Jetsettersblog

To celebrate our entry into the icy worlds of Polar Cruises, KE Adventure Travel are giving away a FREE PHD Yukon Down Jacket worth £255 to everyone booking a cruise between now and the end of 2012! Made with probably the warmest down in the world (grade 900), this quality jacket was designed to keep competitors warm at -35C during the Yukon Arctic Ultra sled dog race. Naturally, it’s also perfect for spotting wildlife from the deck of the recently refitted MS Expedition. We are excited to be able to offer a choice of cruises to the Arctic and Antarctic aboard one of the very best of the polar cruise ships.

You can now book the 8-day Realm of the Polar Bear cruise that makes a circumnavigation of the Arctic island of Spitsbergen, or the 11-day Antarctica Classic adventure that will take you from Ushuaia, at the southern tip of the South American continent, across the Drake Passage to the remote and rarely visited Antarctic Peninsula. There is also an extended 13-day Antarctica In Depth cruise which includes additional exploratory days. Whichever of these holidays you choose, it will provide memories to last a lifetime.

In addition to receiving this fabulous jackets we have the following incredible special launch discounts:

- 15% Discount on our 2012 Realm of the Polar Bear cruise, if booked before the end of September 2011.

- 15% Discount on our Antarctica In Depth cruises departing in November or December 2011.

- 15% Early booking discount on Antarctica cruises departing between November 2012 and March 2013, if booked before the end of September 2011

KE’s Chloe Johnson, has just returned from the Realm of the Polar Bear cruise and you view her photos on KE’s facebook page – www.facebook.com/keadventures

Spend this Christmas in Paris, Venice, the Swiss Alps or one of many other magical European destinations with Topdeck.

Europe in winter offers excellent value for money, fewer crowds and jaw dropping scenery.

Topdeck’s Europe winter 2011/12 brochure features nine different holidays, ranging from seven to 24 days, all with December departure dates that will enable passengers celebrate Christmas Day in front of a log fire or exploring snow-covered streets with a group of like-minded travellers.

Topdeck’s 18 day Winter Getaway

Route: From London, through nine countries including France, Italy, Austria and Czech Republic, via Amsterdam to London.

Departs: From November 2011 to March 2012, with guaranteed departures from 7 and 20 December 2011 ensuring travellers are in Amsterdam, Prague or Italy for Christmas.

Includes: All transport in a modern coach, four nights hotel accommodation, 13 nights hostel and bungalow accommodation, all breakfasts, 11 dinners, walking tours in several cities, vaporetto ride in Venice, bicycle tour of Amsterdam, trip leader, driver and more.

Highlights Nightlife of Prague, Berlin and Amsterdam, City Lights tour of Paris, ride to the summit of the Jungfrau in the Swiss Alps, cycling tour and farewell group dinner in Amsterdam.

Cost: From $2255 USD/$1720 CAD

Info: www.topdeck.travel or call 1800-607-1399

Travellers visiting friends and family in Europe in December can join one of Topdeck’s four day, New Year’s Eve short breaks in cities including Paris, Prague and London. Priced from just $399 the trips include accommodation, most meals, activities and a New Year’s Eve party.

Topdeck is a leading operator of holidays for 18 to 30 something year old travellers, throughout Europe, Egypt, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.

Search is On for The Best Socialite in every city around the world

Have you ever found yourself in a new city, looking for a good pub or night spot? Ever sat in a boring bar; wondering where all the cool people go for a drink after work? Felt lost having a drink at a random bar by yourself; surrounded by random people?

From the beginning of August 2011, Night Out With A Socialite, will allow you to book a Local VIP Night Out Experience with a local Socialite.

The website is presently recruiting Local Socialites in very city around the world to run the Night Out Experiences.

Do you have what it takes to be a Socialite in your city?

Sydney Socialite, Sean Grobbelaar, says Socialites need to have the ability to offer tourists, or locals, a well guided tour of specific nightlife locations with special VIP aspects like no cueing, free drinks and free entry. They need to show how a true local has the most fun in their city!

To be considered a Socialite, you need to be friendly and have an outgoing personality with the ability to entertain multiple types of personalities and cultures so they feel comfortable, relaxed and able to enjoy the moment.

Sean goes on to says this platform will be the new Social Registry of the 21st Century! Referring to the Social Register, used to list names and addresses of the “preferred social contacts” of the prominent families in the 19th century.

If you think you have what it takes to be a LOCAL SOCIALITE and put your name on the 21st Century Social Registry, you can register your interests to be a Socialite at, www.NightoutwithaSocialite.com.

Expect to be interviewed and reviewed before being selected by the Chief Socialite. On selection, Socialites get to setup the “night out’s” they wish to run and take out individuals, small groups and business tourists, out on a night of their town for a set event fee.

Those interested in experiencing a local Night Out, can select from a range of experiences in each city including; best bars, night clubs, iconic bars, best views, festival events, day tours and nights out for single men, women or gay. People have different ideas on a Good Night Out, hopefully our range of events will cater for most people. Personally, Sean says he is big fan of Iconic Bar and Small Bar Experiences in Sydney and other parts of the world.

Potential Socialites have up to June 1st to register their interest before this website launches its night out experiences globally….

Socialites are warned about the strict “Code of Conduct” to running their events; no drugs, no sex, no selling products and no getting drunk on the job. Failure to adhere to the Terms of Conditions or a poor review from clients will result in immediate termination from the site and permanent ban from the Social Registry.

If you think you have what it takes to show business travellers, party animals, locals and everyday tourists an unforgettable local VIP experience in your city, this might be your chance to be the Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Culum Best or Emmanuel Ray in your city.

Register your interest at www.Nightoutwithasocialite.com

For more information contact VIP TEAM at vip@nightoutwithasocialite.com

Kuala Lumpur, The second Oracle Retreat takes place at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali from October 22-29, 2011. The 31-room luxury resort, situated on the island’s secluded northeast coast, is renowned for its shimmering volcanic black sand infused with curative properties. In this most magical and nurturing of settings fronting the calm Bali Sea and protected by the majestic Mount Agung and Mount Batur, one may take the rare opportunity to achieve the perfect balance of mind, body and spirit.

Participants at the Oracle Retreat are guided on their personal life journeys by renowned wellness practitioners like Diana Manilova (www.lifeevents.org ), Marc Cofer (www.brainstate.org ), Wanny Winsloe (www.foodmoodsex.com ) and Dewi Hopley (www.dewihopley.com ). The upcoming eight day, seven night Oracle Retreat will introduce participants to a variety of effective healing modalities and techniques. Fun, interactive and engaging workshops held each day will provide each individual with new life-changing skills and illuminative frames of perception, all of which invariably create new and different ways of looking at and relating to the world, along with the many challenges it presents.

The seven-night retreat includes accommodation in a Kamar Room, a welcome foot ritual, daily delicious and healthful meals, non-alcoholic beverages and a celebratory farewell dinner at Wantilan Restaurant, nature walks, two daily workshop sessions held by the practitioners, one 30-minute pre-treatment ritual and 50-minute Balinese massage, guided meditation evening classes, one customised aromatherapy oil blend, group holistic activities and access to the highly acclaimed Spa Village.

The Oracle Retreat is priced from USD1,740++ for double and USD1,950++ for single occupancy respectively. As a special incentive, repeat guests of the retreat will receive a 50-minute spa treatment for each night of their stay.

Aurora Expeditions has launched a special commemorative voyage to Papua New Guinea next April, to mark the upcoming 70th anniversary of Australia’s involvement in Papua New Guinea during WWII. The voyage will encompass visits to historical sites from Alotau to Rabaul, ending with a special dawn ANZAC day service in Rabaul.

Lost in Paradise – Our fallen heroes will depart Alotau on 14 April 2012 landing at key historic sites such as Samarai Island, Linden Harbour, Jacquinot Bay, Tol and Rabaul. Our onboard historian will interpret the significance of these areas and shine a light on the courage and tragedy of Australia’s unsung heroes– The Lark Force – in the Battle of Rabaul, and the ensuing loss of lives, both troops and civilians, on the Montevideo Maru,

The voyage will also include the cultural and natural delights of this diverse country, with opportunities to snorkel the pristine reefs, witness traditional sing-sings and simply take in the beauty of this natural paradise.

Another voyage, Islands of Smiles, will cater to families keen for adventure. Exploring the islands and coastline of New Guinea, this voyage will highlight the diverse cultures and natural attractions of Milne Bay and its surrounding islands, Lababia, Tami and Tuam islands, Madang and the mighty Sepik River. Parents and children alike can expect to be greeted with friendly smiles, and a diverse array of vibrant customs through sing sings, complex rituals and spectacular costumes.

Islands of Smiles will depart Alotau on 2 April 2012 and expeditioners will have the opportunity to explore Papua New Guinea their own way, either by snorkeling, kayaking, bird watching, village walks, or sharing a beach football match with playful locals.

Prices for both 13-day expeditions start from AU$5,690 per person quad-share, including all meals on board, shore excursions and lectures.

Aurora Expeditions is renowned for travelling to wild and remote areas of the world, with the aim of creating life long ambassadors to the environment. They attract small groups of like-minded, enthusiastic people, passionate about our destinations people, wildlife and history.

For further information contact :
Aurora Expeditions’ Experts on +612 9252 1033 or 1800 637 688 (Freecall within Australia) or visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au

The recent 1-Star STEP Eco-Certification Award, given to Academic Travel Abroad by Sustainable Travel International, was the result of a thorough process in which ATA worked to establish baselines for water, electricity, paper, GHG emissions and chemical usage. ATA accomplished this while articulating policies, communicating their efforts to stakeholders and taking the company to the next level with their ongoing commitment to sustainability.

“Long before sustainability became a buzz-word, Academic Travel Abroad devoted itself to respecting the environment and its host communities, while contributing meaningfully to the world,” says Kate Simpson, President of Academic Travel Abroad. “This certification is a badge we wear proudly as it validates all we believe in, and further strengthens our commitment to sustainable practices.”

ATA recognizes that this push toward sustainability is an ongoing process, and requires diligent follow-through. Simpson plans to continue working with STI to achieve a higher level of certification down the road.

“STI does a great job guiding you through. They have established an automated system that keeps track of your progress, and allows you to move forward in an organized way,” she says. “It definitely takes time and effort, but it’s well worth it.”Over its 61-year history, ATA has served a large segment of the non-profit community, including the Smithsonian Institution, National Geographic Society, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Brooking Institution and many universities across the country. All these client organizations value the importance of sustainable practices, and appreciate ATA’s commitment to constantly reducing its carbon footprint and maximizing benefit for host communities in significant ways. Read more about ATA and its sustainability practices.

Sustainable Travel International

Sustainable Travel International has been at the forefront of sustainability standards development in the travel and tourism industries since 2002. STI was a founding member of the Sustainable Tourism Certification Network of the Americas, a member of the United Nation Foundation’s (UNF) Sustainable Tourism Steering Committee (STSC), and a key contributor to the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria.

All STI standards and eco-certification programs are fully aligned with the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria and address environmental management, social responsibility and economic development of the business and the communities it serves.” explains Brian T. Mullis, President of STI. “Our regimented standards and associated curriculum, which serve as a tool for defining and implementing sustainable business practices, are becoming the “Gold Standard” in sustainable tourism certification.”

London UK- City Sightseeing Pass operator the Leisure Pass Group has expanded into Germany with the launch of a Berlin Sightseeing Pass.

The all inclusive card gives users access to 53 of the city’s leading tourist attractions, including notable favorites such as the Pergamon, The Jewish Museum and the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, as well as free access to the Berlin public transport network, a hop on hop off bus tour and a river cruise.

Now in its 13th year of operation, Leisure Pass Group already runs successful sightseeing pass schemes in London, Paris and New York – as well as powering a host of similar programs in tourist hot-spots around the globe.

Amanda Truman, director of product marketing, Leisure Pass Group, comments:

“The Leisure Pass Group is well on its way to powering four million attraction visits every year, and the addition of the Berlin Sightseeing Pass really underlines our commitment to European expansion.

“Berlin is a spectacular city that has seen tremendous investment since reunification. Its history and culture means there is so much to explore, and make it a perfect candidate for an ‘all-in-one’ attraction pass. Germans are renowned for their great technology, and they have embraced the simplicity of the Berlin Sightseeing Pass.”

The Berlin City Card becomes the 11th sightseeing pass to operate on the Leisure Pass Group’s technology, the Leisure Pass Operating System. The system allows cash-less transactions at each attraction, and for individual venues to monitor card usage and numerous visitor information statistics.

Other gems featured in the Berlin Sightseeing Pass include The Berliner Dom, Bode Museum and the Alte National Gallery, along with a Berlin Bus Tour and river cruise. The Berlin Sightseeing Pass is available in two- and three-day durations, and costs $98 for adults and $48 for children (two days) or $117 for adults and $55 for children (three days). Users also receive a 96-page city sightseeing guide.

Passes must be ordered in advance of travel. For more information and to buy, see www.berlinpass.com

Tweet: Airds Hotel & Restaurant Joins Connoisseurs Scotland – Offers Savings up to 32% on Winter Stays; www.luxuryscotland.co.uk

Edinburgh, Scotland – Connoisseurs Scotland is honored to welcome the four-star Airds Hotel & Restaurant – winner of “Best Small Luxury Hotel 2011” at the Scottish Hotel Awards – as the 24th member in its collection of luxury properties. Set within the Appin Peninsula on the west coast of Scotland, the family run retreat boasts 11 uniquely designed bedrooms (eight standard rooms and three suites) and a two bedroom, self-catering cottage; fine dining in the 3 AA rosette restaurant headed by Fellow Master Chef of Great Britain, Robert MacPherson; and a friendly and attentive staff. Aside from breathtaking scenery, Aird’s location provides access to an array of sites and attractions: hunting, cycling, ancient castle tours, the Ben Nevis range, Oban Whisky Distillery, ferries to Skye and the Island of Mull, bespoke driving tours and Glencoe National Park. Available from Oct. 30, 2011 to Mar. 29, 2012 fotownr reservations of three or more nights, the “Winter Break Special” includes choice of accommodation, four-course dinner with canapés and tea/coffee and petit fours, early morning tea/coffee in room, full Scottish breakfast and taxes. Discounted nightly rates range from £188 to £298* ($308 to $488) per room, based on double occupancy – a savings of up to 32%.

Originally an 18th-century ferry inn, the award-winning hotel prides itself on providing personal service, luxury and gourmet dining in a relaxing environment. Each of the elegant rooms – six of which provide breathtaking views of Loch Linnhe and the Morvern Mountains – include luxury fabrics and furnishings, Vi spring beds, crisp Frette linens, complimentary newspapers, Bulgari toiletries, satellite television, DVD and CD players and Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.

Guests seeking a more private experience can choose to stay in the two-bedroom luxury cottage, which features a kitchen, dining room and garden area, as well as the amenities of the normal rooms. The restaurant uses fresh local ingredients to create fine Scottish cuisine, including a daily-changing dinner menu, under the direction of internationally-acclaimed chef Robert MacPherson. Other features of the property are a flower-filled conservatory, popular for afternoon tea; two lounges, each with a fireplace; a snug bar; an impressively stocked wine cellar; and a large charming garden, perfect for a game of croquet or a light lunch.

Connoisseurs Scotland’s 24 members include four of the world’s finest golf resorts: Gleneagles, Turnberry, Cameron House and Old Course; Inverlochy Castle, recently voted the best hotel in Europe; several outstanding city center properties including Prestonfield, Edinburgh’s only 5 Red Star hotel; Boath House – the most beautiful Regency House in Scotland; a 19th-century castle health spa; a collection of intimate country house hotels; The Royal Scotsman, the ultimate luxury train; and The Hebridean Princess, the finest hotel afloat and an exclusive use property. Five of the members boast Michelin-starred restaurants. Information on Connoisseurs Scotland, its member resorts, partners and special offers can be found at www.luxuryscotland.co.uk

40TH ANNUAL RENAISSANCE ARTSFAIRENOVEMBER 5 & 6, 2011

Las Cruces, NM – The Doña Ana Arts Council herefore issues said proclamation declaring Saturday, November 5th & Sunday, November 6th the 40th Annual Renaissance ArtsFaire! Come one, come all to feast on turkey legs, sip a libation or two, watch rats catapulted by The Ratcatcher and browse through over 150 artist vendor booths. The Renaissance ArtsFaire transforms Young Park, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, into a magical realm where a medieval sensibility reigns throughout the entire weekend. Featuring the largest juried art show in Southern New Mexico, the 40th Annual Renaissance ArtsFaire offers unique treasures for all.

More than one hundred fifty (150) artists and artisans from throughout the region and across the country will be on hand to sell original, handcrafted items, including jewelry, pottery and ceramics, photographs, leather goods, paintings and drawings, sculpture, toys, musical instruments, textiles and wood. In addition to the artists’ booths, the two-day festival features on-going entertainment on the The Rio Grande Main Stage, The Merry Court of Sherwood Oak, The Middle Eastern Village and The Children’s Realm. World class wines and Fine Grog are available for tasting or purchasing in the Imperial Libation Garden.

Magellan, the Faire’s specially created dragon, spends the weekend overseeing the activities while floating lazily on Young Park Lake. Attendees daring enough can take a canoe ride to get “up close and personal” with the Faire’s most famous icon.

The hills of Young Park will be alive with the sounds of music by award-winning musician Randy Granger, crowd favorites La Cella Bella and many others. Get close to the Hawkquest majestic birds of prey; be amazed by Magicians, Jugglers, and Theatrical acts. The Ratcatcher returns this year for more catapulting fun, flinging rats and pumpkins.

The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), Amtgaard and the Adrian Empire fight for supremacy on the green. Knights and Ladies stroll the pathways, mixing with squires and peasants alike. The Merry Court of Sherwood Oak offers a fractured look into royal life of the period with the Queen’s “Bawdy Balladeer,” and a medieval “fashion show”. Marvel at the belly gyrations of the Middle Eastern Village performers, or decorate your belly with a henna tattoo.

Children can join in the Renaissance fun in the Children’s Realm; shoot some arrows, feed the alligator, try the Knight’s Ring and Dragon Toss and make your own crown, sword or helmet! Children can also dig for fossils or shop for bargains at the Peddler’s Market while mom and dad enjoy a glass of wine or grog in the Imperial Libation Garden.

The Faire will be open 10am – 6pm on Saturday and 10am – 4pm on Sunday. Gate admission is $6.00 for adults, children 12 and under are free. Proceeds from the Faire are designated for art programs and other cultural activities in the community – all sponsored by the Doña Ana Arts Council.

For health and safety reasons, faire-goers are advised that ABSOLUTELY NO PETS ALLOWED, except service animals, will be admitted to the Faire.

Young Park is located one block south of the intersection of Lohman and Walnut Avenues and is easily accessible from both I-25 (Lohman exit) and I-10 (Amador exit). To avoid parking congestion, attendees are encouraged to ride the FREE shuttle from the Mesilla Valley Mall, to and from the park. Watch for the signs; YELLOW SCHOOL BUS pick- up is located on SW corner of the mall near Cineport 10 movie theatres. The shuttle will run every 10 – 15 minutes beginning at 10am each day. Additional Faire information may be obtained by contacting The Dona Ana Arts Council at (505) 523-6403, via email infodaac@daarts.org  or online at www.las-cruces-arts.org

Concerts, Chili Cook-offs & Racing Events Promise to Entice Visitors

11 Reasons to head to the Colorado High Country this Labor Day http://bit.ly/qxYwZK

Denver, Colo. – Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) resorts are celebrating Labor Day Weekend with live music, bike races, and other amusing activities sure to lure visitors over the holiday weekend. Calendars are packed with activities including gondola rides, mountain biking and hiking, giving guests a myriad of options for entertainment.

Below are some of the holiday highlights happening during this Labor Day Weekend in Colorado Ski Country USA.

Aspen/Snowmass

At Snowmass Town Park in Aspen, the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival will be held September 2-4.

The Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival is one of the largest music festivals in the Colorado high country. In addition to headline performances on the main stage, two side stages keep the live music going and feature a mix of established bands and emerging artists.

For more information please contact http://www.jazzaspen.com

Another event being held in Aspen/Snowmass during Labor Day Weekend is the 39th Annual MotherLode Volleyball Classic.

In an unprecedented move, Colorado’s premier beach volleyball tournament, Aspen’s MotherLode Volleyball Classic, has invited the best of beach volleyball’s up-and-coming stars to compete at the annual Labor Day Volley Fest. The tournament will start on September 1 and conclude on September 5.

For more information please visit www.motherlodevolleyball.com

Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain Resort’s Copper Country has become a Labor Day tradition for guests.

A free Labor Day festival, Copper Country celebrates the best of the American spirit. Live music, an arts festival, kids’ crafts, the Copper Kids’ Corral, mechanical bull rides, a petting zoo and pony rides come together to make a great Labor Day event for the entire family.

For more information please visit www.coppercountryfest.com

Crested Butte

Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend mark the return of The People’s Fair in downtown Crested Butte. Community members and visitors alike can stroll along Elk Avenue on Sept. 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to take in this homespun cultural experience and soak in the last weekend of the high-country summer.

The People’s Fair features an eclectic mix of approximately 70 booths showcasing a multitude of items, including regional arts and crafts, collectibles and antiques, and preserved foods from local gardens.

Nonprofit organizations will be selling books, CDs, baked goods and more, while live music and tasty fair food will also be on display. For more information, contact the Paragon Gallery at (970) 349-6484 or visit http://www.paragongallery.org/.

The 11th Annual Fall Festival of Beers & Chili Cook-off will take place at the base area of Crested Butte on Saturday, September 10. Breweries from all over will be on hand with their finest brews to take the heat off the chili prepared by Crested Butte locals. In addition to beer and chili tasting, attendees will be able to enjoy live music while taking in the beautiful backdrop of Mt. Crested Butte. The event starts at 12 p.m. and awards for best beer and chili will take place at 6 p.m.

During the month of September, guests can save 20 percent off all Crested Butte Mountain Resort lodging. Reservations can be booked through Crested Butte Vacations online or by calling (800) 600-2803.

SolVista Basin at Granby Ranch

SolVista Basin will turn into a mountain biking Mecca as the Mountain States Cup rides into town for Labor Day. The Sol Survivor bike races will take place Sept 2-5 and feature final races in all disciplines of mountain biking: cross country, downhill, 4-cross, short track and super-d.

Please call 1.888.850.4615 or visit www.GranbyRanch.com/Bike  for more information.

Steamboat

This Labor Day Weekend brings exciting events to Steamboat including the 6th Annual Martini Fest on September 2. Participants can take in views of the Yampa Valley at the top of the Steamboat Gondola while enjoying specially created cocktails, appetizers, live music and prizes.

Steamboat’s Labor Day Celebration includes the Stock Dog Challenge, Downtown Hoe Down and Chuck Wagon Chili Challenge and the 7th Annual Wild West Air Fest, featuring vintage aircraft displays, classic cars, radio controlled airplane shows, Wings Over the Rockies Kid Space and much more. Guests can add to the experience with a ride on a B-25 Bomber or Douglas C-47.

Additional weekend activities include the Rocky Mountain Bull Bash Productions with top professional bull riders riding 40 top-ranked bulls, the Downtown Sidewalk Sale, the Steamboat Springs Stage Race and the 10k at 10,000 feet.

For more information on everything happening in Steamboat for Labor Day Weekend, visit http://www.steamboat.com/laborday.aspx

Winter Park Resort

Labor Day Weekend at Winter Park Resort starts early on Friday with extended Trestle Bike Park hours until 7 p.m. during Freeride Fridays, and a free family movie on the Village lawn at dusk.

On Saturday, guests can ride Colorado’s longest Alpine Slide and kids can enjoy free face painting and acrobatic shows with the Salida Circus performers.

Visitors are invited to check out the Labor Day Block Party, Street Dance and Sidewalk Sale in downtown Winter Park, which will have live music and horse-drawn carriage rides, KidsZone crafts, and a huge sidewalk summer blowout sale. For more information contact www.winterparkresort.com