Jetsettersblog

Kipling & Clark unveiled its 2009 Luxury Family Travel Itineraries: Cambodia-Laos-Thailand for Families, 17 Days; Thailand-Laos-Cambodia Family Tour, 16 Days; Cambodia-Thailand Family Expedition, 13 Days; Japan Spring Break Family Tour-Tokyo-Takayama-Kyoto, seven Days;

Thailand and Laos Travel for Families, 12 Days; Cambodia and Vietnam for Families, 16 Days; India Travel for Families-India Highlights, 11 Days; China Summer Luxury Adventure for Families, 17 Days;

China Summer Tour for Families-Hong-Kong-Yunnan, 17 Days; Chengdu-Yangzi River Cruise-Beijing-Shanghai, 17 Days; China-Hong Kong Summer for Families, 14 Days; and China & Japan Cultural Contrasts for Families, 16 Days.

Kipling & Clark provides high-touch, private, luxury travel arrangements to greater China, Japan and Southeast Asia. Long-standing, intimate relationships and extensive experience with the finest hotels, resorts, restaurants and guides enables Kipling & Clark to create custom, unique journeys for discriminating travelers who want to immerse themselves in the culture, food, art and architecture of the beautiful and exotic Pacific Rim.

For more information, call 312-836-9071 or see www.kiplingandclark.com

Hyatt Regency Kyoto is now offering a special accommodation package available Jan. 4-Aug. 31, 2009 that enables guests to discover two of Japan’s favorite cities for travelers.

In addition to a stay at Hyatt Regency Kyoto located in the traditional and secluded area of Higashiyama Shichijo in the heart of Kyoto, guests also can enjoy a stay at Park Hyatt Tokyo, the backdrop for the critically acclaimed film “Lost in Translation.”

The package includes one-way rail transportation with arrangements made by Hyatt. Hyatt Regency Kyoto is priced from ¥28,000 double occupancy per night and Park Hyatt Tokyo is priced from ¥54,000 double occupancy per night.

The package includes a minimum four nights’ accommodations (two nights minimum in each city); Daily breakfast; one-way bullet train ticket for two people from Kyoto to Tokyo or vice versa (an additional ¥5,000 per person is required to reserve seats in a first-class car); car transfer to and from JR Kyoto Station to the hotel (platform pick-up service at JR Kyoto Station).

All prices are inclusive of tax and service charge and are subject to a ¥200 accommodation tax per person, per night at Park Hyatt Tokyo only. Reservations must be made directly with one of two Hyatt hotels. Cancellation must be made by 2 p.m. at the relevant hotel at least 24 hours prior to arrival.

Reservations cancelled after transportation tickets have been issued will be charged a cancellation fee of two nights’ accommodations. Consecutive stays at Hyatt Regency Kyoto and Park Hyatt Tokyo are required.

For reservations, call 011-81-75-541-3210 or email reservations.kyoto@hyatt.com

For more information, visit www.kyoto.regency.hyatt.com

LEADING ASIA SPECIALIST ADDS NEW SMALL GROUP JOURNEYS TO ITS JAPAN PORTFOLIO

Leading Asia specialist, Travel Indochina, has expanded its programme of small group journeys in Japan to offer its discerning customers an option of 10, 15 or 21 days in this beautiful and increasingly popular land of contrasts.

True to form, the tour operator has used local knowledge and expertise to put together a programme of activities which take in not only the main sites of the country, but also bespoke excursions and hidden gems, only available to Travel Indochina’s clientele.
Among the exclusive options are an enchanting train ride in the western Arashiyama area of Kyoto, near the famous bamboo forests, and a visit to a Toyota manufacturing plant near Nagoya (both available on the “Secrets of Japan” and “Land of the Rising Sun” journeys). This visit to a working factory has proved a real hit with Travel Indochina’s customers and offers a fascinating and marked contrast to the historic temples and villages of Japan.

One of the highlights available on each of the Japan journeys is a visit to a local market in Takayama, also known as “Little Kyoto”. Takayama is a small town, off the tourist trail, with a sprinkling of numerous temples and shrines, old sake rice wine breweries and boutique shops and markets. Equally popular with guests is a stay in a traditional ryokan inn near Mount Fuji in the pretty village of Hakone. This authentic experience accommodates guests in rooms with tatumi mat floors and futon bedding and they can sample traditional Japanese cuisine during their stay.

Travel Indochina’s general manager, Chris Orme, explains: “Japan is the newest addition to our portfolio of destinations and has proved a real winner with our clients. We have decided to offer three alternative journeys, each giving a unique insight into this increasingly popular country.

Our journeys differ from those of our competitors in that our groups are limited to 15 guests and western tour leaders accompany all our trips, along with local English-speaking guides.”

Travel Indochina’s customers can choose from three small group journeys: “Secrets of Japan” is a 15 day discovery of the contrasting sides of Japan, from the bright lights of Tokyo, through traditional towns and serene rural landscapes, to the gardens and geishas of Kyoto. Prices start from £2,965*.

The “Highlights of Japan” 10 day journey enables guests to discover the “real” Japan, from a tea ceremony in Tokyo to a lesson in paper-making at the World Heritage-listed village of Shirakawago. Prices start from £2,170*.

Alternatively, for die-hard enthusiasts, the 21 day “Land of the Rising Sun” journey takes in the natural wonders, ancient traditions and vibrant modern cities of Japan, including an unforgettable cable car ride with breath-taking Mount Fuji as the backdrop. Prices from £4,490*.

*All prices include accommodation, local transportation – including Japan Rail Passes – sightseeing as specified, western tour leader and English-speaking guides, transfers, daily breakfast and one dinner.

An extra day’s rail pass to be used at leisure is also offered on the “Secrets of Japan” journey.

Japanese visitors to Australia’s Gold Coast will have the unique opportunity to fully appreciate one of the major natural assets of the region, following today’s launch of the Gold Coast Beach Club at the award winning Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Club.

Designed as a fully interactive experience, the Gold Coast Beach Club will provide Japanese visitors a chance to indulge in all the fun, excitement and warmth provided by true Australian beach culture.

To ensure visitors feel more ‘at home’ there’ll be a Japanese speaking Beach Club Crew to assist, educate and entertain guests while at the club, plus a purpose built Beach Hut will guarantee a welcoming atmosphere.

The innovative daily program which officially started today, on the first day of the Australian summer, will make sure participants enjoy a range of quintessential Gold Coast beachside activities, with membership easily validated through inbound tourism operators and guide companies.

“This experience brings into play one of the great traditions of the Gold Coast and we are certain the Gold Coast Beach Club will develop into an absolute must do activity for all Japanese visitors,” said Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter.

“We are continually looking to rejuvenate our standing with Japanese visitors who remain a highly important international market for Gold Coast tourism operators as a whole.

“This innovative approach looks to provide a sample of what today’s Gold Coast has to offer to Japanese visitors.

“It is representative of the enthusiasm with which the industry is embracing the recent acquisition of Jetstar’s direct flights from Japan.

“The Gold Coast is Australia’s playground and through the establishment of a hassle-free, Japanese friendly beach precinct there’ll be a great deal of fun to be had by all.

“With the support of Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Club there is also the serious side of beach and water safety that is discussed by qualified surf lifesavers during Gold Coast Beach Club activities.

“Gold Coast Beach Club membership remains valid for the duration of each visitors stay and with a full range of activities on offer, an action packed holiday is assured for all future members.”

Guests to the Gold Coast Beach Club will have complimentary access to:

Japanese-speaking Beach Club Crew to assist, educate and entertain guests whilst at the club. Beach Club crew will be situated at the rear of Northcliffe SLSC in a purpose built “Beach Hut” easily recognisable to guests on arrival.

“Membership” access to Northcliffe SLSC including:

1. Use of club restaurant with uninterrupted Beachfront Views for breakfast, lunch & dinner (meals & drinks additional cost)

2. Use of showers and change room facilities

3. Use of Gaming Room

Use of shade tents/parasols & sunscreen (tents/parasols subject to availability)

Beach Club “Certificate of Participation”

Beach games equipment including beach cricket, volleyball, Frisbees, etc (subject to availability)

Opportunity to meet with and have photos taken with iconic Northcliffe Surf Lifesavers

Beach Club guests will also have access to the following optional services, able to be pre-booked or purchased on the day:

Beach towel rental ($10)

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner options at Northcliffe SLSC overlooking the beach. Japanese language menus will be made available with a selection of Beach Club-themed dishes.

Group or one-on-one “LEARN TO” Surf & Boogie Board lessons. (Lessons are subject to availability.

Beach Club and Northcliffe branded merchandise (caps, t-shirts, etc)

Operations

Beach Club operates daily from 8.30am to 4pm
Northcliffe SLSC operates daily from 7:30am to 9pm. Beach Club guests may continue to use Northcliffe SLSC’s restaurant facilities after the close of the Beach Club by showing their Beach Club card to staff.

Ticket Issuance
Gold Coast Tourism will provide all relevant ITO/Guide Companies on the Gold Coast with a registered stock of Beach Club cards, information sheets and accompanying Beach Club application forms. The application forms (Guest’s names/addresses required) will need to be filled in by the guests and presented to the Beach Club when they first arrive. Only then will their Beach Club cards be validated and guests given access to the Beach Club facilities & services.

Shuttle Connection
Gold Coast Tourism’s VeryGC Shuttle service will offer connections to Northcliffe SLSC on a daily basis. A revised shuttle timetable will be established.

Group Options
Corporate and Education groups are also welcome at Northcliffe SLSC. A range of tailored packages can be developed by Northcliffe to cater to the specific needs of group tours. Please contact Northcliffe SLSC for further details and applicable prices.

Following last year’s success, a wide range of events will again be held throughout Japan to welcome visitors during winter. There will be many special events in addition to a welcome campaign, making January and February 2009 a great time to enjoy Japan’s beautiful winter scenery and seasonal winter food.

Nearly a quarter of the 300 department stores and half of the 40 outlet malls throughout Japan are participating in the Yokoso! Japan Weeks 2009 campaign. Various events, hands-on experience tours, and privilege campaigns will be hosted by nearly 600 stores throughout the country. A wide variety of services will be offered as well as free original gifts. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity!

Event Period: 20 January – 20 February 2009
Themes of Yokoso! Japan Weeks 2009:
This year’s themes are “Hands-on Experience Sightseeing”, “Enjoy Shopping” and “Regional Features”.

Hands-on Experience Sightseeing tours give visitors a firsthand experience of the allure of Japan through traditional Japanese culture and unique modern experiences while interacting with the people of Japan. Hands-on Experiences include sushi making, samurai party dinners – where diners can hear cultural backgrounds such as the food culture and folk tales of Edo Period while enjoying samurai party cuisine; and guided fashion tours of the backstreets of Harajuku.

 
Those after a more active experience can try a martial art from Kyushu, Jigen-Ryu. In this experience visitors can try tategiuchi, the practice of running to and striking a tree trunk with a wooden sword from a distance of approximately nine meters. This is the most basic yet most important practice method of Jigen-ryu.

Enjoy Shopping

Yokoso! Japan Weeks will be introducing an extensive welcome campaign with special offers and discounts from department stores to outlet stores, discount stores and consumer electronics retailers across the country.

Regional Features

Yokoso! Japan Weeks will be introducing campaigns for lesser-known regions of Japan through special advertising to highlight to visitors some of the spectacular winter events they can include to make their winter trip to Japan even more memorable. Festivals include the 60th Sapporo Snow Festival, the Miyajima Oyster Festival, and the 500 year-old “Saidaiji Eyo” (The Naked Festival), a festival to call spring to the Bizen Plain. 9,000 naked men compete with each other to capture sacred sticks in the middle of the night during midwinter.

In addition, you will be able to enjoy discounts at accommodations, restaurants, various stores, hands-on experience type tours, discounts for sightseeing facilities, domestic tours, transportation, art galleries and museums, and you will receive commemorative gifts and other bonuses.

For more information please visit the Yokoso! Japan Weeks 2009 website www.yjw2008.jp

Following its great success in 2008, “Kyoto Winter Special” is coming back this winter, with more special deals and events for you to enjoy. From 1st December 2008 until 31st March 2009 you’ll be able to experience traditional culture hands-on, and savour exceptional Kyoto cuisine.

In addition, special admission will be granted to normally restricted heritage sites, and there will be unique winter events and chances to receive special offers from world-famous hotels. With Kyoto Winter Special, the breathtaking beauty of winter in Kyoto awaits you!
Special Events Kyoto’s cherry blossoms and fall leaves are a sight to see, but Kyoto’s magical winter is something special. There will be various events showcasing winter.

Information on events from December to March are listed by month on the Kyoto Winter Special website. The main event during the Kyoto Winter Special is called “Hanatoro”. This event beautifies Kyoto’s nights, with elegant lanterns lighting up Kyoto’s famous spots. Adding a winter event into a visit to Kyoto is a great way to make your trip that extra bit memorable.

Special Openings
Only during Kyoto Winter Special 2009 - Hidden cultural heritage sites, normally not open to the public, will be open for viewing. Twelve spots will open their cultural heritages to the public for 9 weeks, from 10th January until 18th March 2009. All viewings are for culturally valuable items. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Kyoto’s culture.

Special Experiences
During Kyoto Winter Special 2009, not only can visitors experience various aspects of Japanese culture, they can also enjoy meeting Japanese people.
These include actual experiences of Japanese cooking, calligraphy, Zen meditation, and more. Though it is only for a portion of the activities, we have obtained the cooperation of certain private households in Kyoto City, which will provide unique services so that visitors can intimately experience Japanese culture.

For more information please visit www.kyotowinterspecial.com

Travelplan has arranged some sensational new Niseko deals in Hokkaido Tracks luxury apartments, to further counteract the fall of the Australian dollar - In February, up to 6 free nights- stay 7 pay 4, stay 10 pay 6, or stay 14 pay 8.. And from February 12 , discount lift cost- ski 6 pay 5.

Package Costs
AUD$1336 Studio Apartment Share 2
AUD$1497 Luxury studio Apartment Share 2
AUD$1417 Two Bedroom apartment Share 4

Cost include 7 nights accommodation with tax , 6 day lift pass and Resort assistance.

Travel in February 2009

Conditions apply. Contact Travelplan on 1300 754 754 or visit www.travelplan.com.au

Travelplan Ski

Travelplan is Australia’s leading operator of quality ski and boarding holidays to the world’s greatest resorts. A proudly Australian owned company, Travelplan has specialized in delivering premier white holidays to Australian’s for 37 years.

For further information, please visit www.travelplan.com.au  or call 1300 754 754.

Crystal Cruises has launched a Save Now, Save Later promotion. When guests sail on any 2009 Europe, Trans-Atlantic or Crystal Symphony Asia cruise, they’ll be guaranteed 20 percent savings on almost every cruise in every category in 2010.

 The 2009 cruise must be booked by March 31, and the 2010 cruise must be booked by Nov. 30, 2009. Eligible 2009 Save Now cruises include all Crystal Symphony cruises departing March 27 through Sept. 3 and/or all Crystal Serenity cruises departing May 23 through Nov. 12. Included are itineraries through China, Southeast Asia, Dubai, the Middle East, Western Europe, the Baltic, the North Cape, the British Isles and the Black Sea, as well as Trans-Atlantic voyages and more than a dozen seven-, 11- and 12-day Mediterranean cruises.

The 20 percent Save Later offer extends to every 2010 cruise aboard the Crystal Symphony and the Crystal Serenity, except the World Cruise and its segments and the December holiday cruises, for a choice of more than 50 2010 itineraries.

Peregrine Adventures has expanded its China & Central Asia programme for 2009 to include the brand new Tibetan Explorer tour – an enlightening journey from Beijing to Kathmandu via the spiritual ‘roof of the world’, and Trails of the Shogun – a unique adventure following the ancient routes used by warriors and royalty in 8th century Japan.
Peregrine Adventures offers a ‘no currency surcharge’ guarantee on all its China & Central Asia trips departing by 31st August 2009.

Tibetan Explorer: 27-days – first departure from Beijing 23rd March 09 (later dates also available).

Explorations commence in China’s capital Beijing, with visits to the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven and Great Wall – Peregrine heads to Simatai, a largely unrestored and much more authentic section of the wall. An overnight sleeper train transports travellers to Xian, site of the much-acclaimed Terracotta Warriors, considered one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century. Also on the itinerary, a chance to meet the Giant Pandas of Chengdu – aim to get there for feeding time when there’s more activity, although sleeping pandas are pretty cute! For more divine inspiration, the mystical mountain kingdom of Tibet is next. Here, travellers can seek enlightenment in the beautiful monasteries, follow part of the spectacular Friendship Highway traversing the precipitous mountain passes and plateau connecting Lhasa with Kathmandu, and get their first glimpses of the world’s highest mountain. A particular highlight is an excursion to Everest Base Camp for closer views of the towering North Face, dominating the horizon. Finally, crossing into Nepal, the tour concludes in Kathmandu with time to explore the city and surrounding valley.

The tour costs £2,680 p/p including all transport, local flight from Chengdu to Lhasa, accommodation, some meals, sightseeing and entrance fees, equipment including kit bag and down jacket for Everest Base Camp, an expert Peregrine tour leader and local guides.
International flights are not included.

Trails of the Shogun: 15-days departing Kyoto 4th & 18th July and 1st & 17th August 09.

Arriving in Kyoto, an orientation tour allows travellers to get their bearings, followed by a hike up Daimonjiyama, for far reaching views. Next day, a fascinating evening exploration of Gion, the geisha district, with its ancient teahouses, some of which feature in Arthur Golden’s novel Memoirs of a Geisha, offers a different perspective. Leaving Kyoto behind, it’s time to board the ‘Ocean Liner’ train for the magnificent coastal journey to Kii Katsuro, bordering the Pacific Ocean. Later, a walk along part of the cedar-lined Kumano Kodo World Heritage pilgrimage trail leads to the ancient Saiganto-ji Shrine, overlooking thundering Nachi waterfall. In Katsuro, visit the Tuna Market, where prize specimens can cost millions of yen, making the early morning auctions pretty exciting, no sudden gestures here or that humungous dead fish could be yours! An overnight in a traditional ryokan in Tsumago precedes a walk along a segment of the famous Nakasendo Highway, an ancient route used by warriors and royalty in the 8th century. Further highlights include hiking the Japanese ‘Alps’, summiting both the ‘Matterhorn’ of Japan - Mt. Yarigatake (3,180m), and by bus to the fifth station of iconic Mt.Fuji (3,776m), before travelling to the neon splendour of Tokyo.

The tour costs £2,720 p/p including all transport, accommodation including two nights in a ryokan, some meals, sightseeing and entrance fees, an expert Peregrine tour leader and local guides.
International flights are not included.

Peregrine Adventures
01635 872 300
sales@peregrineadventures.co.uk
www.peregrineadventures.co.uk

Showcases Japan’s World-Class Slopes

TOKYO, JAPAN – Powder hounds the world over have been gifted another choice destination this season, as the slopes of Japan open to an increasingly international clientele. JAPANiCAN.com, the JTB Group site for visitors to Japan, has released a comprehensive guide to the best ski and snowboard resorts across Japan, and is now also selling exclusive ski tours that include budget daytrips from Tokyo.

Japan’s mountainous backbone boasts over 30 separate ski resort areas, including Hakuba Happo-one, which hosted the 1996 Winter Olympics in Nagano; the powder snow mecca of Niseko Grand Hirafu in Hokkaido, which has seen a steady influx of tourists from Australia; and Alts Bandai, which will play host to the 2009 FIS Freestyle World Championship. These world-class resorts come at a surprising price: single day lift tickets are usually around JPY 4,000 / £28, much less than resorts in America, Australia or Europe, even when considering the recent rise in the yen’s value.

Skiers and snowboarders can now find a huge range of ski accommodation options on the JAPANiCAN site, as well as information on Japan’s unique hot springs, onsen: the perfect way to ease tired muscles after a hard day of skiing or snowboarding. As the season progresses, updates from resort staff will inform visitors of the current ski conditions, and discounts will be offered on lift passes to attract repeat skiers.

New for 2008-2009 JAPANiCAN is offering daytrips to resorts easily accessible by bullet train, allowing tourists to enjoy the nightlife of Tokyo and the slopes of Nagano, all on the same day.

These packages, which include transportation and lift pass, start at JPY 12,900 / £91 and can
save travellers almost 30%. Longer breaks including accommodation are also available. To find out more, visit the JAPANiCAN campaign page at
www.japanican.com/special/ski_resorts/index.aspx