Jetsettersblog

DELVE INTO INDIA WITH TRAVEL INDOCHINA’S

DISCOUNTED TOURS, NEW TRAVEL VIDEOS & EXPERT BLOGS

Leading Asia specialist, Travel Indochina, has welcome news for those seeking a unique insight into India, with savings of £200 per person on all India Small Group Journeys of 11 days or more in length. This one-off special discount is applicable for all bookings made before 30th September 2011.*

Ranging from 11 to 22 days in duration – with a total of 15 tours available – these discounted journeys enable customers to mix with the locals, savour the spices and gain a deeper, more authentic understanding of this colourful country and its friendly people. Further great news is that this offer applies to all journeys taken in the remainder of 2011 and for the duration of 2012, meaning that Travel Indochina customers have over 100 India departures to choose from.

Among the Small Group Journeys available is the 14-day “Highlights of Rajasthan” and the 17-day “Iconic India”. The former takes in the atmospheric beauty of Rajasthan’s majestic forts, palaces and villages with a special opportunity to spend a night in a deluxe tent atop the Thar Desert’s sand dunes. The “Iconic India” itinerary offers a range of incredible experiences, such as a train safari through the wild beauty of Udaipur, a morning sunrise visit to the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, and an overnight stay at Bandhavgarh National Park which is home to the highest tiger density in India. Prices now start from £1,695 and £2,380 per person respectively.**

For even more inspiration, customers can discover India from the comfort of their own home, thanks to Travel Indochina’s recently-launched free travel videos and latest blog post on Top 5 India Experiences, as written by the company’s India Product Manager and all-round expert, Eric Finley. As well as viewing the very best the country has to offer, these new online offerings will showcase some of Travel Indochina’s favourite locations and insider experiences in India, whilst giving interested travellers the chance to hear from – and be inspired by – some of the award-winning operator’s tour leaders, local guides and past clients.

*All bookings should be made directly with Travel Indochina’s UK office and are subject to availability. The offer applies to India tours of 11 days or greater in length and is valid for all departure dates through to 31st December 2012. Bookings must be made by 30th September 2011 and only one offer per passenger applies. Not valid for existing bookings or in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.

**Prices include hotel accommodation, domestic flights, train journeys, road transport in air-conditioned vehicles, all sightseeing as specified, entrance fees, Western tour leader (based on a minimum of seven travellers), local English-speaking guides throughout, airport transfers and some meals. International flights are not included but can be arranged at an additional cost.

Norman Carr Safaris is offering two six-night safaris for the price of one. Guests will stay at the acclaimed Norman Carr Kapani Lodge located in the South Luangwa National Park, one of the greatest wilderness areas in all of Africa. Bookings must be made for stays between Nov. 1 and Dec. 12. The price for two people for the six-night, all-inclusive, safari is $1,950. The usual rate for two people is around $4,000.

The package includes all accommodations at Kapani, meals, airport transfers and game drives. Not included are international and/or domestic flights; entry visas, national park fees of $25 per person a day and bar drinks. Christina Carr, daughter-in-law of the late Norman Carr, says that the tour is scheduled at a beautiful time of year to see the South Luangwa. “With the rainy season, the bush bursts back to life, the impala bear their young, many of the migrant birds arrive, and there is still plenty of predator action to be seen,” she said. “Game drives are never canceled.”

Wildlife expert and conservationist Norman Carr spent more than 50 years devoting himself to the development of the South Luangwa National Park. In the 1950s, he pioneered walking safaris in the Zambian bush. His legacy is Norman Carr Safaris, where conservation and care of the local community remain a priority, and where the guiding team is widely regarded to be the most experienced and knowledgeable in Zambia, as many were trained by Norman Carr himself.

For reservations or more information, call 260-216-246025, email Kapani@normancarrsafaris.com  or visit www.normancarrsafaris.com

G Adventures reduced prices on tours exploring the Voodoo Trail, Thailand, Costa Rica, Africa and Bolivia. Bookings made by Oct. 31 receive 20 percent off the Voodoo Trail departing Jan. 26, 2012. Selected as one of National Geographic Traveler Magazine’s Top Tours of a Lifetime, this adventure is for travelers looking to step off the beaten path.

From the hills and forests of Togo, to the slave road and dusty bush of Benin and on to the stone domes of Burkina Faso, clients meet African royalty and take part in trance-inducing voodoo ceremonies. The program is designed to provide insights into the origins of Africa’s mystical animist religions and a greater understanding of life in this remote region of the world.

G Adventures is giving 15 percent off a variety of nine- to 20-day Thai adventures if booked by Oct. 31 for travel by April 30, 2012. The company is offering 20 percent off a selection of nine- to 15-day Africa overland adventures visiting parts of East and South Africa, including Mozambique, Swaziland, Botswana, Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania and Namibia. The company is offering 15 percent off a variety of eight to 16-day Costa Rica adventures and on a selection of 11- to 22-day tours of Bolivia.

G Adventures offers small group adventures on all seven continents and beyond to more than 100,000 global travelers annually. The trips focus on culture, nature and active travel. Gap Adventures established the Planeterra Foundation, as a way the company and its travelers can give back to the communities visited. For more information, call 800-465-5600 or visit www.gapadventures.com  or www.planeterra.org

TCS and Starquest Expeditions is currently offering an Oct. 31, 2012, departure of Heaven and Earth: Around the World by Private Jet, the company’s newest program. The expedition departs from Orlando and leads guests on a 21-day adventure that circles the globe with destinations in Guatemala, Peru, Easter Island, Samoa, Australia, Indonesia, India and Jordan. The key highlight of the tour is witnessing a rare, total solar eclipse, and, weather permitting, seeing daytime stars, the sun’s corona and Baily’s Beads.

“Our travelers will explore natural wonders, ancient treasures, and discover the powerful influence the heavens have had on cultures throughout history,” said Shelley Cline, managing director of TCS and Starquest Expeditions.

The program features five-star accommodations, gourmet meals, an onboard chef, a dedicated physician and highly personalized services, including a choice of activities at each destination. The expedition also includes world-renowned educators who present fascinating subjects such as art, architecture, religious history, natural history, and astrophysics. In addition, this departure will support local artisans, transport supplies for medical clinics or schools, and donate funds for essential programs.

Highlights of the tour include Mayan Ruins of Tikal, Guatemala; Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu or the North Coast, Peru; Mysterious Moai of Easter Island, Chile; Ayers Rock, the Olgas, Stargazing and Aboriginal Mythology, Australia; A Total Solar Eclipse and the Great Barrier Reef or the Daintree Rain Forest, Australia; Borobudur, Prambanan and Yogyakarta, Island of Java, Indonesia; The Kingdom of Rajasthan, India; Wondrous Landscapes of Wadi Rum; and the Lost City of Petra or the Dead Sea, Jordan.

For more than 20 years, TCS and Starquest Expeditions has operated more than 200 journeys by private jet, with an emphasis on in-depth educational experiences and highly personalized service. TCS and Starquest Expeditions is also committed to enhancing the environmental, social, economic, and educational conditions of the places and people visited. TCS and Starquest Expeditions is the world leader in private jet travel and is a part of TUI Travel PLC, the world’s leading international leisure travel group. For information, visit www.starquestexpeditions.com

Increasing in popularity year after year, Florida is the destination of the moment and 2012 promises to be a fantastic time to experience all there is to love about the Sunshine State.

Despite being a long-haul holiday destination from the UK, Florida continues to grow in reputation, with a wide range of charter and scheduled airlines flying everyday it’s never been easier and more affordable for couples, families and groups of friends to visit.

Independent UK tour operators such as Ocean Florida can book Thomas Cook and Virgin Atlantic holidays to Florida, combining direct flights from varying regional UK airports including Gatwick, Manchester and Glasgow with their own programme of Florida villas and hotels – creating fantastic-value Florida holiday package deals.

Aside from its multitude of world-renowned theme parks that are predominantly located in Orlando, Florida boasts a wealth of must-see and must-do attractions throughout the State. Fringed by hundreds of miles of golden-tinged sands, Florida is also home to energetic and colourful cities such as Miami and Tampa, relaxing retreats in The Keys, as well as the lush grasslands and exotic wildlife of the beautiful Everglades. The State is famed for its love of sports like basketball, American football, fishing and NASCAR racing, not to mention its exquisite seafood and annual music events.

Harry Hastings, director at Ocean Florida – the UK’s Number 1 Independent Florida Specialist, remarks: “The demand for Florida holidays in 2012 is on the rise as our customers are aware of the Sunshine State’s potential alongside its fantastic theme parks and attractions. The ease, excitement and variation, and most of all affordability that Florida offers mean that holidaymakers can book their tailor-made 2012 Florida holiday at a great price”.

With so much on offer, many previous and first-time visitors to Florida booking for 2012 opt for twin centre holidays, combining two or more destinations in one to create a unique and unforgettable trip. Also, homes, condos and townhomes are in abundance in Orlando, up and down the Gulf Coast in stunning resorts like Naples, Sarasota and Clearwater, and with so many stunning and luxurious Florida villas on offer the State has become a prime destination for self catering, where vacationers can relax and enjoy their getaway at their own pace.

About Ocean Florida:

Ocean Florida – The UK’s Number 1 Independent Florida Specialist.

Fully bonded by ATOL (number T7270) and the Travel Trust Association (number U0898).

The UK-based independent Florida Tour Operator to operate an Orlando Welcome and Service centre.

Experts in Florida Theme park, Multi Centre, Luxury, Villa & Condo and Cruise & Stay Holidays.

Part of the Como St Travel Group.

Website: http://www.ocean-florida.co.uk

Borgo Egnazia, positioned to become one of the leading luxury spa resorts in Italy, is proud to announce the eagerly awaited Vair Spa is now open.

The opening has revealed the completion of the stunning 1,800m² Vair Spa, developed to become the most spectacular embodiment of pampering in the Mediterranean.

In keeping with Borgo Egnazia’s philosophy of preserving local traditions, Vair is based around local Apulian customs and an affinity with the Apulian land. All products are made in Italy, the majority locally and some treatments evoke the therapeutic traditions of the region, while all treatment names are inspired by local dialect, including the title ‘Vair’ which stands for truth.

All treatments are carefully designed by the spa manager Patrizia Bortolin and her team of psychologists, dermatologists, doctors, yoga experts, nutritionists and physiotherapists to create a truly unique spa experience. Vair is based on naturopathy, psychology and psychosomatic medicine: The team is trained to observe the skin, muscles and understand tension, paying particular interest in non verbal language.

Treatments include the ‘Abbell Bel’ (Slowly, Slowly), signature facial which celebrates the welcoming and natural attitude of local people and ‘Kiuv’ (It rains); a delicate ritual of hot essential oils, designed to improve natural posture and reach the inner essence of the recipient whilst performed with the simple and immediate flair of the Apulian people.

Highlights of the signature ‘U Megghie Megghie’ treatments includes the ‘Amaur’ (love) which acts to promote inner creativity with ten Apulian products delicately mixed, ‘U Berefatt’ (well-toned) which includes a meditative basil steam shower followed by an Apulian scrub with pink salt-water and mind-clearing massage and The Juwel Massage ‘Alla Skrdom’ (suddenly) which is a transformational massage, improving force, self-esteem, balance and optimism and is performed with olive oil and lemon.

The 1,800m² Vair Spa, designed over two levels, includes fourteen treatment rooms, a spa suite with a garden and steam room, a ‘social suite’ for hands and feet, an infusion bar and a heated indoor pool. The initial launch of the Spa in the summer of 2010 included the 11 top floor treatment rooms and swimming pool. The redevelopment on the lower floor, which opened last month, has created an oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation and offers an authentic approach to wellbeing with a yoga Iyenghar studio, salon and gym, flotation room, men’s barber shop, plus a breathtaking wet area reproducing the Ancient Roman bath with a Tepidarium (warm room), Calidarium (hot room), Figidarium (cold room), two scrub rooms, an Apulian Sauna (with salt and basil) and a signature Roman-Apulian wet experience which has been designed to re-awaken ancient traditions.

RIVERWALK A&E DISTRICT PARTNERS CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON

WITH BOUNTIFUL CULTURAL EVENTS

District Partners Present a Myriad of Cultural Happenings for Adults and Children,

from Uffizi Gallery Exhibition’s Offering of the Angels to Beauty and the Beast Performance

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. – Oct. 25, 2011 – In Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment (A&E) District, the holiday season is abundant not only with sunshine, but also countless cultural events for both adults and children. Whether they prefer acclaimed art exhibitions, “Best of Broadway” performances, stunning opera, mystifying historic river ghost tours, or historic walking tours around Old Fort Lauderdale, visitors are certain to enjoy the holidays with a plethora of cultural events presented by Riverwalk A&E District partners in November and December 2011.

A unique collaboration of arts and entertainment organizations located along the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Riverwalk A&E District’s partners include Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Florida Grand Opera, Fort Lauderdale History Center, Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale, and Historical Stranahan House Museum.

District partners are offering many cultural treats for adults during November and December, including:

• Comedian Kathleen Madigan, Nov. 4 at 8 p.m., Broward Center for the Performing Arts

• Classical violinist Hilary Hahn, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m., Broward Center for the Performing Arts

• Florida Grand Opera’s Luisa Fernanda, considered to be the last great romantic zarzuelas, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 3 at 8 p.m., Broward Center for the Performing Arts

• Sounds of the Season – A Holiday Extravaganza presented by Symphony of the Americas, Dec. 12 at 8:15 p.m.

• The ongoing Laffing Matterz comedy revue dinner theatre, Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Perfect for family holiday cheer during November and December are cultural events such as:

• Beauty and the Beast, Nov. 15-27, Broward Center for the Performing Arts

• Offering of the Angels: Paintings and Tapestries from the Uffizi Gallery Exhibition, Tuesday-Sunday beginning Nov. 20, Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale

• Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! It’s Time to Dance, Dec. 10 – 2 and 5 p.m.; Dec. 11 – 11 a.m. and

2 p.m., Broward Center for the Performing Arts

• Miracle on 34th Street, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m., Broward Center for the Performing Arts

• Miami City Ballet’s The Nutcracker™, Dec. 21, 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 24 at 1 p.m., Broward Center for the Performing Arts

• Historic Walking Tours, every Sunday at 2:30 p.m., presented by Fort Lauderdale History Center

• River Ghost Tours, every Sunday night at 7:30 p.m., presented by Historic Stranahan House Museum

“The holidays are a wonderful time to visit sunny Fort Lauderdale, and Riverwalk A&E District partners are happy to make the season extraordinary with their plentiful cultural offerings,” said Carmen Ackerman, project manager for Riverwalk A&E District. “Whether visitors prefer the tranquility of the romantic zarzuela Luisa Fernanda, or the sights and sounds of family-oriented programming such as Miracle on 34th Street, they’re certain to enjoy their special holiday time at the Riverwalk A&E District.”

Also, Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment (A&E) District’s consumer Web site, located at www.riverwalkae.com, is a wonderful one-stop resource for those visiting the area during the holidays. Some of the site’s features include:

• Daily events calendar

• Map and listing of area attractions, hotels, dining, shopping, transportation, parking, boat anchorage, helipad, weather and seasonal information, and more

• Downloadable maps for Riverwalk A&E District, an Architectural Tour of the district, and maps and schedules for the Water Taxi and Sun Trolley

• Links to Riverwalk A&E District’s area partner Web sites, as well as links to Web sites for many other Fort Lauderdale attractions

• “What’s News,” including features about Fort Lauderdale events and happenings

• An A&E blog, covering subjects from area hotels to Broadway performances

• Colorful and vivid images of Fort Lauderdale area attractions

For more information about Riverwalk A&E District’s cultural offerings during November and December, visit www.riverwalkae.com.

About The Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District

The Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District is a unique partnership of arts and entertainment organizations located along the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale with the express mission of promoting cultural tourism in South Florida. Presenting over 1000 individual events each year, the District attracts well over 1 million visitors annually. Partners of the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment Consortium include Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale, Florida Grand Opera, Fort Lauderdale Historical Society and the Historic Stranahan House Museum. It is supported by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. For more information on this or other upcoming events and programs within the A&E District, please visit www.riverwalkae.com

The lively celebrations of Maranhão state´s Bumba-Meu-Boi festival are a great alternative to Brazil´s other cultural festivities

Recently, Bumba-Meu-Boi festival was awarded the official title of UNESCO Cultural Heritage Event. The whole Maranhão region in Northeast Brazil is known for its upkeep of traditions and culture as the capital city São Luís’s historic downtown area was recognised as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The festival is known for its distinct Afro-Brazilian influence that can be seen in everything from the dance moves and costumes, to the local cuisine, and in particular, the lively and varied music. Other UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages are the Argentinian Tango or China’s Dragon Boat Festival.

During its annual festival in June, São Luís is like no place on earth. The sound of saxophones, clarinets, flutes, banjos, guitars and drums fills the air, as dancers and musicians parade through the streets. Most of them are dressed in lavish, brightly coloured costumes. All around them are jubilant crowds, often in their thousands; dancing, singing, moving and shaking, as much a part of this spectacular pantomime as the performers. Welcome to the Bumba-Meu-Boi festival, one of Brazil´s top party destinations and now an official Cultural Heritage event.

The festival itself is a mixture of folk culture from the Northeast part of Brazil and theatre, which focuses on the happy tale of an Ox that is killed and resurrected by a mysterious Shaman. An elaborately decorated Ox usually forms the centerpiece of the processions, with plenty of live music, dancing and even a hint of comedy. Crowds participate in a myriad of ways. From joining in with the processions, to having fun while goading the Ox (or rather the dancers under the costumes), to charge at them; its all about getting involved.

There are an estimated 60 Bumba-Meu-Boi music groups in the city, each with their own sound and rhythm. And, during the festival, as each group expertly works the crowd, it is not uncommon to see hundreds, if not thousands of revellers coming together to create a frenetic rhythmic beat.

While Bumba-Meu-Boi celebrations take place right across Brazil, it is the region’s intense passion and pride for their festival that draws the crowds. Furthermore, this region is also famous for keeping alive traditions that some felt were fading away under the influence of Brazil’s other festivities. By awarding the festival Cultural Heritage status, it will continue to thrive, benefitting from a range of measures that will enhance the visitor experience and preserve its rich culture.

During the festival all the performances are free, taking place in squares and other public spaces, usually at the end of the day. There is range of accommodation available in the city, from traditional inns to recognised establishments. The city is also served by an airport: Sao Luis Cunha Machado (SLZ). UK travellers can fly direct to Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo and then connect to an internal flight. Flights also leave from Brasilia, Recife and Fortaleza.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site city’s historic downtown area comprises over 3,500 buildings, mainly covered with Portuguese style tiles, it is a magnificent record of 18th and 19th century Latin American colonial architecture. Guided tours of the area are available and there are plenty of museums and galleries too.

The location of São Luís also makes it a handy entrance point to other beauty spots in Northern Brazil. After a few days in the city, many visitors choose to go on to the unique desert of the National Park of Lencois Maranheses, which features dinky water lakes neatly placed between magnificent sand dunes.

Useful sources of further information:

http://www.braziltour.com/destino/estados/maranhao/sao_luis.html
www.sao-luiz.travel
www.turismo.ma.gov.br
www.v-brazil.com/tourism/maranhao/sao-luis

With the launch of its new online 2011/12 winter holiday brochure, Headwater is challenging people to change their assumptions – snow-filled getaways are not just for the super-fit or hugely experienced.

With five countries, nine destinations and 12 tours to choose from, the new brochure – downloadable from www.headwater.com/snow  - has trips geared towards both nervous first-timers and those who already have a love for the cold white stuff. Single travellers, food lovers and those seeking cosy surroundings are also well catered for.

“Beginners are our biggest customers so our inclusive lessons help people to quickly master the basics to ensure they won’t waste half their holiday feeling out of control. And for those keen to master a new skill whilst taking in the beautiful surroundings, snow-shoeing and winter walking are both really simple to learn,” said Catherine Crone, MD of Headwater Holidays.

FOR NERVOUS BEGINNERS

AUSTRIA: Winter Walking in Leutasch and Seefeld (8 days)

- This walking holiday removes the downhill fear factor and allows guests to simply enjoy the winter wonderland and beautiful scenery of Leutasch. With a dedicated Headwater guide on hand for five days of guided walks, the region offers some of the prettiest walking trails in Europe, through forests, rivers and valleys.

With over 140km of cleared trails, there’s no chance of getting bored either.

- Leutasch and Seefeld also offers horse-drawn sleigh rides, tobogganing, snow-shoeing, ice skating, curling, alpine skiing and cross-country skiing for the more adventurous while, after an active day, the four-star Hotel Xander’s indoor swimming pool, saunas, steam bath, whirlpool and spa are the perfect place to unwind.

- From £1238pp including flights, 4* half board accommodation, transfers and five days of guided walking tailored to the weather with a resident Headwater representative.

- Alternatives: Austria – Winter Walking in Leutasch and Seefeld; Norway – Cross Country Skiing in Venabu; Switzerland – Cross Country Skiing in the Goms Valley; and Switzerland – Cross Country Skiing in Davos.

FOR EXPERIENCED SKIERS

ITALY: Cross Country Skiing in Dobbiaco (8 days)

- For a cultural mix of Italy and Austria, the village of Dobbiaco offers a backdrop of painted houses, carved balconies and onion-domed churches alongside Baroque castles, ladies in fur coats and chic coffee bars.

- Those who are already confident on their skis can follow in the tracks of champions as Dobbiaco has hosted the World Cup Cross-Country Ski Championships four times and is also in the centre of the largest ski trail network in the Dolomites. Trails start at the hotel door and there is even a snow-making cannon for the cross-country routes to make sure skiers make the most of this prime location.

- From £1169pp including flights, 4* half board accommodation, five cross-country skiing lessons (two hours each), weekly trail pass with free transport on the ski bus, ski equipment hire (skis, boots and poles) and airport transfers.

- Alternatives: Norway – Cross Country Skiing in Venabu; Switzerland – Cross Country Skiing in Kandersteg; and Switzerland – Winter Walking in Kandersteg.

FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS

AUSTRIA: Cross Country Skiing in Trins & The Three Valleys (8 days)

- Based in the village of Trins, in the heart of the Austrian Tyrol, the combination of trails and breath-taking Alpine views make it perfect to explore the woods, villages and farms among the valleys and the peaks of the Alps.

- With no single supplement and different departures based on experience levels, solo travellers will find themselves skiing with like-minded and similarly-skilled holiday-makers. Confident skiers can even climb to Mariawaldrast (1700m) where a former medieval monastery has been turned into a café by the last remaining monk. After a day’s skiing, head back to the 3* Hotel Wienerhof, a traditional family-run hotel dating back to 1731.

- From £899pp including flights, 3* half board accommodation with complimentary afternoon tea, airport transfers and a fully accompanied six day cross-country ski programme. No single supplement.

- Alternatives: Austria – Cross Country Skiing in Trins & The Three Valleys; Austria – Winter Walking in Trins & The Three Valleys; and Norway – Cross Country Skiing in Venabu.

FOR ADDED LUXURY AND GOURMET FOOD

SWITZERLAND: Cross Country Skiing in Davos (8 days)

- This luxury holiday, based in the heart of the Swiss Alps, is a haven for trying out a wide variety of winter sports. Its well-maintained cross-country ski trails – many floodlit – cover the entire valley forming a 75km network of runs set against a panoramic mountain backdrop.

- Guests will be based at the elegant 4* Hotel Meierhof – a C19 hotel with a long-standing reputation for gourmet cuisine and extensive wine selection. On top of the four-course evening meals, the hotel is also filled with modern facilities such as an indoor swimming pool, saunas, steam bath and whirlpool to help ease any aching limbs.

- From £1519pp including flights, 4* half board accommodation, unlimited travel on most local transport, a 6-day cross-country ski pass, all cross-country ski equipment (boots, poles and skis), plus three (two-hour) lessons.

- Alternatives: Italy – Cross Country Skiing in Dobbiaco; and Switzerland – Cross Country Skiing in the Goms Valley.

FOR EXTRA COSY SURROUNDS

SWITZERLAND: Cross Country Skiing in Kandersteg (8 days)

- For a quiet but idyllic ski holiday, head to Kanderstag – one of the last surviving “picture postcard” Swiss villages in the heart of the Bernese Oberland. A varied and flexible ski programme means there is the chance for some expert tuition as well as independent exploration.

- The traditional Alfa Soleil Hotel is family-run which provides a ‘home away from home’ atmosphere with a piano and open fire in its elegant lounge plus evening meals in a cosy, candlelit dining room. Facilities also include a heated swimming pool, sauna, solarium and gym.

- From £1238pp including flights, 3* half board accommodation, transfers, three cross-country skiing lessons, local ski bus pass, two return cable car tickets and equipment hire (boot, pole and skis).

- Alternatives: Austria – Cross Country Skiing in Trins & The Three Valleys; Austria – Winter Walking in Trins & The Three Valleys; Finland – Cross Country Skiing in Lapland; Switzerland – Cross Country Skiing in Davos; and Switzerland – Winter Walking in Kandersteg.

FOR SHEER VARIETY

NORWAY: Winter Discovery in Geilo (8 days)

- This stunning winter wonderland of pine tree clusters and log cabins is the perfect base for an action-packed winter activity holiday. The luxury hotel offers facilities such as a swimming pool, bowling alley, spa, wine cellar (with tastings) and a cosy lounge bar with a roaring fire.

- Outside of the hotel, guests can chose a different activity every day, from cross-country or downhill skiing, reindeer safaris, tobogganing and sledding with husky dogs. For those that prefer to take it slower there is a panoramic rail journey through the winter wilderness to the spectacular Western Fjords.

- From £1347 adult / £1097 child including flights and rail transfers, 4* half board accommodation, ski pass and the hire of boots, poles and skis.

- Alternatives: Austria – Cross Country Skiing in Leutasch and Seefeld; Austria – Winter Walking in Leutasch and Seefeld; and Finland – Cross Country Skiing in Lapland.

For more information or to download the brochure visit www.headwater.com/snow , alternatively, call Headwater on 01606 720199

Southwest Airlines Vacations is offering savings up to $250 on packages for Sheraton Hotels and Resorts and Westin Hotels and Resorts. When booking, use promotion code CONNECT250 for Sheraton Hotels and Resorts or RENEWAL250 for Westin Hotels and Resorts. Travelers will also receive free nights, a room upgrade, or special reduced rates at participating hotels.

Clients can also save up to 30 percent on select rental cars from Alamo or National.

Packages must be booked by  Nov. 10 by 6 p.m. CT for travel Oct. 22 through March 31, 2012.

Black-out dates apply. One-day advance purchase is required. Two bags can be checked free.

Southwest Airlines Vacations offers vacation packages to more than 80 destinations with flight service available from every scheduled Southwest Airlines departure city. Customized vacation package may include flight, hotel, car rentals, show tickets, attraction passes or tours. Southwest Airlines Vacations is located in Orlando and operated by The Mark Travel Corporation (TMTC).