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At the Bay View Restaurant on the beachfront of Fisherman’s Cove, guests can breakfast on traditional idiappams (string hoppers).

In Karnataka, guests will experience the robust cuisine of the Kodavas, coastal cuisine of the Mangalorean fisher folk and the sacred fare of the Brahmins. Guests can stay at the Taj West End, one of Bangalore’s finest hotels, and have a meal at Karavalli, the legendary restaurant at Gateway Hotel on Residency Road, that offers pure and spirited flavors of traditional home-style recipes of the west coast of India. Taj Garden Retreat in Chikmagalur showcases the local flavors in its cuisine. A trip to Karnataka will also include excursions to coffee and spice plantations.

In Andhra Pradesh, there are two distinct flavors - the rich Hyderabadi and the Royal Nizami cuisines, which encompasses Mughlai dishes like the biryani and the traditional Andhra fare, a delectable blend of chillies and spices along with varieties of pickles. “Rediscover the Spice Route” will take guests from the heart of the empire to the bustling capital city, Hyderabad. After an Andhra breakfast of Pessarittu Dosas (lentil pancakes) at Taj Krishna, guests can discover Hyderabad, its museums and shopping bazaars.
Each journey is customizable and can be combined with Taj Holiday offers.

A tour of all four states starts at $4,000 per couple for a nine-night program; $7,010 per couple for a 16-night program. Rates include all meals, accommodations, and taxes. Available now through September 2008.

For more information: www.tajhotels.com

Travel Bound Debuts Pre-set Packages

In a departure from its traditional “à la carte” menu of services for independent travelers, wholesale provider Travel Bound has started selling pre-set FIT land packages in Europe, Asia, the Americas, India, Australia and New Zealand at 15 percent commission. Previously, the company had offered its extensive selection of hotels, transfers and sightseeing tours separately at a starting commission of 10 percent. Travel Bound sells exclusively through travel agents. The company’s website (www.booktravelbound.com) shows 350 pre-set land packages.

Packages are available in 16 European countries (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK), seven Asian countries (China, India, Japan, Hong Kong, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan), Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the U.S and Puerto Rico. The company plans to add more package destinations on an on-going basis. Clients can choose by destination or package theme – from budget to food & wine to family packages.

Agents can select packages by city, country or theme/types. Package themes include: pre/post cruise (”Ports of Call”), family, adventure, food & wine, budget, romance, city break, last minute, cultural, entertainment, experience and shopping.

Most themed packages allow agents to choose from several 3-, four- or five-star hotels to suit clients’ budgets.

All Travel Bound packages are per person based on double occupancy and include hotel taxes and service charges. Starting prices on bookings made through Dec. 31 (quoted below) are subject to change.

Sample packages and starting prices follow. Among Travel Bound’s 28 pre/post-cruise Ports of Call packages – including two nights’ hotel accommodation with roundtrip private hotel/port transfer: Athens - starting at $279; Naples - starting at $300; San Juan – starting $357; Shanghai starting at $190. Escape packages (a subcategory under City Breaks) include three nights’ accommodation with round trip private transfer (airport/hotel) and half-day city sightseeing tour. Among those offered: London – starting at $318; Vienna – starting at $424; Buenos Aires – starting at $248; Paris – starting at $522.

A sample of special interest themed packages: Shanghai – Buns and Dumplings – three nights plus cooking lesson – starting at $192; Amsterdam – Windmills, Cheese & Clogs - three nights plus visit to windmill , clog factory, and town of Edam, noted for its cheese- starting at $477; Prague on a Budget - three nights plus private round trip transfers, Prague Card valid for one year and Prague Pass which provides transportation for 48 hours– starting at $400;

Paris – Romantic Rendezvous - three nights plus your choice of sightseeing tour by Deux Chevaux (vintage French car) and a romantic horse & carriage ride starting at $715; Rome – Family Fun – five nights plus three-day audioguide & map, and Time Elevator ride through Rome’s history – starting at $538; NY - VIP Style - two nights in a five-star hotel, stretch limo transfers, dinner cruise with live music – starting at $739; Las Vegas - Shopping Spree - two nights plus shopping deals at Fashion Center – starting at $198; Buenos Aires – Fiesta Gaucha &

Tigre & coastal train - three nights plus round trip private transfers plus a full day tour to the Argentinian Pampa ranching region with lunch & gaucho/cowboy show, and a half day tour to Tigre – starting at $189; Guilin (China) – Li River Cruise - two nights with private roundtrip transfers & full day tour of picturesque Guilin including Li River cruise – starting at $182; India – New Delhi, Agra (Taj Mahal), Jaipur - four nights in the Golden Triangle with sightseeing and transfers – starting at $379.

To check out Travel Bound’s new pre-set land packages and other travel products, call 800-808-9541 or visit www.booktravelbound.com

Bangalore Taj Masala Klub Restaurant

Masala Klub, a new restaurant at the Taj West End, features a contemporary, light menu with a twist on traditional recipes from North and South India. The 108-seat restaurant serves Indian fare in a sophisticated setting. Masala Klub is the fourth Masala brand restaurant at the Taj Hotels, and combines the best flavors from the other Masala restaurants — Art, Craft, and Bay — and adds a range of inspirations from South India. The 117-room Taj West End Bangalore sits on 20 acres of gardens near the city’s center.

All 26 luxury suites offer complimentary airport transfers, Taj Club privileges and 24-hour personal butler service.

Call 866-969-1825 or visit www.tajhotels.com

Thomson Summer 2009 Cruise Brochure

With 59 itineraries and over 135 ports of call, Thomson Cruises is making cruising accessible to just about everyone. Available in store and online at http://www.thomson.co.uk/cruise  highlights include the re-launch of a Caribbean Winter cruise programme, an amazing new entertainment programme, and the all new ‘Get up and Dance!” experience on the Thomson Celebration.

THOMSON’S CARIBBEAN CRUISING: A WINTER OF CONTENT FROM DECEMBER 2008!

NEW: Thomson Cruises is set to return to the Caribbean for Winter 2008/09, with the Thomson Destiny set to make two transatlantic cruises - The Tropical Transatlantic and Transatlantic Sunrise - and two seven night cruises, the Coral Islands and Caribbean Gems.

The Tropical Transatlantic cruise features a 14 day itinerary that sees customers fly to Lisbon, Portugal to meet the Thomson Destiny. There follows a five day Atlantic crossing to the Dominican Republic, where a seven night Coral Islands* or Caribbean Gems** itinerary starts, with guests returning to the UK from La Romana in the Dominican Republic.

The Transatlantic Sunrise 18 night cruise starts with a flight to the Dominican Republic, before the Thomson Destiny sails first for seven nights on either the Coral Islands* or Caribbean Gems** itinerary before crossing the Atlantic from Bridgetown in Barbados, taking in Gibraltar, Cartagena, Valencia and Barcelona, Spain before finally arriving back in Palma, Majorca.

The seven night *Coral Islands cruise sails from La Romana in the Dominican Republic to St Lucia, and will take in Barbados, Guadeloupe, St Kitts and Tortola before returning to La Romana. while the seven night **Caribbean Gems cruise departs La Romana and sails to Grenada, Dominica, Antigua, St Maarten and Tortola before returning to the Dominican Republic.

THOMSON’S CARIBBEAN CRUISING: A NEW B(R)AND OF ENTERTAINMENT ‘A NEW WAVE OF ENTERTAINMENT ON THE HIGH SEAS’

Thomson’s Caribbean Cruise programme will also feature a new entertainment programme ‘A NEW WAVE OF ENTERTAINMENT ON THE HIGH SEAS’ with jazz and Dixieland band performances, Latin dancing classes and West End Style Shows sure to prove a hit with customers on the high seas.

Jazz up your Cruise…

NEW: For those travelling on the Tropical Transatlantic cruise, Dan Darling and his Lovely Chaps will bring classics from the likes of Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra to life. The band, who have played with greats including Van Morrison and the Glen Miller Orchestra, include Dixieland, Swing and Rat-pack favourite in their repertoire.

Meanwhile, Mart Rodgers Manchester Jazz Band is sure to be a hit on the Transatlantic Sunrise itinerary. Their influences include Fats Waller and Louis Armstrong and, as well as the old favourites, they’ll be playing some of their own melodies. What’s more, they’ll be giving talks on the big names in jazz, together with musical demos illustrating trademarks of this popular genre.

…Or have ball with us!

NEW: Further entertainment options include a taste of South America with demos and classes from top Latin dancers; a snapshot of London courtesy of glitzy West End-style shows; talks from experts in the world of music and dance… And there’s even a masquerade ball!

Lead in: 14 nights on the Tropical Transatlantic costs just £999 per person for 14 nights departing from Lisbon, Portugal on 07 December 2008 with flights from 5 UK airports taking customers to the port of departure. Price includes return flights, full board, tips, port taxes and charges and fuel supplements.

Transatlantic Sunrise’s 18 night itinerary costs £1399 per person departing on 4 January 2009 with flights from 5 UK airports, including return flights, full board, tips, port taxes and charges and fuel supplements. Flights are to La Romana and return from La Palma.

To book visit http://www.thomson.co.uk/cruise  or call 0871 230 2800.

FURTHER THOMSON CRUISES BROCHURE HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2008/09

NEW: STRICTLY COME CRUISING WITH DANCE LESSONS ON THE THOMSON DESTINY

For three months starting in January 2009, Thomson Celebration will offer professional dance demos and classes to customers who wants to try their hand at Latin dance with the all new “Get up and Dance!” programme. There’ll be classes for all levels, including one-to-one coaching, and there’ll even be a dance party to round off the cruise when our guests can show off their new found dance skills… and the experts take to the floor.

NEW: WORLD CARE FUND

For holidays departing from May 2009 onwards, all Thomson customers will have the opportunity to donate £1 per adult (50p per child) to the World Care Fund – see separate release.

CRUISE AND STAY OPTIONS

There are Cruise and Stay options which precede or follow the 7 night cruises in Dominican Republic, Cyprus, Madeira, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Sharm el Sheikh, Majorca, Corfu and Halkidiki. A La Carte, Platinum, Gold, Small & Friendly and Family Club Extra properties are available to combine with 7 night cruises in many of our resorts.

Lead in price for the 4T Hotel Barcelo Premium in Dominican Republic on an all-inclusive basis for seven nights after the Caribbean Gems itinerary is £1199 based on two sharing. Cruise is based on two sharing inside cabin deck 2/3 and departs on 11 January 2009 with flights from Birmingham, Bournemouth, Manchester and London Gatwick. Price includes seven night hotel accommodation, full board on cruise, return flights, taxes and charges, tips and fuel supplements.

DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS:

Savings of up to £300 per couple on certain itineraries; Upgrades to All Inclusive from just £69; Savings up to 50% on cabin upgrades for all cruises; Group discount – great savings for groups of 10 adults or more. Special Cabin Offer – on Thomson Spirit “Red Sea Magic” (winter only). See brochure for further details and to book visit http://www.thomson.co.uk/cruise or call 0871 230 2800.

Hong Kong fly-cruise by Star

Star Cruises is seeking to attract UK passengers to sail in Asia with the redeployment of SuperStar Virgo to Hong Kong.

The vessel – the most luxurious in Star Cruises’ Asian fleet – arrived in Hong Kong on April 2 following a repositioning cruise from Singapore.

The ship will run a series of sailings out of Hong Kong until October 19.

In this inaugural season, SuperStar Virgo will sail to Xiamen and Sanya in China and Halong Bay in Vietnam.

There will also be four special cruises to Keelung, Taiwan in April, June, July and September.

Five-night Sanya, Halong Bay and Xiamen bay cruises lead-in at £361 per person excluding flights. A three-night Keelung, Taiwan cruise-only starts at £240.

The line’s European sales and marketing director Mick Dupont said: “Moving SuperStar Virgo to Hong Kong has opened up a whole world of opportunity for agents in the UK.

“As well as offering new destinations to seasoned cruisers, we also hope to attract first-timers keen on exploring this exciting region.

“Holidays in South East Asia are traditionally shorter than in the west, so many of the cruise itineraries reflect this. This means agents and Far East operators can combine cruising with city breaks and longer stays in China.”

SuperStar Aquarius, which joined the Star Cruises fleet last June, has commenced sailings from Singapore, offering a combination of four-night cruises to Penang, Malaysia and Phuket, Thailand, as well as one–night and two-night sailings.

Chauffeur Driven Car Rental in China

Auto Europe has added China to its extensive list of 6,000 plus car hire destinations across the world, but with a twist. Since only holders of a Chinese driving license are allowed to drive in China, all Chinese hire cars are provided complete with a chauffeur to take passengers where they need to go.

The service is available immediately but Auto Europe strongly recommends that anyone traveling in August for the Beijing Olympics (Aug. 8-24, 2008) reserve a car as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Design Hotels Launches Thailand Promotion

Design Hotels launched the Travel By Design - Thailand promotion to provide a design-led experience through a multi-stop journey. The promotion includes seven members of Design Hotels Thailand. Until Aug. 31, 2008 guests can create their own custom trip to fit their interests, while enjoying value-added room rates and extra benefits at seven hotels in Thailand.

The extras range from complimentary breakfast, spa access or unlimited golf to free nights, free transfers and also various food and beverage benefits. Design Hotels has implemented a new online booking feature which allows users to make immediate multiple bookings in different hotels to create a custom Travel By Design journey in Thailand.

This feature is conveniently accessible through www.designhotels.com/travelbydesign

Participating hotels in Thailand: Alila Cha-Am, Petchaburi; the Chedi Phuket, Phuket; Kirimaya Golf Resort & Spa , Khao Yai; The Library, Koh Samui; Metropolitan Bangkok; Muang Kulaypan, Koh Samui; and X2 Kui Buri, Prachuap Kiri Khan.

For more information, visit www.designhotels.com/travelbydesign

Orient Flexi-Pax Packages with Victoria Cruises

Orient Flexi-Pax Tours has assembled the “Yangtze River Voyage” in China, which features a three-night cruise aboard the Victoria Anna or Victoria Katarina and eight nights of hotel accommodations, including the Shangri-La Golden Flower in Xian and Regent properties in Beijing and Shanghai.

The 11-night package also features flights and airport transfers within China, 27 meals, sightseeing with an English-speaking guide, and the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program.

Escorted sightseeing in Beijing includes visits to Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace, the Great Wall of China, the Ming Tombs and the Temple of Heaven. Also included are a Beijing Opera performance and a Peking Duck banquet.

In Xian, guests will take a trip to the Shaanxi Provincial Museum and see the life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors. The deluxe Yangtze River Voyage is priced from $2,715 per person, based on double occupancy, with departures through March 2009. International airfare is not included, but can be purchased from Orient Flexi-Pax Tours based on the lowest rate at the time of booking.

For more information, call 800-545-5540 or visit www.orientflexipax.com

International Surfing Day

Surfers Worldwide Unite To Celebrate Surfing and Coastal Environments

On June 20, 2008, surfers from around the world will wax their surfboards and catch a wave in honor of International Surfing Day (ISD). Established four years ago by the Surfrider Foundation and Surfing Magazine, International Surfing Day is the one day a year where surfers from around the globe come together to celebrate the sport of surfing and pitch in to give back to our world’s oceans, waves and beaches.

As is tradition, the Surfrider Foundation will commemorate the day by hosting various coastal clean-up and restoration events around the world. However there will be a new twist this year in the form of special ISD “challenges” whereby the public will be able to compete for prizes by participating in a wide range of activities ranging from beach clean-ups, to filmmaking, to art contests.

International Surfing Day is sponsored by Monster Energy Drink, Pac Sun and Earthpack. For more information on International Surfing Day, including information on challenges and event locations, go to www.intlsurfingday.com

www.surfrider.org

www.intlsurfingday.com

Korea 2008 Top Festivals

Out of the plethora of diverse festivals celebrated throughout Korea, the Ministry of Culture & Tourism short-listed some of the very best festivals that are held annually. The choices are based on a number of factors that include their popularity, the unique experiences available for participants and overall programmes.

In the category of the Signatory festivals in Korea, both the ‘Andong Mask Dance Festival’ and ‘Boryeong Mud Festival’ topped the list. The former is held in the ‘Yangban’ (noble) town of Andong, where the tradition of Confucianism and a rich cultural heritage are well preserved while the latter is held in Boryeong where participants can experience the dermatological benefits of the mineral-rich mud of Boryeong’s beach and coast line.

Topping the list for Culture and tour Festivals were ‘Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival’, ‘Chuncheon International Mime Festival’, ‘Yangyang Pine Mushroom Festival’, ‘Geumsan Ginseng Festival’, ‘Gimje Horizon Festival’, ‘Gangjin Celadon Festival’ and ‘Hampyeong Butterfly Festival’. ‘Jinju Namgang Yudeong Festival’ is famous for the spectacular scenery created by the different coloured light bulbs that brighten up the Namgang River, which cuts across the city of Jinju. A list of ten festivals were selected as the next level of importance, including ‘Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival’ which can be enjoyed because of the clear and fresh waters of the Hwacheon stream, in Gangwon-do. There were 17 other high potential candidates including ‘Namwon Chunhyang Festival’ and some 20 festivals including ‘Paju Jangdan Bean Festival’ that are all planned to be held across the country.

In the category of excellent ‘Year-long Culture and Tour Programs’, 17 festivals were selected, including the Namsadang tourist programme held every Saturday and the Anseong & Woongjinseong Guard Rotation Ceremony of Gonju.

For a full listing of festivals and events please go to www.tour2Korea.com