Jetsettersblog

Aeromexico has begun seasonal and daily flights from Denver to Mexico City. The service will operate through April 29. The winter season is an ideal time to visit Mexico, with many regions still enjoying warm, beach weather while areas of higher altitude have temperate, comfortable weather.

South African Airways (SAA) is offering roundtrip fares starting at $921 (restrictions apply) for travel this winter from New York or Washington, D.C. to Johannesburg; and $996 (restrictions apply) from Washington, D.C. to Dakar, Senegal.

Low fares are also available for travel to Cape Town starting at $1,007, and Durban, Port Elizabeth or East London, starting at $1,087 roundtrip (restrictions apply). Venturing beyond South Africa is also possible with low fares to destinations including Windhoek, Namibia; Nairobi, Kenya; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Entebbe, Uganda; Mauritius; Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe; and Livingstone, Zambia. The fares are available through Jan. 3.

Azores Express/SATA is offering a week-long package from Boston to Lisbon, featuring six nights lodging and air and starting at $859 per person this fall with a half dozen hotels to choose from. Lisbon has a host of new museums, restaurants, cultural venues and hotels.

Packages from Boston to Lisbon (via the Azores) depart Tuesdays and Fridays with six-night stays at a choice of four hotels all year.

For Tuesday departures, packages range from $859 to $1,019 per person, double occupancy (plus tax). All packages include daily breakfast. Clients can choose a package that combines a stay in São Miguel in the Azores for the same $859 base price. Children under 6 pay only child’s airfare.

For more information, call 800-762-9995.

Season’s Greetings! The chefs at Recipe4Living.com have an exciting new feature – a free holiday e-cookbook! The e-cookbook is full of pictures and instructions for creating festive meals, treats, and gifts.

Make your holiday meal a superb event with appetizers such as Grand Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms and Cranberry Appetizer Meatballs, dinner dishes such as Baked Honey Ham and Roasted Free-Range Turkey with Pear-Chestnut Stuffing, and desserts such as Holiday Cherry Squares and Candy Cane White Fudge. This doesn’t even include the lists of appetizers, vegetarian entrees, and holiday breakfasts! There is truly a recipe included for every holiday need.

This e-cookbook is great to print out and give to friends and family, or to simply keep at home for your own personal cooking needs during the holiday season. It’s tough to coordinate large holiday meals or come up with innovative recipes for your holiday cookie trade, but with this guide, you’ll have no shortage of great recipes! You don’t even need to be in the vicinity of your computer to take advantage of a full repertoire of seasonal favorites. Visit this link for a completely free download, no strings attached. Once you download and save it, you’re free to use it whenever you’re on the computer!

http://www.recipe4living.com/assets/pdf/cookbooks/Christmas_eCookbook2.pdf

Here is the full list of all the e-cookbooks Recipe4Living has to offer!
http://www.recipe4living.com/articles/free_ecookbooks.htm

Recipe4Living sends out a newsletter to 1.8 million people with recipe collections and articles related to seasonal content. Its accompanying blog, Chew on That, provides access to current news involving food, and contains more content straight from the editors. Trendy topics such as restaurant reviews, party tips, and how-to guides with pictures can be found for every season. Visit Recipe4Living.com and ChewOnThatBlog.com to see the full selection of recipes and informative articles.

Foodie fans can Follow Recipe4Living on Twitter and ‘Like’ Recipe4Living on Facebook.

About Recipe4Living.com
Recipe4Living is dedicated to fostering an online community interested in cooking, thinking, and living. Through reader feedback and contribution, we strive to create a meaningful space for people to come together and communicate about important topics ranging from the best cheesecake recipe to grilling tips to current trends in dieting. Recipe4Living understands that the best ideas come from a diverse community working together.

In April 2012, the eyes of the world will be on the waters of Samoa when up to 140 of the world’s best anglers converge in its deep blue water for the Samoa International Game Fishing Tournament.

Usually held in the first week of April, the competition lasts for a week and Samoa will host a plethora of boats and over one hundred anglers from many different countries all competing for winning positions in the event which is one of the highlights of Samoa’s calendar year and a fascinating spectacle for visitors.

While the latest catch in November 2011 by the M/V Southern Destiny broke all other records in the country (a blue marlin weighing in at a staggering 511.5 lbs), reeling in catches of about 350 lbs are not uncommon in Samoa.

Sheltered from big game or sports fishing vessels, the waters are teeming with marine life, making it the perfect Pacific angler’s marine playground.

The tournament is open to all including a ladies trophy with. It also attracts major vessels in the region including Australia, New Zealand and American Samoa – all vying for the top angling fishing trophy.

“The Samoans have a special relationship with the sea and their traditional values and Fa’a Samoa entails that they protect their ocean heritage and maintain its pristine state,” says Peter Sereno of the Samoa Tourism Authority.

“The tournament will be bigger in 2012 and we are expecting a record number of participants reeling in record breaking catches, and joining the celebrations,” says Peter.

The Samoa International Game Fishing Tournament offers a fantastic opportunity to visit and explore the Samoa islands for fishing enthusiastics. From vast tropical beaches on the South coast of Upolu to exhilarating volcano treks on the island of Savai’I Samoa has something to offer every type of visitor.

With news that the “staycation” is dead and Australia is the ‘Best Country to Visit Worldwide’ come four compelling reasons to travel to Australia sooner rather than later.

Explore Tasmania with Qantas Holidays from £1,525 including flights
See South Australia with Travelbag from £1,269

See Australia’s ‘Chef of the Year’ at Hamilton Island’s Great Barrier Feast
20% Early Bird Discounts Available on The Southern Spirit

QANTAS HOLIDAYS (020 8222 9124; www.qantasholidays.co.uk)  is offers a six-night Explore Tasmania itinerary, valid for travel 16 April – 20 June 2012. From £1,525 per person, including flights to Hobart (via Melbourne), car hire and accommodation.

In addition, QANTAS HOLIDAYS A WINNER AT THE BRITISH TRAVEL AWARDS – Qantas Holidays has taken the top slot at the British Travel Awards (BTA) for the second year running after being named ‘Best Tour Operator to Australasia’. The awards, voted for by the British public, are recognised as the most definitive and largest monitor of public opinion on travel and tourism industry performance. More than 700,000 votes were cast this year, three times more than last year.

BTA’s Chief Executive, Lorraine Barnes-Burton, said: “The British public has cast an incredible number of votes for their favourite travel companies making the British Travel Awards without doubt the largest independent consumer-voted awards scheme in the UK. The winning accolades are the benchmark for excellence when it comes to finding out who really is the best in the business of travel for the UK consumer.”

This is the third time that Qantas Holidays has won the award, which was also given to the specialist operator in 2005 and 2010.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA – Travelbag (www.travelbag.co.uk Tel 0871 485 0017) has a six-day South Australia Discovery tour from £1,269 per person. This price includes five nights accommodation split between Adelaide, Kangaroo Island and Glenelg, Avis car rental, and international Cathay Pacific flights. For more information on South Australia (www.southaustralia.com).

HAMILTON ISLAND – See Australia’s ‘Chef of the Year’, Dan Hunter, who will be guest chef at this year’s final Hamilton Island Great Barrier Feast food and wine event on Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th December.( www.hamiltonisland.com.au/feast)

Bridge & Wickers (www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk 020 7483 6555) has a 10 night package from £3,172 per person including. This price includes seven nights on Hamilton Island at the 5-star Beach Club Hotel, three nights in Sydney including private airport transfers, international and regional flights A supplement of £535 per person applies to join in the Great Barrier Reef Feast dinners and activities and master classes are an additional £80 per person.

SOUTHERN SPIRIT – Due to popular demand, Great Southern Rail (www.greatsouthernrail.com.au) has announced eight new departures between February and June 2012 and early bird discounts of 20% for its newest great Australian train journey, The Southern Spirit, which winds its way through four states and across 2,810kms in six days.

This once in a lifetime rail journey has an early bird booking incentive of 20% off the new departure dates, if booked by 24th December 2011. This discount, valid for departures from 11th February to 10th June 2012, is priced from AUD$4,100 (approx £2,535) per person, based on twin share, for the five day Brisbane to Melbourne service that departs on 18th February 2012. This price includes Gold Service cabin, full board rail journey and exclusive Whistle Stop Tours at key locations and points of interest along the way.

There is a lot more to Tahiti and her islands than its stunning beaches. As a year round destination, Tahiti and her islands offer an array of interesting events throughout the year from traditional festivals to sporting events to cultural celebrations. With warm temperatures, breathtaking scenery, and a vast heritage of local cultures, visitors will find plenty to keep them occupied in French Polynesia.

FIFO Tahiti 8th Edition: 6th – 12th February 2012
This is the international Oceanian Documentary Film Festival of Tahiti. The festival hosts short film screenings, script writing and shooting workshops at the “Maison de le Culture”. The festival aims to showcase the best of the documentary production of the region. For more information visit: www.en.fifo-tahiti.com/

Stand Up World Tour: May 2012
The Stand Up World Tour was established in 2009 to address the exponential growth in the sport of Stand Up Paddling, and to provide its premier athletes with an international platform on which to compete for the prestigious World Championship Title. Stand Up World Tour shows now reach 220 countries on 170 networks. For more information visit: www.standupworldtour.com/

Tahiti-Moorea Sailing Rendez-zous: 24th – 26th June 2012
This is an interactive event between tourists, sailors and locals. Three days of festivities begin at Papeete Harbour with a sail to Moorea, followed by a variety of local competitions on Tahiti’s sister island, such as outrigger canoe races, javelin-throwing, fruit-carrying races, stone lifting and a coconut shredding contest. This is a great opportunity for tourists to meet and mingle with the locals. For more information visit: www.portdepapeete.pf/

Heivā Va’a i Tahiti and Heivā i Bora Bora – “The Celebration of Life”: July 2012

In Tahitian, the word Heivā (‘hei ‘meaning to assemble and ‘va’ meaning community places) refers to activities, pastimes, physical exercise and festivals. Heivā is the largest annual cultural festival in Tahiti and it takes place at beautiful To’ata Square in Papeete and Moto’i Place in Vaitape, Bora Bora. In addition to the traditional dance and singing competitions Heivā celebrations also involve cultural demonstrations, cuisine and crafts, and sporting events including a traditional outrigger canoe race through the channel between Tahiti and Moorea. For more information visit: www.heivanui.com

Billabong Pro Surfing Competition: 20th – 31st August 2012
From May to November, the magnificent waves at Teahupoo attract the more expert surfers as the freshwater flowing from the mountains inhibits coral growth and creates some of the most exhilarating waves in Tahiti. At the end of August each year, the Billabong Pro Surfing competition takes place. This is a key event on the surfing calendar showcasing the best surfing talent from around the world.
For more information visit: www.billabongpro.com

World Tourism Day: September 2012
Every year this day is set aside for the people of Tahiti to celebrate International Tourism Day with a series of events designed to welcome visitors to the region. Across Tahiti and her islands there are opportunities to enjoy traditional food, local art, handicraft demonstrations, sports competitions and a range of musical shows.

Tahiti International Golf Open: October 2012
The Olivier Breaud International Golf Course in Atimaono, Papara, is around 50km from Papeete, Tahiti, and it hosts the annual Tahiti International Golf Open. The golf open is a stop on the Pacific Tour organized by the Australian PGA and supported by the Polynesian Golf Federation and is a popular event with keen golfers.

Hawaiki Nui Va’a: November 2012
Va’a (canoe racing) is one of the traditional sports of Tahiti. The Hawaiki Nui Va’a is the world’s largest, longest, and most exhilarating international open ocean outrigger canoe event, and is the ultimate test of strength and endurance for six-person crews of both men and women. Over 100 canoes race 72 miles between the islands of Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a and Bora Bora to the finishing line at Matira Point in Bora Bora. An entourage of avid fans followed by canoes and boats welcome the winners at the finish line. For more information visit: www.hawaikinuivaa.pf

Marquesas Arts Festival ‘Matavaa o te Henua Enana’: December 2012
This is a Culture and Arts Festival held on the island of Nuku Hiva in Marquesas. It brings together pacific islands such as New Zealand, New Caledonia, Rapa and Hawaii where costumes and ancestral rites are shared among them. This festival is regarded by Marquesan artists as one of the best opportunities for them to showcase their talent and culture and increase international recognition. For more information visit: www.tahitinuitravel.biz/viewservices/News.aspx?Pop=1&rqEventID=619

For more information on Tahiti and her islands visit:
www.tahiti-tourisme.co.uk

The eighth biennial Tasting Australia is set to take place from April 26 to May 3 in Adelaide, South Australia. The food and wine festival showcases the best that Australia has to offer in produce, culinary talent, food products, wines and beers, hospitality and tourism.

The 2012 event will feature international foodie celebrities such as U.K. restaurateur Mark Hix, New Zealand Chef Martin Bosley and British brewers Tony Hadley and Richard Fox. Held in Adelaide since its inception in 1997, Tasting Australia is an internationally successful food and wine festival. The eight-day event provides entertainment, education and information to over 50,000 food and wine professionals, the media and food-loving members of the public.

The festival program will encompass celebrity lunches and dinners, free events, children’s events, chef showcases, regional events, classes and demos, debates, auctions and conferences.

Goway’s IslandEscapes is offering five free nights in the islands of Tahiti in a package that includes the islands of Moorea and Bora Bora.

The package includes five nights in Moorea and five free nights in Huahine, priced from $4,099.

Bora Bora is considered the cultural hub of the South Pacific, featuring colorful markets, distinguished art and history along with lush botanical gardens.

It is situated at the edge of an azure lagoon.

Goway combines a package with Tahiti and Bora Bora for eight nights from $3,599.

Included in this escape are three nights’ accommodation at Le Meridien Tahiti Resort (garden view room) with breakfast and five nights at Le Meridien Bora Bora Resort and Spa (Lagoon Bungalow) with a free room upgrade (subject to availability), plus approximately $300 credit per room towards food and beverages.

The packages include roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui, an airport welcome with flower lei, inter-island flights, and all relevant transfers.

For more information, call 800-667-6601.

Tall ship specialist Star Clippers has announced a new series of short break, fully-crewed sailing holidays for 2012, giving guests a chance to experience life on board an elegant clipper ship and to explore some of Europe’s most beautiful and romantic ports. Sailings start from just 4 nights and priced from £1,195 per person, including B&B accommodation in Venice, all meals on board the ship, flights and transfers.

5 night cruise : Mediterranean Treasures, April 23, 2012

Experience the joys of daily yoga and meditation on a five night wellbeing-themed voyage from Malaga to Rome on the 227-guest, five masted Royal Clipper, the largest sailing ship of its kind in the world. Yoga teacher Christel Vollmer, will offer daily classes on the warm teak decks, while guests can follow a healthy or vegetarian diet if they wish, with plenty of menu and buffet options. The ship sails on 23rd April from Malaga to Palma, Mallorca and Mahon in Menorca and the voyage includes two days at sea for maximum relaxation in the spring sunshine. The five night cruise costs from £999 per person including all meals on the ship, all yoga classes, flights and transfers.

5 night cruise : First ex-UK Star Clipper cruise for 20 years, May 5, 2012

Join the head-turning tall ship Star Flyer on her maiden voyage from Southampton, the first time one of the Star Clippers has been in British waters for 20 years. Departing on 5th May the five-night sailing crosses the Channel to Hamburg, via Amsterdam, with two days at sea. Star Flyer, with its four masts and historically styled lines, will attract high levels of attention in the seafaring cities of Southampton and Amsterdam.

The cruise package includes five nights’ car parking in Southampton; five nights’ on board on the ship with all meals, flight from Hamburg to London and a transfer back to Southampton and costs from £1,045 per person.

3 night cruise : Dutch Adventure, May 15, 2012
Be among the first to sail on the 170-passenger Star Flyer during her maiden season in the Baltic on a three-night mini-cruise from Amsterdam to Hamburg.

The cruise package includes one night’s B&B accommodation at the three-star superior Hotel Owl in Amsterdam, a welcome bottle of wine and a complimentary Museum Pass to make the most of the city’s galleries and cultural attractions. Depart Amsterdam on Star Flyer on 15th May and sail for Borkum in Germany, followed by a day at sea to enjoy the sensation of sailing on a true tall ship under thousands of square feet of billowing sails.

The cruise costs from £945 per person, including all meals on board the ship, B&B accommodation in Amsterdam, flights and transfers.

5 night cruise : A Taste of Italy, June 4, 2012
Make the most of Britain’s extra bank holiday for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and take to the seas on Royal Clipper on a four-night sailing from Civitavecchia, the port for Rome.

The five-night break includes one night in the heart of Rome at the four-star Marcella Royal Hotel, with a welcome bottle of wine and a tour of the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel.

The following day, Royal Clipper sails to Bonifacio in Corsica; Sardinia’s ultra-glamorous Costa Smeralda; pretty Portoferraio in Elba; and back to Civitavecchia. The five night cruise costs from £1,275 per person including B&B accommodation in Rome, all meals on the ship, flights and transfers.

4 night cruise : Venetian Romance, departing July 27, 2012

Enjoy an evening in Venice after the crowds have departed, staying the night before your cruise at the four-star superior Liassidi Palace Hotel, within walking distance of the Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square.

The holiday includes entrance to the Doge’s Palace and a bottle of wine on arrival.

Then, sail in style along the spectacular Giudecca Canal on the magnificent, four-masted Star Clipper, heading out across the lagoon and into the Adriatic, for a four-night adventure exploring some of Croatia’s most fashionable anchorages: Mali Losinj, Hvar and Rovinj. From £1,195 per person, including B&B accommodation in Venice, all meals on board the ship, flights and transfers.

To book, tel. 0845 200 6145 or visit www.starclippers.co.uk