Jetsettersblog

Tourist Guide Booking Tool

Explore Egypt with a tourist guide

Hailed as “the travel service innovation of 2008″ by the Irish Times

OurExplorer facilitates with ease the on-line booking of professional tourist guides from all over the world. Save time and money while you explore your next destination with the wisdom and guidance of a local.

Have you ever thought whilst visiting a new destination, “I wonder where the locals eat, drink, fish, ski, shop or party?” OurExplorer suggests its time for us all to stop simply sight-seeing but rather start exploring with the local wisdom and knowledge of a professional tourist guide.

OurExplorer has launched a new travel concept in BETA, a user-rated tourist guide booking tool created exclusively for your personal travel needs.

As the global financial crisis still looms, OurExplorer can save travellers hassle and money by getting the maximum out of their overseas adventure with a private tourist guide.

Enjoy the insight of the best shopping and value for money dining experiences in a city, directly from a native. Some tourist guides are currently offering special discounted rates and free tour hours on OurExplorer.

OurExplorer promote professional tourist guides only. Pre booking, the traveller can view their experience, license, past client testimonials or even chat with the tourist guide.

OurExplorer launched in July 2008 with now over 400 private tourist guides covering more than 80 countries worldwide — making it the biggest professional tourist guide directory in the world and growing all the time!

Make your trip overseas unique and full of adventure.
You book your flight and accommodation on-line, why not your tourist guide?
Get a tourist guide for land (city guide, mountain guide) or sea (diving guide).

Purpose of OurExplorer:

1. To help tourist guides increase their income thereby benefiting the local community - especially those in poor countries e.g. Kenya, Mexico and Cambodia.

2. Increase cross cultural awareness and acceptance via direct connection with locals e.g. people in USA get the chance to understand those in Pakistan and Israel

“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry but it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends,” said Mahatma Gandhi.

“Less than 9.7% of overseas travelers interact in meaningful discussion with a local,” according to the Tourism 2020 Vision reported by WTO.

The IMF concluded in March 2007 that “direct support of independent local businesses when you travel has the most positive results on local economy”.

“Rather than just donating money, OurExplorer is a sustainable long term solution to help low income families globally,” said David Cunningham (Chief Exploring Officer).

Committed Umbraphiles Or Curious Observers

The next total solar eclipse will occur on 22nd July 2009 and will exhibit the longest period of totality ever witnessed in the 21st century, casting a shadow across areas of India, China, Japan, and Indonesia.

Wildlife Worldwide offers a unique opportunity to view this remarkable natural phenomenon, from a vantage-point near China’s city of Hangzhou close to the centre line (the point at which the event’s length is greatest). Accompanying the tour is Britain’s top eclipse authority and Professor of Astrophysics, John Parkinson. Wildlife Worldwide’s 13-day tour combines eclipse-viewing with visits to many of China’s other major wildlife and historic attractions. Tour departs London 17th July 2009.

Spend the first two nights in Beijing and experience authentic ‘old Beijing’, with its teahouses and temples. Visit the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall and one of Beijing’s newest structures, the Olympic National Stadium or ‘Bird’s Nest’ as it has been nicknamed. Transfer to Hangzhou, located on the lower reaches of the Qiantang River in the Yangtze Delta.

Take a city tour to the museum, Lingyin Temple, and visit a tea plantation. Rising early on 22nd July, Wildlife Worldwide’s guests are transported to the eclipse site, from where they will witness this special event. China has always been regarded as the home of solar eclipses as Chinese astronomers were first to systematically observe, record and predict their occurance. This is just one of many reasons why the 2009 total solar eclipse has been eagerly awaited for years. With good access to the centre line, a maximum period of totality of around 5mins 45secs, the longest available to land-based viewers, is expected.

Once experienced, eclipse observers are in danger of becoming umbraphiles (the solar equivalent to trainspotters!) – don’t worry, the next eclipse tour with Wildlife Worldwide is scheduled for July 2010 to Easter Island. Once the excitement of the eclipse is over, further highlights of the tour include Chengdu Panda Research Centre and Jiuzhaigou National Park, plus a full day’s sightseeing in Xian, home of China’s famous Terracotta Warriors.

The tour costs £3,595 p/p (based on twin share), scheduled flights with Air China, transfers, full board accommodation, expertly-guided eclipse viewing and sightseeing excursions as per itinerary.

Wildlife Worldwide
0845 130 6982
sales@wildlifeworldwide.com
www.wildlifeworldwide.com

UK operators add Taiwan to 2009 brochures

Independent travel operator, The Oriental Caravan, and birding specialist, Limosa Holidays, have added Taiwan to their list of destinations for 2009.

The Oriental Caravan is offering a 15-day tour of Taiwan taking in the sights of Taipei, Taroko Gorge, Chihpen, Kenting, Tainan, Alishan and Sun Moon Lake. The first tour will depart London in March 2009.

Limosa Holidays’ first 13-night birding tour of Taiwan will also depart London in March next year. The trip will be accompanied by a Limosa guide and an experienced local birding expert.

The itinerary will visit some fantastic places in Taiwan for birdwatching, including Taipei’s Botanical Gardens, Taroko Gorge, Lanyu Island and the birding wetlands around Tainan.

www.theorientalcaravan.com
www.limosaholidays.co.uk

Hong Kong Express Airways adds flights throughout Asia

HONG KONG - Hong Kong Express Airways continues to strengthen its presence and position in Asia as the carrier of choice in Hong Kong with increased services and new routes.

With a firm understanding of market needs and demands, Hong Kong Express Airways recently launched daily services to Shanghai and Beijing, as well as a four flights a week service to Seoul.

The carrier is planning new routes to Osaka, Phuket, Denpasar and Manila in September, as well as additional routes to various cities in Japan in October.

Raymond Ng, director, Commercial, Hong Kong Express Airways said, “We are delighted to strengthen and diversify our network and provide passengers with increased flexibility to travel throughout the region.”

Okinawa has emerged as a hot-spot for Hong Kong travelers, especially beach lovers and divers.

Hong Kong Express Airways’ Hong Kong to Okinawa service will be offered daily to meet the growing demand.

“At the same time, we have rescheduled some of our less-traveled routes and reduced capacity on others to minimize the impact of rising fuel prices.

This will include the temporary suspension of the Hiroshima and Okayama services beginning September 1, 2008,” said Mr. Ng.

Gecko’s Gets Off the Beaten Track in Asia

To Where There’s No Track At All

From yak trekking with nomadic herdsmen in Mongolia to hill tribe trekking in Thailand, Gecko’s has introduced a range of Asian adventures that go beyond the beaten track to where there’s often no track at all in the 2008-10 South East Asia and China brochure.

The 14-day Mongolian Yak Safari is a wander across the un-tracked steppe, with yaks as ‘support vehicles’ and includes staying in the traditional felt ‘gers’ (tents) of the nomadic herdsmen. Eschewing the long driving days of typical Mongolian tours, the safari takes a more leisurely, low-impact approach.

The trip begins in Ulaanbaaatar with a one-day train trip along the Trans Mongolian route to the Ilk Nart Nature Reserve in the Gobi Desert, a protected community reserve rarely visited by tourists, where the group stays for several days in a low-impact ger camp as guests of the local Dalanjargal community.

Three quarters of the Mongolian population still lives in gers year-round and the trip is a chance to experience the traditional nomadic lifestyle, accompanied by local herdsmen.

From a second base, the group undertakes a four-day trek skirting the southern fringes of Khan Khentii, a wilderness area three times the size of Yellowstone National Park. In the spirit of the nomads, the group will be self-sufficient, with all equipment – including ‘regular’ tents and a communal dining ger – carried on yak carts, and following no particular route; trekking no more than 20km per day; meeting local people, and seeking the most idyllic campsite each evening.

The trip concludes in the capital, Ulaanbaatar. The 14-day trip has six departures between May and August, 2009 and costs $1395 per person, twin share, plus a US$200 local payment.

In Thailand, Gecko’s has introduced the 15-day Inside Thailand adventure, a cocktail of all the best things to do and see in northern Thailand: hill tribe trekking; getting up close to the elephants at the Elephant Conservation Centre; a visit to Sukhothai and shopping in Chiang Mai’s night markets.

There’s a night in a local homestay, and transport ranges from tuk-tuk and boat to train and bicycle. After all that action, there’s time chilling out on the perfect beaches of two of Thailand’s least-visited islands, Koh Chang and Koh Samet – both National Parks - where the only other tourists are locals.

There’s diving and snorkelling in the surrounding protected waters or exploring hidden coves and lush rainforest if hanging out in a hammock isn’t energetic enough.

Inside Thailand starts in Bangkok with departures year-round. The trip costs $995 per person, twin share, land only, plus a US$200 local payment.

For further information, visit your travel agent or call 1300 854 500 or visit www.geckosadventures.com  to download a copy of the new Gecko’s South East Asia and China 2008-2010 brochure.

Crystal 2009 Value Collection Cruises

Crystal Cruises announced its 2009 Value Collection sailings that offer savings of up to 50 percent off regular cruise fares. With the launch of each year’s new itineraries and fares, the line identifies cruises that can benefit from pricing incentives in all stateroom categories. While typically offered on shoulder season dates and repositioning cruises, for 2009, Crystal is expanding its Value Collection to more than a dozen sailings of seven to 17 days through the Panama Canal, South America, the Mediterranean, Western Europe, New England and Canada, Caribbean and the Amazon, as well as Atlantic and Pacific Ocean crossings.

“With Value Collection, travelers can enjoy Crystal’s superb service and luxurious amenities at significant savings,” said Bill Smith, Crystal’s senior vice president of sales and marketing. “This offers a great opportunity to experience Crystal Cruises and understand why we’ve been voted World’s Best by travelers more than any other cruise line, hotel or resort.”

Itineraries offering savings of up to 50 percent in 2009 follow. Panama Canal/Caribbean/Amazon, Feb. 16, Miami to Los Angeles, 14 days, from $3,595 on Crystal Symphony; May 7, Los Angeles to Miami, 16 days, from $4,995 on Crystal Serenity; Nov. 22, round-trip Miami, seven days, from $2,480 on Crystal Serenity; Nov. 22, Miami to Manaus, 13 days, from $3,990 on Crystal Symphony; Nov. 29, Miami to Caldera, 11 days, from $3,775 on Crystal Serenity; and Dec. 10, Caldera to Miami, 11 days, from $3,775 on Crystal Serenity.

In the Mediterranean and Western Europe, eligible cruises are: June 2, Lisbon to Venice, 12 days, from $5,070 on Crystal Serenity; and June 7, Rome to London, 12 days, from $4,360 on Crystal Symphony.

New England and Canada voyages offered in the Value Collection are: Oct. 1, Boston to Montréal, seven days, from $2,575 on Crystal Symphony; and Oct. 30, Montréal to New York, 11 days, from $3,835 on Crystal Symphony.

Specially priced ocean crossings are: March 9, Los Angeles to Hong Kong, 17 days, from $3,690 on Crystal Symphony; May 23, Miami to Lisbon, 10 days, from $3,540 on Crystal Serenity; and Nov. 12, Lisbon to Miami, 10 days, from $3,540 on Crystal Serenity. Fares quoted are based on per person, double occupancy accommodations.

Crystal Debuts 125 New World Cruise Excursions

Crystal Cruises is introducing an unprecedented number of Crystal Adventures shore excursions for its 2009 World Cruise.

Sailing roundtrip from Los Angeles Jan. 21, the 106-day expedition boasts more than 300 tours, including 125 new.

The tours take guests by horseback along New Zealand’s coast, by foot through the Takitumu Rainforest, by helicopter over the filming locations of Lord of the Rings, even through the Alaskan forests and glaciers by go-kart, to ensure the most exhilarating experiences possible.

Along with the tours, expanded onboard enrichment programming includes more celebrity guest lecturers and performers, more keyboard classes through Yamaha and language classes through Berlitz and more experiences and events unique to World Cruise itineraries.

Among the roster of new Crystal Adventures are helicopter tours over Dunedin, New Zealand; Petropavlovsk, Russia; and Ketchikan, Alaska.

In Noumea, New Caldonia, guests can swing through the Koghi Mountain rainforests on webbed ropes, pulleys and zip lines.

In Bali, Indonesia, options include an elephant ride, while a tour in Perth, Australia, allows guests to get close to koalas, kangaroos, wombats, camels and emus at Caversham Wildlife Park and Zoo.

Crystal’s full “Pacific Circle Celebration” World Cruise visits 45 ports in 22 countries throughout the South Pacific, Asia, Africa and Europe, and is available in eight segments from 11 to 17 days.

Fares for the full World Cruise begin at $54,135 per person, double occupancy. Crystal Adventures shore excursions are priced from $39 to $6,999 per person.

Cunard 2009 World Cruises

Cunard says World Cruises aboard its flagship Queen Mary 2 and the new Queen Victoria — as well as shorter segments — offer a value because they are priced in U.S. dollars.

The World Cruises are “more sensible than comparable five-star travel experiences on land since, at sea, meals and entertainment are included,” Cunard said. Both ships offer shorter segment voyages ranging from 15 to 30 days with fares starting at $122 per day, per person.

Space is still available on some of the most popular segments, including Queen Mary 2’s 28-day Fort Lauderdale-to-Los Angeles segment with fares starting at $122 per day, per person; 15-day Los Angeles-to-Sydney segment with fares starting at $160 per day; and 31-day Singapore-to-New York segment priced from $171 per day. Queen Victoria’s 17-day New York-to-Los Angeles segment offers fares from $200 per day, per person; the 23-day Los Angeles-to-Sydney segment starts at $209 per day; the 27-day Sydney to Singapore starts at $237 per day; and 32-day Singapore-to-Southampton is price from $215 per day, per person.

Among the speakers scheduled to appear during the World Cruises are oceanographer-meteorologist Joe Bishop, astronaut Walter Cunningham, ocean liner authority and color commentator William Miller and adventurer Harvey Mann.

Departing from Fort Lauderdale simultaneously with Queen Victoria on Jan. 13, Queen Mary 2’s “Epic Expedition” features 26 port calls on five continents. Included is a call to Alexandria (for Cairo/Giza) for visits to the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. Maiden calls include Lima, Peru; Osaka, Japan; Bangkok, Thailand; and Salalah, Oman.

The ship will journey in a westward direction, sailing around South America to Los Angeles, then across the Pacific Ocean to Honolulu. From there, stops include Pago Pago, American Samoa; Auckland, New Zealand; Sydney, Australia; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The voyage culminates in New York on April 14. Fares start from $19,362 per person, double occupancy.

Eighteen maiden calls are highlights of Queen Victoria’s westbound circumnavigation.

First-time visits include Apia, Western Samoa; Aqaba (for Petra), Jordan; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Cairns (for the Great Barrier Reef), Australia; Christchurch (Lyttelton), New Zealand; Nagasaki, Japan; Nha Trang, Vietnam; Nuku’alofa, Tonga; Phuket, Thailand; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Pusan, South Korea; Rabaul, Papua New Guinea; and Willemstad, Curaçao.

The ship will transit the Panama Canal and Suez Canal and visit Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Shanghai, China; and Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, as well as an overnight call in Sydney. Queen Victoria will also call on Mormugao in Goa, on the west coast of India, which is known for its beaches and Portuguese architecture; and Hobart, Tasmania. The journey concludes in Southampton on April 20, where guests may opt to continue their voyage with a six-day transatlantic crossing to New York aboard Queen Mary 2.

Fares for Queen Victoria’s 99-day “Exploration of Distant Horizons” World Cruise start from $20,955 per person, double occupancy.

Globus Unveils New Asia Pacific Vacations

As part of its 2009 vacation offerings, Globus family has brands has unveiled two new itineraries: Fascinating China & Mongolia with Yangtze River Cruise and Essential Thailand, as well as increased opportunities to travel independently through the Asia Pacific region byway of Monograms.

 ”We are not only revealing new vacation