s Included

* 2 nights onboard ship in an en suite cabin
* Coach transfers to and from the city centre
* Optional complimentary coach sightseeing tour
* Live entertainment onboard

The Villa St. Antoine hotel in Clisson is a new and chic contemporary 43 bedroom hotel which enjoys breathtaking views of Clisson’s medieval castle and a charming restaurant, bar and terrace that overlooks the waterfront of this enchanting French town.

The hotel, which is part of the French collection of Best Western Hotels, offers excellent service, stylish and chic guest bedrooms and a celebrated restaurant. There is also a heated outdoor pool and full Hammam spa and health club.

Clisson stands at the junction of the Loire-Atlantique, Vendée and Anjou and is just 30 minutes from Nantes. With twice daily services from London City Airport, regular flights from Gatwick, Manchester and Leeds and excellent train and ferry services, Villa St. Antoine is perfect for an autumn weekend break.

Ski Supreme (www.skisupreme.co.uk ) launches new website full of accommodation only deals and packages to the main French ski resorts.

Launch offer of flights, transfers, self catering accommodation AND lift pass available to Valmorel in France from all regional UK airports for ONLY £435.00pp departing 08th January.

The site is now easier to navigate and has links to flights, hire, parking and travel insurance.

Snuggle down with your loved one at the 15th century Swan at Lavenham and treat them to a Valentine’s night of luxurious romance in the heart of Suffolk’s countryside.

The iconic, half-timbered hotel with its ancient oak beans and crackling log fires is offering a night’s stay on 14th February from £240 per couple including a candlelit dinner in the AA two rosette Gallery Restaurant.

For an extra treat, order a bouquet of fresh spring flowers, handmade chocolates or a bottle of chilled champagne to await your arrival in the room. You can also take a leisurely stroll around the streets of Lavenham, admire the many beautiful 15th and 16th century buildings and find a special keepsake for your loved one, or browse the antique shops and galleries in nearby Long Melford.

Steeped in history, The Swan has served as a hostelry for nearly 600 years; today old beams and inglenook fireplaces blend beautifully with rich furnishings and fabrics to create a timeless and tranquil atmosphere, sure to set the mood for love.

Focusing on modern British cuisine with exciting French undertones, Head Chef Nick Wilson’s outstanding dishes are served in the elegant, galleried restaurant, intimate lounges and historic Airmen’s Bar.

To book call The Swan on 01787 247477, www.theswanatlavenham.co.uk.

What better counter to the brisk autumn air and impending woolly hat weather than brand new ski chalets to choose from! New to www.holidaylettings.co.uk for the 2010/11 season, these chalets represent everything wonderful about a privately rented chalet – privacy to dry your soggy socks where you like; space for some après ski twister action if you so wish; flexibility to eat, sleep and ski when you want plus a price tag that won’t cause you to cancel Christmas.

As a leading private rental provider, whether you are looking for spectacular scenery, a range of winter activities, or just a super chalet with all the trimmings, Holiday Lettings has chalets for everyone, whatever your need, desire and budget.

Our favourites:

Chalet Nikita, Meribel, The Three Valleys, Savoie, France
www.holidaylettings.co.uk/138324

From £1,000 per week, sleeping 12, £83.33 per person
A spacious, three-storey chalet with five bedrooms and typical clad interior.

The stunning views from the balcony, the under-floor heating and log fire, plus storage for wet skis and boots make this a well thought out pad for guests.

You’ll be close to the action too, with just a five minute walk to the nearest lift and ski schools, which also cater for the youngster in your group.

D.02 Le Belvedere, Le National, Montreux, Swiss Alps
www.holidaylettings.co.uk/137661

From £1,490 per week, sleeping six, £248.33 per person
Situated on the ground floor of the lavish Le Belvedere building, part of the 5* Le National de Montreux complex, this stylish apartment has two bedrooms and an open plan living space. For ski lovers, Villars is 20 minutes away and for the more indulgent all guests have access to the plush on-site facilities including a spa, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, gym and steam room.
A great spot for those who want distractions other than the slopes – there’s a great of activities and relaxation options available.

Platzerschhof 5*, Klosters Platz, Swiss Alps, www.holidaylettings.co.uk/138875

From £1,404 per week, sleeping six, £234 per person

Positioned in the heart of the popular Klosters village, this deluxe apartment has a stylish interior, a private sauna and is 10 minute’s walk from the ski lift.

The village itself has a lively nightlife with a number of restaurants and bars including a popular piano bar, plus a small cinema for a night out with the kids.

Chalet Kirsty, Oscadnica, Low Tatras, Central Slovakia
www.holidaylettings.co.uk/102695

From £400 per week, sleeping 10, £40 per person

A traditional Slovakian wooden ski chalet, with picturesque views of the surrounding Velca Raca Mountains.

The chalet has four bedrooms that comfortably sleep 10 and satellite TV to keep you connected to the wider world and the kids entertained of an evening..

Ideally located, the chalet is just five minute’s drive from the ski lift and 10 minutes from the village centre, so guests can enjoy their seclusion, secure in the knowledge that the action is never far away.

Planning your festive trip in advance will reap its rewards with Elite’s Winter offer.

Book early and save up to 20% on the cost of your car rental.

This offer is valid for cars booked and paid for before December 15th and rented in Italy, France, Switzerland, Monaco and Germany from December 15th 2010 to March 15th 2011.

Perfect for a spot of Christmas shopping, the ski season or a special surprise on Valentine’s Day.

Larger cars such as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E Class are perfect for loading up with presents for the festive season, whilst the 4WD models such as the Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes GL, Lexus RX 450 hybrid and Range Rover are ideal for the ski resorts in Switzerland, Italy and Germany. And what could be more romantic than being in Paris or Rome driving an Aston Martin or your favourite Ferrari?

Reservations can be made directly with Elite Rent-a-Car from the UK:

T: 0845 262 7762

E: SalesUK@eliterent.com

W: www.eliterent.com