Jetsettersblog

LA Inc. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau has launched LA’s Big Summer SleepOver, offering discounted rates and incentives at area hotels and attractions. Each of the 15 participating hotels is offering up to 20 percent off its best available rate. Among the properties are the Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza (www.omnihotels.com ), the Mondrian (www.mondrianhotel.com ), and the W Hollywood (www.whotels.com/hollywood).

Custom itineraries are available for families, girls’ and guys’ getaways, active travelers and other visitor categories.

In addition, several attractions and venues are offering discounts and deals. Universal Studios Hollywood (www.universalstudioshollywood.com) is offering a second day free with the purchase of a one-day pass.

“Iris” from Cirque du Soleil (www.cirquedusoleil.com/iris ), which debuts this summer at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, is offering 25 percent off tickets through Sept. 24.

And the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (www.lacma.org ) is offering 20 percent off of admission.

For more information, call 800-228-2452 or visit www.discoverlosangeles.com/sleepover  for hotel deals and www.discoverlosangeles.com/offer  for attractions deals.

The new James Bond novel “Carte Blanche” is largely set in Cape Town, and Cape Tour Tourism is thrilled about it.

Asked about why he chose Cape Town for the backdrop of his book, author Jeffery Deaver said, “I’ve been coming to Cape Town for 10 years. I love the country. And true to James Bond novels, Cape Town is exotic and beautiful.”

In the novel, readers get a brief history of South Africa and are introduced to local musicians like Thandiswa Mazwai and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, local wines, dishes like bobotie and drinks like umqombothi (Zulu beer). Unlike market leaders such as London, New York and Paris, destination Cape Town is considered a challenger brand and is an emerging player in a league with cities like Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro and Barcelona.

“This acknowledgment by Deaver, on top of World Cup exposure and our latest accolade from Tripadvisor naming Cape Town the Number One Destination in the World in their 2011 Travelers’ Choice Awards is an acknowledgement of the inspirational setting of Cape Town.

The unique mix of Cape Town’s cosmopolitan urban landscape against the backdrop of its remarkable natural beauty is unparalleled. Cape Town is the perfect setting for a Bond film, and has the required mysterious feel about it,” said Mariette du Toit-Helmbold, CEO of Cape Town Tourism.

Denis Lillie, CEO of the Cape Film Commission, said, “Is inevitable that the book will be made into a movie, and this means filming in the city. On the back of the production of ‘Safe House,’ with Denzel Washington earlier this year, we also now have Universal, Warner Bros. and 21st Century Fox shooting in Cape Town and, with overwhelming interest also surfacing at the recent Cannes Festival, this is further recognition of Cape Town as an outstanding, value-for-money and technically capable location.”

Cape Town Tourism is the city of Cape Town’s official regional tourism organization, responsible for destination marketing, visitor and industry services. The Cape Town Visitor Strategy is recognized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization as the world’s best. Cape Town Tourism is focused on growing Cape Town as one of the world’s greatest cities to visit, live, work, study and invest in and as a city leader for Africa. For more information on Cape Town Tourism, call 27 21 487 6800, email info@capetown.travel  or visit www.capetown.travel To have your own Capetown adventure contact African Travel Inc. at www.africantravelinc.com and they can arrange the best hotels, wine and city tours, and area lodges, or contact your professional travel agent.

The China Guide, a wholly foreign owned and managed travel agency based in Beijing, will be offering booking services for the new high-speed trains that will operate between Beijing and Shanghai. China Guide will use the trains as part of their China custom and group tours.

Traveling at a speed of 180 mph, the new high-speed rail link between Beijing and Shanghai will make the trip in four hours and 45 minutes. Some 90 trains travelling will operate daily carrying 1,004 passengers each. Some 50 flights per day currently link the two cities. The train system is expected to have a significant impact on the airline business. Since trains rarely are delayed or affected by weather, the new railway link is expected to be as fast as taking a flight and less expensive.

These services will give tourists greater flexibility in their schedules and help decrease the cost of tours. The trains have business class, first class and second class seating. The train is schedule to open in late June. For more information, visit www.thechinaguide.com

Spirit Airlines is lowering its fares on all nonstop flights by $5 each way, starting Nov. 1, for customers who check in online or at an airport kiosk and print their own boarding passes. Customers who choose to have their boarding pass printed by an airline gate agent will be charged $5.

Spirit’s $5 fee for printing a boarding pass is per person and applies to all domestic and international flights booked June 21 and beyond for travel Nov. 1 and beyond. The fee is waived in cities where Spirit does not have airport check-in kiosks or if a customer is not able to use the automated kiosk to print their boarding pass.

Air China flights between Beijing and Seoul will now land at Seoul’s Gimpo Airport instead of Incheon Airport as of July 1, meaning Air China now will operate out of two airports in Seoul. South Korea’s second-largest airport, Gimpo Airport is 18 kilometers from downtown Seoul and the new arrangement cuts the time that passengers have to spend traveling between the airport and downtown. Air China is China’s only national flag carrier and a Star Alliance member.

British Airways will start serving an English sparkling wine on board its flights and in its lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5.

The sparkling wine, Balfour Brut Rosé from the Hush Heath winery in Kent, will be served alongside an existing range of champagnes to customers in first class between July and September.

The sparkling wine is part of BA’s support of British growers and will be served alongside other British produce such as Herefordshire beef, Loch Fyne fresh fish and Cropwell Bishop Stilton.

Although the first vineyards were only planted by Richard Balfour-Lynn at the Hush Heath Estate in 2002, the wines made from these Kentish grapes have enjoyed tremendous success both nationally and internationally. The 2005 vintage was a Gold Medal and trophy winner at the Decanter World Wine Awards. This was the first time an English wine was awarded this accolade.

Spirit Airlines will start flying two daily nonstop flights between Portland, Ore., and Las Vegas on Sept. 22. It’s publicizing the new service with $9 fares through the end of Tuesday, June 21. Spirit flies more than 150 daily flights to over 40 destinations. The company is based in South Florida.

Black Sea Treasures Cruises from Istanbul to Odessa and Odessa to Istanbul from only $3520 per person twin share visiting Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey.

Gateway Travel launches new summer Black Sea Cruises into their product range. The 8 day/7 night cruises operate from July to September aboard the Megayacht Pegasus.

Prices include accommodation in a double or twin cabin; full board; filter coffee; tea & water all day; use of fishing equipment; English speaking cruise escort and VAT. Port taxes of Aud 378 per person are additional.

Contact Gateway Travel on (02) 9748-3333 or www.gatewaytravel.com.au  for the full itinerary and price details.

A mediaeval castle linked to the legends of King Arthur has announced dates for a series of magical events taking place from July until November 2011. Events include an antiques fair starring BBC expert Adam Partridge, theatre by the legendary Anvil Productions Company, musical variety and a series of themed fun-filled Medieval Banquets.

This is a rare opportunity to enjoy performances and events held in the open-air Keep of Ruthin Castle during the summer months. Starting in July with Anvil productions’ Art Deco style enactment of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, guests are invited to while away a Sunday afternoon of culture in the castle grounds. Visitors can also enjoy a pre-show lunch, picnic hampers and light refreshments throughout the performance. A food and drink summer fete also takes place in July.

A Baby Bump & Family Show is scheduled for August, followed by a musical variety performance in September, while November brings a ‘not-to-be-missed’ Antiques Fair with BBC renowned expert Adam Partridge. Additionally, themed Medieval Banquets take place at Ruthin Castle throughout the year, featuring a mediaeval feast, merriment and culture-filled performances by fully costumed Ladies of the Court, Court Steward and Jester.

Dates for your diary:

Theatre in the Keep: Midsummer Night’s Dream – 10th July 2011

Ruthin Castle and Anvil productions are proud to present an Art Deco style performance of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. Guests are invited to while away a Sunday afternoon of culture in the castle grounds, Ruthin Castle is also offering a pre-show lunch and early bird lunch in award-winning Bertie’s restaurant. Picnic hampers and light refreshments will also be available throughout the performance.

Tickets are priced at £10 and £8.50 and concessions, to book call 01492 580774 or visit www.anvilproductions.co.uk

Food & Drink Summer Fete – 17th July 2011

A wonderful selection of local food suppliers will be exhibiting and selling their freshest locally produced goods at the food and drinks summer fete. There will also be a family fun zone a BBQ offering something for everyone. The fun starts at 11am until 4pm and entrance is free to the public.

Baby Bump & Family Show – 28th August 2011

Whether you’re still nursing your bump, have just welcomed a new addition to your family or you have an excitable brood that needs entertaining then come along to our Bump, Baby & Beyond Family Show. We’ve got stands and exhibitors catering for mummies to be, just born, toddlers and young children, plus there’s even a family fun zone with plenty to entertain the little ones in a warm and safe environment. Entrance is free so bring the whole family for a fabulous fun day out!

Music in the Keep: Variety – 9th September 2011

Sit back and enjoy an afternoon of musical variety within the dramatic mediaeval walls of Ruthin Castle. What better way to start the weekend than a Friday evening listening to some tasteful classics. A pre-show and early bird lunch will be served at Berties the castle restaurant and winner of AA 2 Rosettes. Light refreshments and picnic hampers will also be available. The evening starts at 7pm.

Antiques Weekend Fair – 19th & 20th November 2011

A wonderful event where local antique dealers will be presenting their selection of antiques for sale and hotel guests will be able to meet antiques expert Adam Partridge from BBC programmes including Flog It. Adam will be on hand to assess and value guest antiques and answer any questions you may have. Ruthin Castle is pleased to offer guests a very special hotel package with a two night stay in a deluxe room including bed and breakfast for just £199 per person. Price includes exclusive access to the antiques fair on Saturday and Sunday morning. To make your reservation e-mail reservations@ruthincastle.co.uk

Mediaeval Banquets – July to December 2011

Ruthin Castle provides a superb stage for hosting themed mediaeval dinners modeled upon the legendary feasts the Earl of Warwick held at the castle in the 16th century. Fully costumed Ladies of the Court and the Court Steward escort guests into the lofty Banqueting Hall where they entertain, sing (in both Welsh and English), jest and lead the evening’s feasting with daggers and fingers accompanied by a tasting of mead. Mediaeval murder mystery banquets and mediaeval themed weddings are also hosted at Ruthin Castle. For dates please visit www.ruthincastle.co.uk  or telephone 01824 702664

About Ruthin Castle

Ruthin Castle located in North Wales, near Chester, UK is a historic Royal Welsh fortress now operating as a charming hotel. Ruthin Castle boasts a fascinating legacy dating back prior to 1277 and the legend of King Arthur; notable owners include King Edward I, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. The grounds of Ruthin Castle make a superb setting in which to enjoy performances and events. It’s also possible to combine any of these events with a stay at the castle to get the most out of your visit. For more information please go to www.ruthincastle.co.uk

Travel operator and Nordic specialist 50 Degrees North has just released an adventure to Scandinavia to study some of the sustainable dwelling projects in Denmark, Sweden and Norway, as well as experiencing close up the building process of the ICEHOTEL up north in Swedish Lapland.

This 16 day escorted trip is designed for builders, architects and developers to get a greater understanding of some of the sustainable building techniques used in the Scandinavian countries. Denmark and Sweden have both shown remarkable results in raising energy efficiency through projects focusing on the insulation of dwellings.

The itinerary is loosely organised to cater for different needs, and free time is allocated to visit various different projects along the way. Towards the end of the two week adventure clients will enjoy a 3 night stay in the Lofoten Islands with opportunities to partake in some adventurous activities such as fishing, wildlife safaris, kayaking, skiing and ocean rafting.

The tour is escorted by Leif Falk, the Swedish Founder of Scandinavian Workwear, which supplies the building industry with quality work wear tested in most demanding workplaces in Arctic Sweden and in sunburnt Australia. Leif has got an extensive contact network in the building industry both in Australia and in Scandinavia, which will help get behind the shining surfaces of readymade buildings.

The group will experience how the sustainable dwellings of the future are built today – in Scandinavia.

Interested travellers can visit www.fiftydegreesnorth.com for more information.

About 50 Degrees North:
50 Degrees North Pty Ltd is a wholesale travel operator specialising on the area north of the 50th parallel north, as well as Antarctica (50 degrees south). The company is fully licensed, and a full member of the Travel Compensation Fund.