Jetsettersblog

World War Two Tour of Europe

Specialist ‘Americans in Normandy’ Battlefields tour launched, $714*

A new specialist European vacation is offering US veterans, their families and military history enthusiasts the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding into the American involvement into World War Two and the Normandy landings.

Launched by the UK’s leader in Battlefields tours with specialist guides, Leger Holidays, the five-day trip will re-trace the steps of the US Invasion Force as it played a vital role in securing the success of the Allied liberation of Europe.

After arriving in Normandy on day one, day two will focus on the Omaha Sector which saw the American 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions as they fought on the beach which will forever be known as ‘Bloody Omaha’.

Day three focuses on the exploits of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions who paved the way for the 4th Infantry landing on Utah Beach. On day four the tour moves on to Operation Cobra and the battle for the Falaise Gap.

The trip will also include visits to the American Military Cemetery (above Omaha Beach) and the American Cemetery at St. James (Brittany), providing an opportunity for visitors to pay their respects to America’s fallen heroes.

The fully escorted five-day vacation includes travel by luxury Silver Service coach, four nights’ accommodation at the three-star Mercure Caen Côte de Nacre hotel situated on the outskirts of Caen, continental breakfast and information and commentary from one of Leger’s specialist expert Battlefields guides.

Silver Service coach travel includes porterage in all hotels, a smaller more personal group, free personal headphones, choice of music, on board DVD player and satellite navigation display.

An ideal short break for people who are in the UK visiting family and friends, the tour departs from 400 joining points across the UK. Departure points also include Heathrow Airport, Dover and central London. Prices start from £359 ($714*) per person departing 15 or 29 September 2008 or 29 March 2009.

For further information about Leger Holidays call +44 845 458 5599 or visit the dedicated website www.normandybattlefields.co.uk

Please note: Participants must arrange their own travel to the UK to join the tour. Click the banner below for Leger tours.

Crew Wanted For 600 BC Sailing Expedition

Phoenicia Fact Sheet The search is on for keen sailors to take part in an ambitious expedition which aims to recreate the first circumnavigation of Africa believed to have been completed by Phoenician mariners almost 3,000 years ago.

The Phoenician Ship Expedition will set sail this summer from the ancient Syrian port of Arwad, which is where the 70 ft replica vessel is being built.

Led by Philip Beale who successfully headed the Borobudur expedition in 2003-04 sailing a replica 8th century Indonesian trading vessel from Indonesia to West Africa, this latest venture is more ambitious and will see the ship cover 17,000 miles over 12 months before she arrives in London.

“You don’t have to be Ellen MacArthur to take part in this project, although she’d be most welcome. We’re looking for people who have a sense of adventure and curiosity to be part of a small team in what will inevitably be challenging circumstances. We want a multination crew and obviously not everyone can take so long away from work and family commitments so we’d welcome applications from people who could come for part of the voyage” said Beale.

The Phoenicia team are in need of specialist skills such as medical, culinary, IT and photographic expertise as well as experienced and novice sailors. Applications forms are available to down load from the projects website www.phoenicia.org.uk

Sama Airlines adds flights and destinations

Arabic ReleaseSama Airlines is preparing for the Summer, increasing flights and launching new destinations

• Expectation of increased demand for travel market in the Kingdom more than 15% this summer.

• Sharm Al-Sheikh is Sama’s 10th new international destination

• Sama are also inaugurating a new route between Jeddah and Amman

• Fares start from 310 SR to Sharm Al-Sheikh, and from 380 SR to Amman

• Daily flight to Sharm Al-Sheikh and Amman

• Increased the number of flights between some international and domestic destinations to meet strong summer demand

• Sama flies to 10 international destinations with more than 24 different routes.

Riyadh - Sama Airlines, the newest low-fare carrier in Saudi Arabia, has added Sharm Al-Sheikh in Egypt as it’s tenth international destination and the third point in the Egypt after Alexandria and Asiut. Moreover, Sama is inaugurating a new route between Jeddah and Amman in Jordan, Sama’s second Jordanian route after Riyadh-Amman. The first flight will be on Tuesday 10th Jun 2008 from Jeddah to Amman, and then on Thursday 12th Jun 2008. This announcement is part of Sama’s preparation for the next summer season.

Mr. Samer Atawi, Sama Chief Commercial Officer said: “As part of Sama’s preparation for the next summer season, we are pleased to inaugurate flights to Sharm Al-Sheikhadding to Sama’s increasing network of international destinations. Flights will depart on a daily basis two per week from Riyadh and five from Jeddah. In addition, Samais launching a new route between Jeddah and Amman in Jordan, with daily flights and we are also increasing the number of flights between Riyadh and Amman to 6 flights per week. According to our studies, we are expectingdemand for travel market in Saudi Arabia for domestic and international flights this summer to increase by more than 15% compared with last summer.

We have also increased the number of flights between some destinations such as Riyadh-Dammam, Jeddah-Dammam, Riyadh-Alexandria, Riyadh-Amman, and Jeddah-Alexandria. Furthermore, to facilitate and simplifythe travel arrangements for our guest passengers, we have coordinated with our partners to provide options for accommodation in several hotels with discounted and competitive low-prices when they book through our website www.flysama.com”

Sama Airlines will operate a daily flight between Jeddah and Sharm Al-Sheikh, and two flights per week (every Tuesday and Thursday) between Al-Riyadh and Sharm Al-Sheikh at fares starting from 310 SR. The daily flights between Jeddah and Amman, and 6 flights per week between Riyadh and Amman will be at fares starting from 380 SR. The travel demand between Saudi Arabia and Egypt and Jordan is the highest in the region, reflectingextensive family connections, visiting friends and family, or for tourism or business.

Sama flies to 13 domestic destinations (Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah, Abha, Jizan, Hail, Arar, Jouf, Tabouk, Rafha, and Bisha) and 10 international destinations across the Middle East (Abu-Dhabi, Sharjah, Amman, Damascus, Latakia, Aleppo, Beirut, Alexandira, Asiut and Sharm el Sheikh). Sama offers various ways for booking, such as the website (www.flysama.com) or Call Centre 9200 05588, or Sales Centre in all the main cities (Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, Madinah, Abha) and the Airports, or our Authorised Travel Agents (Inside Saudi Arabia and outside). With various option for paying (Cash, Credit Card, Sadad).

Stop Dreaming About That Mediterranean Cruise

Stop dreaming about that Mediterranean Cruise and take one this summer with Small Families, the UK’s leading operator for single parent holidays!

It is offering three separate itineraries in August; all start and finish in Palma, Majorca.

They give the opportunity to visit some of Southern Europe’s most famous cities such as Genoa, Marseilles, Barcelona, Messina, Valencia, Palermo and Naples.

All cabins have sea views, air conditioning, TV, telephone and radio.

The ship has three restaurants, four bars, bathing pool, kids club, theatre, beauty salon and you will be in the company of other single parent families.

Departures are available from 18 airports across the UK.

Prices for a seven night cruise, inclusive of breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks, most drinks and the services of a Small Families host throughout the holiday are £2,000 for an adult and one child sharing a cabin, additional children under 12, £650 and £785 over 12.

For more information call 01763 226567 or visit

www.smallfamilies.co.uk
www.singleparent.travel

4-Star Med Cruise From Just $699

Holidaymakers already booked to Europe or the Mediterranean later this year, can give themselves a bonus early Christmas present with an amazing 7-night Mediterranean cruise offer aboard the 4-star Costa Concordia that costs from just $699pp twin-share – including a choice of onboard dining options, nightly entertainment in a theatre extending through three decks, and onboard tips.

And children up to 18 years who share a cabin with adults will cruise for free – paying just their port charges.

This enticing offer from ecruising.travel is available on Costa Concordia’s 7-night sailing from Rome’s Port Civitavecchia on November 9 this year and can be booked online on www.ecruising.travel

Costa Concordia visits Savona, Barcelona, Palma De Mallor, Tunis, La Valletta, Palermo and returns to Civitavecchia… an itinerary she’ll sail every Sunday from May 4 to November 23, with prices varying from $899pp twin-share through to peak-season $1999.

The 4-star ship has 5-restaurants, 13 bars, four pools including two with retractable all-weather roofs, 5 Jacuzzis, a water chute, sports court, jogging track, and Wellness Centre with gym, Thalasso pool, sauna and steam room.

There’s also a casino, disco, internet café, library, giant on-deck movie screen, shopping centre, video arcade, and children’s club and splash pool.

Windstar Summer Cruise Savings in Europe

Windstar Cruises is offering savings on several itineraries departing this summer. European cruises start at $2,399 per person for seven days aboard all three Windstar vessels from July through November.

Greek Isles cruises start at $2,599 per person for seven days aboard Wind Star and Wind Spirit from July through October. Windstar offers what it calls the most extensive season of Greek Isles itineraries in the cruise industry. Ports on these itineraries include Athens, Gythion, Návplion, Ermoúpolis, Rome, Messina, Capri, Sorrento, Katákolon, Mykonos, Rhodes, Bodrum, Kusadasi, Monemvasia, Corfu, Sarandë, Cephaloniá and Kýthira.

For more information, call 800-258-7245 or visit www.windstarcruises.com

ALICIA KEYS AFRICA DOCUMENTARY online

AVAILABLE FOR EXCLUSIVE DOWNLOAD ON SPIRALFROG

SpiralFrog was selected by the non-profit organization, Keep a Child Alive (KCA), to be the exclusive download partner for the documentary of Alicia Keys’ month-long journey through Africa.

NEW YORK, NY, - SpiralFrog, Inc., (www.spiralfrog.com) the free and legal, ad-supported web-based music service, today announced it was selected by the non-profit organization, Keep a Child Alive (KCA), to be the exclusive download partner for “Alicia in Africa: Journey to the Motherland,” the documentary of Grammy Award-winning musician and Keep a Child Alive (KCA) Co-Founder, Alicia Keys’, month-long trip to Africa to visit communities affected by HIV and AIDS.

Keep a Child Alive is the non-profit organization that engages the public for a-dollar-a-day to buy the life-saving anti-retroviral drugs that keep children and their families alive in Africa. Alicia’s commitment to the fight against AIDS is contagious and she is leading the effort to spread the message of KCA, “Start a Virus to Stop a Virus,” virally, so she has selected a number of prestigious interactive media partners to help get the message out. Running April 9 - May 19, the full-length film will be available for download exclusively at SpiralFrog.com with information provided and donations accepted at www.AliciainAfrica.com

“We are proud to support the efforts of Keep a Child Alive and Alicia Keys,” said Matthew Stern, vice president of marketing for SpiralFrog. “This is a powerful and important story to tell. We hope to help make a difference in the lives of the African children affected by AIDS by driving donations to AliciainAfrica.com.”

“We have received extraordinary support from the music and entertainment industries,” says Leigh Blake, founder of Keep a Child Alive. “We are incredibly grateful to those organizations and celebrities who demonstrate their support by helping us generate awareness and donations for the families and children battling this disease everyday.”

SpiralFrog is enlisting the help of its advertisers in further spreading awareness by creating turn-key, cross-platform sponsorship packages. The exclusive availability of ‘Alicia in Africa’ on SpiralFrog will include promotion on American Idol on April 9th, advance screenings of the documentary on college campuses, viral marketing and an email marketing campaign that will reach over 20 million people. Additionally, Alicia Keys will also be embarking on her US tour in more than 30 cities to let Americans know where to find the film and how they can help. SpiralFrog will be promoting the exclusive availability to download the film on the ground at each of these events.

“Supporting artist initiatives and organizations like Keep a Child Alive is important to us,” said Joe Mohen, chairman and founder of SpiralFrog. “Our members are active and aware and want to know what is happening in the world. This is a serious issue and we are proud to play a part in spreading the word and opening the eyes of many who may not know how devastating the impact of AIDS is in Africa.”

“Keep a Child Alive is an amazing charity and we applaud every effort they make in helping to change the world,” said Mel Schrieberg, CEO of SpiralFrog. “Alicia Keys’ efforts with the organization are noble and extraordinary. We hope to help their efforts by offering this film to watch again and again, and motivate active support.”

When downloaded from SpiralFrog, “Alicia in Africa” will play on multiple formats, including PCs and Macs.

About SpiralFrog

Headquartered in New York, SpiralFrog (www.spiralfrog.com) is a Web-based advertising-supported music experience that combines music discovery tools with free and legal downloads of audio and video content licensed directly from the catalogs of the world’s leading music owners. With more than 2.6 million monthly uniques, over 900,000 registered users, 1.1 million songs and 4,000 music videos, SpiralFrog offers music-lovers a compelling alternative to illicit file-sharing and pirate sites, with a secure environment for them to satisfy their unyielding passion and thirst for music and entertainment information at no cost.

About Keep a Child Alive

Keep a Child Alive is a charitable and educational foundation committed to accelerating action to combat the global AIDS pandemic. With more than 28 million dead and 15 million orphaned, the disease continues, wiping out whole societies, threatening economic infrastructures and creating tragic family devastation. KCA provides life-saving medication, social support, and orphan care, to keep these children and families alive. KCA also develops global awareness campaigns targeted at boosting funding for the fight against HIV/AIDS. For just a dollar a day, you can help save the life of a child or a parent who cannot afford essential treatment and care in some of the world’s poorest countries. http://www.keepachildalive.org

Libya - A Future In The Past

The maturing rapprochement between Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi’s regime and the rest of the world has seen Libya’s tourism profile transform out of all recognition. Economic sanctions, travel bans and pariah status have all increasingly become phantoms of the past. However, though Libya’s future seems very different, its strength still lies in the past.

Peregrine Adventures’ 9-day Classic Libya tour plunges deep into the desert to the UNESCO World Heritage oasis town of Ghadames, returning to explore the country’s remarkable coastal Phoenician, Greek and Roman archaeological sites. Tours depart Tripoli 26th April and 10th May 2008 (other dates too).

Tripoli remains a city surprised by its new-found popularity. For years devoid of tourists save for sporadic Italian tour groups and the occasional Swiss unicyclist, Tripoli’s souk must be one of the few in the Arab world where travellers do not attract the enthusiastic attention of eager stallholders.

Peregrine’s tour allows time for a visit to the capital’s remarkably good museum, an exercise that adds context to the following days of exploration. Driving south, away from the fertile coastal strip, travellers head into the uplands of Jebel Nafusa, an area where Berber traditions are still strongly adhered. At the village of Ruhaybat Peregrine spend the night in a desert-adapted troglodyte house, carved into the solid rock. Further south again, the important oasis town of Ghadames (UNESCO World Heritage) with its covered streets and unique desert architecture is investigated.

The return journey to the coast takes in Nalut at the southern end of the Jebel Nafusa, one of the most fascinating old towns in the region. Here, there’s an excellent example of an ancient ‘kasr’, or fortified house, over 300 years old with 400 secure chambers used for storing grain and oil. Next, a full day is spent amongst the baths, forum, temples and basilica at one of the world’s greatest ancient sites, Leptis Magna. Originally a Phoenician trading port, later second only to Rome in the Empire under Emperor Septimus Severus, this vast city remained buried in the sand for over 1300 years until major excavations in the 1920s.

To the west, well-preserved remains at Sabrata continue from the land, disappearing intriguingly into the blue Mediterranean. Following a brief domestic flight to Benghazi, the impressive Graeco-Roman cities of Cyrene and Apollonia are also visited before returning to Tripoli for a final night.

The tour costs £1,144 p/p including 8-nights accommodation with breakfast, and some special meals, an experienced English-speaking local leader/guide, arrival transfer, private air-conditioned vehicles, all transportation, sightseeing & entrance fees. International flights are not included.

Africa Adventure Consultants a Safari Leader

Boutique Safari Operator Now Offering Carbon Neutral Travel

BOULDER/ DENVER, CO - Africa Adventure Consultants continues to lead the industry with innovative safari design, and now they are pleased to announce the launch of a comprehensive effort to reduce carbon emissions as well. Africa Adventure Consultants has joined forces with Sustainable Travel International (STI) on its pioneering TravelGreen™ program, which allows Africa Adventure Consultants to offer carbon neutral safaris to travelers. Africa Adventure Consultants is STI’s first African safari operator partner implementing a sophisticated program that offers carbon offsets on every safari the company sells.

“Carbon neutral” means the point at which greenhouse gas emissions have been identified, measured, reduced where possible, and 100% of the remaining emissions have been offset through high quality renewable energy or energy efficiency projects. Total greenhouse gas emissions are a factor of the air travel to get to Africa as well as the style of safari people enjoy. Sustainable Travel International assists in determining the total greenhouse gas emission per traveler, and Africa Adventure Consultants then absorbs 50% of that amount and provides the option for the traveler to offset the remaining 50%.

“We’ve found that our clients not only appreciate our initiative to protect and preserve the delicate ecosystems of Africa, but appreciate being given the voluntary opportunity to contribute directly as well.” said Kent Redding, President of Africa Adventure Consultants. “Earlier this year we worked to make our Denver office 100% carbon neutral, we continue to carefully select game areas in Africa that operate under sensitive environmental standards and now feel that Carbon Neutral travel is the next logical step. What does this mean for our clients? We are providing a way to travel to Africa with a limited negative impact on the environment.”

Africa Adventure Consultants also works with their African partner companies to reduce CO2 emissions by implementing solar and wind power schemes, reduce wood burning, protect land to create carbon sinks, and more.

Proceeds from purchased offsets are invested by Sustainable Travel International into high-impact sustainable development projects, including reforestation, renewable energy and energy conservation. These projects, which also benefit local communities, are located throughout Africa and other regions. Sustainable Travel International provides carbon offset projects that are independently verified by third-party sources.

The projects must verifiably reduce greenhouse gas emissions according to the CDM Gold Standard, consistent with the principles of the Kyoto Protocol, or meet the standards set forth by the Climate, Community, and Biodiversity Alliance. In 2007 Sustainable Travel International received the highest ranking in an independent study of carbon offsetting programs commissioned by the environmental group Clean Air-Cool Planet.

About Sustainable Travel International

Sustainable Travel International is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote sustainable development and eco-friendly travel by providing programs that help travelers and travel-related companies protect the environmental, socio-cultural and economic needs of the places they visit, and the planet at large.

About Africa Adventure Consultants

Denver-based Africa Adventure Consultants organizes safari adventures throughout East and Southern Africa, with destinations including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia and Victoria Falls. The company sells destinations they know personally and offer guests assurance of strong on-the-ground partnerships with only the best local companies. Africa Adventure Consultants supports a variety of African conservation organizations, community-based tourism programs and humanitarian causes. With an eye on personal service, the principals create customized trips for individuals and small groups.

To learn more, please call 1.866.778.1089.

Biggest Earth Day Ever Fast Approaching

Top African Travel Providers Promote Sustainable Travel Practices

In 1970, Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, proposed the first nationwide environmental protest “to shake up the political establishment and force this issue onto the national agenda.” The Fazendin Portfolio, representing top African travel companies, takes the conservation of Africa’s delicate ecosystems very seriously and enthusiastically supports the global environmental initiatives that have been successfully implemented since the first Earth Day nearly four decades ago. Tourists are demanding environmentally friendly options and Africa’s finest travel providers are responding with a variety of programs in 2008.

Express Travel Group: The greatest eco-challenge facing Kenya today is finding the perfect balance between utilization and conservation of natural cultural resources to ensure sustainability. Kenya’s tourism is dependent on natural and cultural resources both of which can either be degraded or lost altogether if not properly utilized. Express Travel Group’s “Green Kenya” itinerary takes all this into careful consideration. By fostering exceptional relationships with some of Kenya’s most respected eco-friendly properties, this itinerary combines the best of the classic safari experience with enlightening environmental and community programs.

African Latitude: African Latitude strives to increase working relationships in safari operations with local communities in Kenya and Tanzania. Not only does the company have strong relationships with these communities, but they have created partnerships whereby the Masai people are directly involved with and benefiting from the tourism industry – the ultimate model for sustainable tourism today. The company is now building a community lodge which will bring benefit and employment to the local communities, linking different communities bordering conservation areas and national parks in East Africa and encouraging these communities to create their own conservation projects with the ultimate objective of helping them reap economic benefit from wildlife protection.

Choroa Luxury Safaris: Choroa Luxury Safaris operates luxury mobile safaris in Tanzania, which involves erecting tented camps for each individual safari group and completely removing these camps once the group is done — leaving absolutely no trace and minimal impact on delicate African ecosystems, including the famed Serengeti and Ngorongoro conservation areas.

EcoTraining: Thriving on the foundation that education powers conservation, EcoTraining provides “hands on” travel experiences for adventure travelers across the globe. EcoTraining’s philosophy is that no one can truly appreciate Africa’s wild places without actually spending time in the wild. Whether looking for professional safari guide training or for a learning vacation with a difference and an opportunity to experience the African bush first-hand, EcoTraining strives to educate and instill the great passion for and protection of the African bush in travelers from around the world.

Heritage Hotels: Kipungani Explorer Lamu, the stunning resort on Kenya’s Lamu Island recently announced its commitment to a long-term plan that will ensure that only local staff and materials are used in the development and maintenance of this property. Already considered the finest property on Lamu, this five-star property has proven that it doesn’t require giant generators, imported foods, or state-of-the-art gadgets to keep guests happy. By combining the latest environmental technologies with traditional local knowledge, Heritage Hotels is working to create a model for sustainable ecotourism throughout East Africa.

Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour: The Danakil Depression is considered a “cradle of mankind” for the large number of hominid remains found there. Only the Afrar people have been able to inhabit this difficult region, and continue living today as nomads tending to their livestock. This combination of culture, topography and climate make the Danakil Depression an exotic and mysterious destination for eco-travelers featuring the stunning landscapes and beautiful, enduring people of this remote region of Ethiopia.

The Fazendin Portfolio represents African travel companies providing classic African experiences. From luxury tented camping safari experiences to unique cultural adventures, this collection representing Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and South Africa was developed specifically with the needs and desires of North American adventure travelers in mind. Ever dedicated to environmental conservation, the company recently launched a comprehensive marketing CD including detailed information on the complete representation portfolio which has eliminated the need to print large brochures. To learn more about these eco-friendly travel options in Africa please visit http://www.fazendinportfolio.com/