Jetsettersblog

Future Vacations New Price Match Policy

Future Vacations launched a new Price Match policy. Under terms of the new policy that will match any competitor’s price on comparable vacation packages within three hours, ensuring that travelers always receive the best value for their vacation dollar.

Travel agents or consumers who book a Future Vacations package and find a lower price on a comparable package elsewhere can call Future Vacations’ new Price Match Hotline – 800-373-7801 – and speak directly to a Price Match Specialist for immediate service.

Comparable packages must feature the same airline, hotel, room category, travel dates and inclusions (e.g.: rental car, ground transfers, theme park/show tickets, etc.). For the fastest service, calls must be made during the following Price Match business hours: Monday to Saturday 9 am to 7 pm EST and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm EST.

Calls made outside of these hours will receive a return call the following business day. If Future Vacations is unable to match the price of a package, travelers will receive a $25 travel credit for future use.

The Price Match Policy is effective now and until further notice on all packages in the Future Vacations portfolio, which spans the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Hawaii, Mexico, Europe, South America, Africa and the Middle East.

For telephone reservations, call 800-456-2323.

NEW FAMILY OFFERINGS AT SHAMWARI GAME RESERVE

Family escapes will never be the same at Riverdene Lodge situated at the world renowned Shamwari Game Reserve with its new family offerings.

Riverdene Lodge combines pure elegance in the wilderness with a colonial African experience. Excellent for families, with its newly renovated accommodation and its educational activities for children.

By mid-July 2008, Riverdene Lodge will boast nine inter-leading luxury family rooms accommodating a maximum of 24 guests including children. All rooms are fully air-conditioned, equipped with televisions and have private patios that lead onto landscaped gardens. Riverdene Lodge has two elegantly furnished casual lounges and a glorious sunroom, as well as a magnificent rim flow swimming pool to entice guests to relax and restore their energies. The family lounge area opens onto a spacious outdoor barbeque area.

The newly renovated accommodation at Riverdene Lodge will also feature two supervised playrooms for children’s activities and spacious green lawns with a jungle gym. Various sport, social and cultural activities such as soccer, cricket, swimming, face-painting, African bead making, treasure hunts, and star gazing will be arranged to entertain the children during their stay.

Over and above these standard children activities, the children will also enjoy educational game drives, bush survival tips, animal, spoor and dung identifications activities among many others.

The children will be introduced to Shamwari Game Reserve and Born Free Foundation’s challenge to promote the conservation of species and the protection of habitat whilst maintaining a humane and compassionate approach to the welfare of animals. Upon arrival, each child will receive a Born Free Foundation certificate for a year’s membership and a gift pack which will include a Born Free cuddly toy. Most importantly, the children will get exclusive access to the Born Free Foundation Big Cat Rescue Centers, the Shamwari Animal Hospital and the Shamwari Film Studio, all based and managed on the Shamwari Game Reserve.

At the Shamwari Animal Hospital, the children will see different types of wild animals or raptors that are currently being cared for, under special supervision by the Shamwari veterinarian team, for release back into the wild. One such animal includes an orphaned six month old elephant calf, which requires constant round the clock care.

Finally, the children will meet with the Shamwari film crew and be shown where the popular international “Unearthed 2” series was produced and edited (‘Unearthed 2” is currently being aired on Animal Planet). In addition, they will also be given a sneak preview of the film footage of the new “Shamwari – a wild life” series, which is due for airing in August/September 2008 on the Discovery Channel’s Animal Planet.

A special kids menu will be available, and dedicated qualified child minders will be on hand at all times.

Low season rates range from £225 per adult sharing per night. Children under the age of 12 years pay 50% of the adult rate. Children under the age of 4 years stay on a complimentary basis.

The family package is available to children of all ages, however, children under the age of 4 will not be able to experience the educational game drives.

Shamwari Game Reserve has been voted as the World’s Leading Conservation Company and World’s Leading Safari and Game Reserve for the last 10 years.

For further information on Shamwari Game Reserve, visit www.shamwari.com

The Mantis Collection comprises of a vast selection of exclusive luxury resorts namely Shamwari Game Reserve near Port Elizabeth, Shamwari Townhouse in Port Elizabeth, Oceana Beach and Wildness Reserve near Port Alfred, Lake Pleasant Living near Knysna, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve near Montague on Route 62, Jock Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park, Nkomazi Game Reserve on the Komati River near the Kruger National Park, Bushman Sands Hotel and Golf Course in Alicedale, and the Last Word Retreats in the Western Cape made up of The Constantia,

The Long Beach (in Kommetjie), The Bishops Court, The St James and The Franschhoek, and more recently Princess Emma, a luxury powered yacht, which is docked at the V & A Waterfront in Cape Town. The Draycott Hotel in London, Jiva Hill Park Hotel in France and Alladale Wilderness Lodge & Reserve a mere hour’s drive from Inverness in the Scottish Highlands – all form part of the Mantis Collections international portfolio. Dubai World Africa has acquired a major shareholding in the Mantis Collection’s three icon game reserves; Shamwari Game Reserve, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve and Jock Safari Lodge.

View the Mantis portfolio of properties on www.mantiscollection.com

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

World’s Top 30 New Hotels 2008

Australia’s Qualia Spa Resort on Hamilton Island, the Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand are among the 30 top new properties according to Travel + Leisure’s It List 2008 which announces the best new hotels around the
globe, chosen by the magazine’s editors.

From stylish beach resorts to newly redone city hideaways to eco-friendly retreats, T+L’s It List covers six continents and features hotels with a range of nightly rates. This highly selective third annual list will be featured in T+L Australia’s July-August issue, on sale 23 June, and is online now at www.travelandleisure.com/itlist

Editor Anthony Dennis, explains: “T+L’s annual It list is reserved for the best new hotels and resorts from around the world. After a few quiet years it’s exciting to see a trio of Australasian properties on the list. And because Travel + Leisure is the only major title in Australasia to pay for its own travel and accommodation, our readers can rest assured that our It List is objective and independent. Editors and writers from the Australian and New Zealand edition were among
those who directly contributed this year’s list.”

AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND AND ASIA

+ Qualia, Hamilton Island, Australia
+ Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, Australia
+ JIA Shanghai, Shanghai, China
+ Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, India
+ Peninsula Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
+ Banyan Tree Maldives Madivaru, Madivaru, Maldives
+ The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Te Awanga, New Zealand
+ St. Regis Singapore, Singapore
+ Six Senses Hideaway Yao Noi, Yao Noi, Thailand

EUROPE

+ Cotswolds88hotel, The Cotswolds, England
+ The Connaught, London
+ Haymarket Hotel, London
+ Hôtel Le Bellechasse, Paris
+ Le Meurice, Paris
+ J.K. Place Capri, Capri, Italy
+ Casa dell’Arte, Bodrum, Turkey

NORTH AMERICA

+ El Silencio Lodge & Spa, Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica
+ Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya, Riviera Maya, Mexico
+ La Purificadora, Puebla, Mexico
+ Regent Bal Harbour, Bal Harbour, Florida
+ Hotel Terra, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
+ The Plaza, New York, New York

SOUTH AMERICA

+ La Merced del Alto, Cachi, Argentina
+ Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
+ Posada de Mike Rapu, Explora en Rapa Nui, Easter Island, Chile
+ Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa, San Pedro, Chile

AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST

+ Riad Meriem, Marrakesh, Morocco
+ Hôtel Nord-Pinus Tanger, Tangier, Morocco
+ Azura Lodge, Benguerra Island, Mozambique
+ Onguma Plains, The Fort on Fisher’s Pan, Etosha, Namibia

Big Family Overland Adventures in Africa

Overland travel is an excellent way for families to experience Africa – visit the San Bushman community, meet cheetahs face to face at Otjitongwe Cheetah Reserve, try out loads of activities in Swakopmund, journey through the Namib Desert and climb Dune 45 in time to see the sunrise.

Add to this, Victoria Falls, Botswana’s incomparable Okavango Delta and the fantastic wildlife of Chobe NP, and you won’t want to come home! Not only do Dragoman Overland guarantee the best family adventure holiday, they’re throwing in a child for free… well, you bring the child, Dragoman let him or her go for free! The 18-night Namibia & Botswana Family Adventure departs Windhoek 23rd July 2008. (Trip code FNB38).

From Windhoek, travel to the spectacular Namib Desert, home to stunning flora and fauna including 3,000 year old, horizontal trees. Enjoy an early morning climb to watch the sunrise from the top of Dune 45. In Swakopmund the adventure capital of the region, activities on offer include quad biking, sand boarding, horse riding or balloon flights along the Skeleton Coast.

Visit the seal colony at Cape Cross, then meet Cheetahs at Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park. Continue to Etosha NP, haven for a range of Southern Africa’s wildlife, including Black Rhino and Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra. In the north of Namibia, camp at beautiful n’Kwazi lodge on the banks of the Kavango River.

Watch traditional dances and visit a local community project supported by the lodge and Dragoman Overland. On to the unspoiled upper reaches of the Okavango Delta, a paradise of flooded plains and swamps teaming with Hippo, Crocodile and Elephant.

Relax at the stunning and quirky Ngepi campsite, with ‘thrones’ open to the great outdoors, tin baths under the African skies, en suite tree-houses and a great bar! Swim in the unique crocodile-free ‘floating swimming’ pool, stay on a houseboat in the delta then head out in marokos (dugout canoes) to camp on one of the many islands. Enjoy a boat safari at Chobe NP, famed for its huge Elephant population, then head to the ‘smoke that thunders’, Victoria Falls, for explorations of the Zambezi River, the falls and the gorges that make up this fascinating area. Here, optional activities include canoeing, white-water rafting below the falls and bungee jumping.

The tour costs £1,250 p/adult, £1,125 p/child (aged 7 to 15yrs), one child goes for free - for families with more than one child (there is no kitty or local payment to pay on family overlands), including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s customised Mercedes Benz truck, canoe and houseboat, camping and hotel accommodation (70%/30%), most meals, the expertise of Dragoman Overland’s three person crew and accompanying African camp master.

Dragoman Overland
01728 861 133
info@dragoman.co.uk
www.dragoman.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

Take a friend to Africa at 50% off

Spy gorillas in the lush jungles of Rwanda, encounter the tribes in Kenya, listen to the thunderous roar of Victoria Falls or search for the “Big Five” in Kruger National Park - if you’ve ever dreamt of experiencing an African adventure, now is the time to book!

Intrepid is offering all travellers who book an African adventure in April a second African trip at 50 per cent off. The offer is valid for travel between 1 July 2008 and 31 October 2008 and all bookings must be made before midnight 30 April 2008.

Take a friend lion spotting for half price, or extend your trip and book yourself a second African overland journey at the discounted rate. With this amazing offer from Intrepid the options are immense!

A selection of the incredible African trips to which the discount applies, include:

Gorillas and Game Parks

Duration: 14 days (ex Entebbe)
Price: From $1885 (NOW from $942.50)

With the help of expert local guides, head deep into the heart of the forests for the pinnacle of wildlife experiences - an encounter with the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda. With superb game viewing, beautiful scenery, colourful towns and friendly locals, you’ll quickly understand why Uganda is often called the Pearl of Africa.

For further information on this trip visit: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/YOG

Kruger and Victoria Falls

Duration: 7 days (Johannesburg to Livingstone)
Price: From $1625 (NOW from $812.50)

Combine two of southern Africa’s most famous sites, Kruger National Park and the breathtaking Victoria Falls, on a short but exciting journey. Look out for the “Big Five” and uncover Africa’s incredible natural beauty on an amazing week’s adventure through the south.

For further information on this trip visit: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/URP

The Masai Heartlands

Duration: 15 days (ex Nairobi)
Price: From $1675 (NOW from $837.50)

Combining the best that Kenya and Tanzania have to offer, this overland adventure goes deep into the heartland of the Masai tribespeople, as well as to the finest game parks of East Africa. From the world-renowned Masai Mara and the vast open plains of the Serengeti, to the stunning lakes of the Great Rift Valley and the dramatic scenery of the Ngorongoro Crater, the opportunities for wildlife viewing are endless. For further information on this trip visit: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/YOM

Visit www.intrepidtravel.com/africapromo  for full terms and conditions.

The No 1 African Overland

SOUTH AFRICA, NAMIBIA, BOTSWANA, ZIMBABWE

Alexander McCall Smith’s The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency is the BBC’s first drama to be filmed entirely in Botswana. The story chronicles the adventures of Mma Precious Ramotswe in her new career as the country’s first-ever female detective - despite few assets – a tiny white van, two decrepit typewriters, a teapot and three teacups. The series was adapted for television by Richard Curtis and the late Anthony Minghella.

Minghella called filming in Botswana ‘an amazing adventure’, and found it ‘a privilege to be working on a film which celebrates what we can learn from Africa and not what we think we can teach it.’ For an on-location, action packed African drama, look no further than Dragoman Overland’s 21-night run through South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.Packed with adventure activities, including elephant safaris, white-water rafting, quad biking through the dunes of the Namib Desert, the journey combines hands-on community projects, and unsurpassed wildlife viewing opportunities… Starring a big orange truck, supported by superb location crew and a host of fare-paying extras, Deserts, Delta & Dugouts is on tour from Cape Town 19th April, 12th May 2008 and v.v. 12th May 2008 (trip code DDD88) - not a teapot in sight!

This action packed itinerary promises a comprehensive insight beyond just the highlights of South Africa. Explore Cape Town and its surroundings, the Cape of Good Hope and iconic Table Mountain, for views over the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Journey through the Cape Province taking in some beautiful scenery with rolling plains stretching out from the foot of the Cederberg Mountains. Cross the Namib Desert, home to extraordinary wildlife, including herds of Elephant, Zebra, Oryx and other big game.

Visit a breeding ground for Cape Fur Seals at Cape Cross, then head off to one of the most stunning areas of Namibia, the wildlands around the of Spitzkoppe Mountain 1,987m (5,857 feet) to enjoy excellent hiking, breathtaking sunsets and sunrises. Continue north to the lush ecosystem of the Okavango Delta observing Hippo, Crocodile, Elephant and a vast diversity of flora. Further wildlife is observed from jeep safaris in Chobe NP, the second largest in Botswana, famed for its huge elephant population. Finally, explore the falls and gorges of the Zambezi River, canoe the Upper Zambezi or take a flight to see Victoria Falls in full glory - an incredible end to a wonderful adventure.

The overland costs £595 p/p plus kitty of US$620 (~£310) including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s customised Mercedes-Benz truck and canoes, camping and hotel accommodation (85%/15%), all camp meals plus the expertise of Dragoman’s two person crew and local camp master. International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman.

Jetsave`s 2008 Escorted Touring Programme

Jetsave’s latest worldwide escorted touring programme provides ample opportunity for Brits to keep on making the most of the rock bottom dollar with the introduction of four new tours to North America.

Bound to be a hit is the 11 day Texan Ranger tour that comes with the chance to get your cowboy boots on and spend time on a real ranch where you can be a cowboy for the day – go riding, take in the views and watch the sun go down like a real old-timer. This tour also takes in Dallas, San Antonio and Houston with prices starting from £999 per person.

Also new to the USA is Californian Coastal Highlights, a fascinating 10-day trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles; L.A. Magic a 10-day exploration of everything from red carpets to fantastic white sand beaches, with opportunities for stargazing along the way. Southwestern Explorer is an 11 day adventure that combines the exceptional landscapes of Arizona with the fabulous Californian coast.

With the introduction of five new Premier holidays into its 2008/2009 brochure, Jetsave is raising its game by placing greater emphasis on comfort and inclusivity. The Premier Tours use mainly four-star hotels and include the majority of meals and excursions.

For example Namibian Discovery is a 14 day tour that showcases an incredible land packed with sights that will take your breath away. Beginning in the capital city Windhoek, you will travel through mountains into grassy savannas, explore desert dunes and finally reach the stunning coast. The tour then moves on through the green oasis of Swakopmund to one of Africa’s premier wildlife reserves in the north - the famous Etosha National Park. These are just a few of the unforgettable places you will visit on your Namibia safari.

PRICE - from £2579 per person based on two sharing and including some meals, return flights and door-to-door transfers within 100 mile radius of the departure airport

Other brand new Premium tours include Trains of the Colorado Rockies, Japan’s Hidden Treasures, Treasures of Angkor Wat and Vietnam and Costa Rica: World of Nature

For a copy of the latest Jetsave Escorted Touring brochure call Jetsave on 0870 590 0920 or visit http://www.jetsavetouring.co.uk/

More To A Safari Than Wildlife

Whilst one of the main reasons for taking a trip to Southern Africa is likely to be an opportunity to see the Big 5 in their natural surroundings, the region can also offer a whole range of unique activities that have nothing to do with wildlife at all!

Specialist Southern Africa operator Native Escapes offers tailor made and small group trips which include exciting safari adventures, including day and night Big 5 game drives, bush walks, and opportunities to see wildlife from a canoe or boat … as well as other experiences not always associated with a safari trip.

Their trips in South Africa’s Kwazulu Natal region include opportunities to go whale watching, see turtles hatching on the remote beaches of the north coast, and over the border in Mozambique, to swim with wild dolphins. A chance to visit a remote Zulu village for an insight into this tribal culture, hear the story of the Zulu Battles at Isandlwana and take walks to see ancient bush art or to waterfalls in the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Drakensbergs is also on offer.

Managing Director Sharon Holmes explains:

‘We recognise that time off from work is highly valuable, and that there is increasingly a list of ‘My-top-100-things-to-do’ type mentality. People also like to be able to talk about unusual experiences they have had on holiday, and we have carefully planned itineraries that can be as full of unique activities as required. Whilst the wildlife element of a safari is an absolutely fantastic experience, destinations such as South Africa and Namibia are realising the need to offer more to an increasingly demanding visitor.’

In Namibia, itineraries include options to take a hot air balloon ride over the desert at sunrise, or an eco-quad biking excursion over the dunes to watch the red and orange hues change at sunset. A marine cruise – where dolphins and seals frequently follow the boat, and a chance to see ancient rock art is also on offer in addition to Big 5 game drives, cheetah tracking and seeing desert-adapted elephant in their natural habitat.

For more information on trips offered by Native Escapes, visit http://www.nativeescapes.com/ or call 020 8977 7034.