Tourist Guide Booking Tool

September 4, 2008 on 9:40 am | In Adventure Travel, Afghanistan, Africa, Alaska, Albania, Alberta, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua Barbuda Anquilla, Argentina, Aruba Bonaire Curacao, Asia, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Baja, Barbados, Beachbooker, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Borneo, Bosnia, Botswana, Brazil, British Columbia, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cabinweb, Cabo, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cancun Cozumel Yucatan, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Central America, Chad, Chicago, Chile, China, Colombia, Comores, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Crete, Croatia, Cruise Boats, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Dubai, East Coast, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Europe, Fiji Islands, Finland, Florida, France, French West Indies, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Great Lakes, Greece, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Hawaiian Islands, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait, Labrador, Laos, Las Vegas, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, London, Los Angeles, Luxwmbourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Manitoba, Marianas, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Melanesia, Mexico, Miami, Micronesia, Middle East, Midwest, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, NWT, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Brunswick, New Caledonia, New England, New South Wales, New York City, New Zealand, Newfoundland, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Northern, Norway, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Oman, Ontario, Orlando, Outdoors, PEI, Pacific Islands, Pacific Northwest, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Paris, Peru, Philippines, Plains States, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Quebec, Queensland, Reunion, Road Trips, Rockies, Romania, Rome, Russia, Rwanda, Samoa, San Diego, San Francisco, Saskatchewan, Saudia Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sharjah, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South America, South Australia, Southwest, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Sydney, Syria, Tahiti, Taiwan, Tanzania, Tasmania, Texas, Thailand, The Keys, The South, Togo, Tonga, Toronto, Trinidad Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turks Caicos, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Victoria, Vietnam, Virgin Islands, Wales, Western, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Yukon, Zaire, Zambia, Zanzibar, Zimbabwe | Comments Off


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!

Get Your Tropical Gear Here 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).

Silversea 2009 Silver Sailings Savings

September 2, 2008 on 10:57 am | In Alaska, Antigua Barbuda Anquilla, Aruba Bonaire Curacao, Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Beachbooker, Belize, Bermuda, Cabo, California, Canada, Cancun Cozumel Yucatan, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Central America, Chicago, Costa Rica, Cruise Boats, Cuba, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Coast, Europe, Finland, Florida, France, French West Indies, Germany, Great Lakes, Greece, Grenada, Haiti, Hawaiian Islands, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, London, Los Angeles, Malta, Mexico, Middle East, Monaco, Montenegro, Montserrat, Netherlands, New South Wales, New York City, Norway, Paris, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Rome, Russia, San Diego, San Francisco, Saudia Arabia, Scotland, South America, Spain, St. Kitts Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, Sweden, Sydney, Tahiti, Texas, The Keys, The South, Toronto, Trinidad Tobago, Turks Caicos, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Virgin Islands, Wales | Comments Off

Ultra luxury Silversea Cruises has launched its Silver Sailings Savings programme for 2009, offering special savings of up to 50 per cent for a limited time on selected 7-18 day all-inclusive voyages including some sailings during Prince Albert II’s inaugural season in Polynesia.. From South America, Alaska, the South Pacific and the Caribbean to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Far East, sailings onboard Silversea’s intimate, all-suite vessels offer the very best in ocean travel.

Cruise in pampered Silversea luxury aboard Silver Shadow on an 18 day voyage departing 11 April 2009 from Sydney to Singapore via Hayman Island, Komodo Island, Bali, Semarang and Karimunjawa Archipelago, enjoying a saving of 30 per cent. All-inclusive cruise-only fares start from US$$10,496* per person, double occupancy.

Be one of the first to experience a South Pacific sailing onboard world-class expedition ship Prince Albert II. Savings of up to 40 per cent are available across all accommodation categories on a series of 10-15 day Polynesian voyages between March and September 2009. All-inclusive cruise-only fares start from US$3537* per person, double occupancy, for ten day Papeete to Papeete sailings departing 31 March, 5 May, 3 August, 7 and 28 September, via Raiatea, Maupihaa and Huahine in the Society Islands and Tikihau, Rangiroa, Apataki, Arutua and Fakarava in the Tuamotu Archipelago.

Get Your Steamer Trunks HereExperience the best of the Mediterranean by taking advantage of a 50 per cent saving on a 7 day cruise on Silver Whisper departing Rome on 6 June 2009 for Monte Carlo, with calls in Portovenere, Barcelona and Cannes. All-inclusive cruise-only fares start from US$$3,247* per person, double occupancy. Alternatively combine three consecutive 7 days voyages departing from Barcelona to Athens on 20 June and enjoy a spectacular 21 day voyage through the Mediterranean US$13,339* per person, double occupancy.

On 1 March 2009, sail in a luxurious Vista Suite aboard Silver Cloud for 15 days from Rio de Janeiro to Barbados via Grenada and French Guiana and enjoy a saving of 50 per cent. All-inclusive cruise-only fares start from US$$5,497* per person, double occupancy.

Kick off 2009 in style with a 10 day cruise between Port Louis and Cape Town via Madagascar departing 3 January 2009 on Silver Wind. All-inclusive cruise-only fares start from US$$4,917* per person, double occupancy – a saving of 40 per cent.

The Silversea fleet offers the luxury and elegance of a private yacht and the services of a five-star hotel, with distinctive European styling and a convivial atmosphere amongst well-travelled, international guests. Fares are all inclusive with all ocean-view suite accommodation, complimentary wines, champagnes and spirits, and guests can dine at their leisure in a choice of four gourmet restaurants. The friendly Silversea service is renowned and all gratuities are included.

*Port charges, government fees and taxes are additional. All costs are based on per person, double occupancy. Subject to availability. Savings are available for a limited time only.

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all designed to offer an atmosphere of all inclusive conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II in 2008, the company’s itineraries encompass all seven continents.

Silversea Cruises has announced major dry-dock refurbishments are planned for its 296-guest sister ships Silver Cloud and Silver Wind to bring their interiors in line with the style of its newest ship, the 540-guest Silver Spirit (scheduled for delivery in December 2009). For Silver Wind , the month-long refurbishment will take place this November and Silver Cloud’s in May 2009.

Silversea has for the past four consecutive years been named Best Cruise Line by readers of Australia’s Luxury Travel and Style magazine. For nine consecutive years, Silversea has been named “Number One Small Ship Line” in the Readers’ Choice survey conducted by Conde Nast Traveler magazine in the USA and in 2007 was the only cruise line named in the UK edition of Condé Nast Traveller’s “Top 100 Luxury Travel Experiences” at the same time topping the Small Cruise Line award for the eighth time. Silversea has been selected as “World’s Best Small Ship Line” in the US Travel + Leisure readers’ poll for the past eight years, and “Best Luxury Cruise Operator” twice in the TravelWeekly Asia Industry Awards, 2007 and 2008.

Crystal 2009 Value Collection Cruises

August 31, 2008 on 9:44 am | In Adventure Travel, Africa, Alaska, Antigua Barbuda Anquilla, Aruba Bonaire Curacao, Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Beachbooker, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, British Columbia, Canada, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Central America, China, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cruise Boats, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Coast, Europe, Fiji Islands, Florida, France, French West Indies, Germany, Grenada, Haiti, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Labrador, Laos, London, Los Angeles, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Miami, Middle East, Monaco, Montenegro, Montserrat, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Brunswick, New Caledonia, New South Wales, New York City, New Zealand, Newfoundland, Northern, Norway, Nova Scotia, Ontario, PEI, Pacific Islands, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Quebec, Queensland, Rome, Russia, San Diego, San Francisco, Scotland, Singapore, South America, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, Sweden, Sydney, Tahiti, Taiwan, Thailand, The Keys, Toronto, Trinidad Tobago, Turks Caicos, USA, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Victoria, Vietnam, Virgin Islands, Wales | Comments Off

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.

Get Your Steamer Trunks HereNew 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.

Club Med for luxury

August 24, 2008 on 7:59 am | In Adventure Travel, Aruba Bonaire Curacao, Australia, Bahamas, Beachbooker, Caribbean, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Fiji Islands, Florida, France, French West Indies, Greece, Miami, Montserrat, Morocco, New South Wales, Northern, Orlando, Pacific Islands, Paris, Queensland, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Singapore, South Australia, Spa Resorts, Spain, Sports Travel, Spring Break, St. Lucia, Surfing Resorts, Sydney, Tahiti, Tasmania, Tennis, The Keys, Tunisia, Victoria, Virgin Islands, Western | Comments Off

Club Med’s chairman of the board and chief executive officer, Henri Giscard d’Estaing was in Sydney to update the market on a significant programme of refurbishment underway in Asia Pacific. Since 2004 over $US51 million has been allocated to renovate Club Med resorts in Asia Pacific alone.

Since taking the reins of Club Med in 2002, Mr Giscard d’Estaing has led Club Med in an extensive renovation programme. In just the past two years Club Med has launched or re-opened ten resorts around the world, renovated six properties and closed five as part of its bid to appeal to a more sophisticated travel market. Mr Giscard d’Estaing says, “We are targeting families and couples who want upscale, all-inclusive and multicultural holidays and aiming to provide a broad range of choice to suit a variety of tastes.”

The move to appeal to sophisticated travellers has motivated the creation of a new range of refined properties with a ‘5 Trident’ rating. Closest to Australia, just eight hours from Perth, Club Med has built a $US75 million dollar resort on the west coast of Mauritius, Club Med La Plantation d’Albion. In Marrakech Morocco, Club Med Le Riad also boasts the ‘5-Trident’ standard and this year Club Med will upgrade the unique 187 metre sailing ship Club Med 2 making it the third ‘5 –Trident’ experience.

The ‘4-Trident’ Club Med Bali in Nusa Dua will also open in December this year after a significant refurbishment adding a wider variety of room choices including lavish suites, an extensive Mandara spa with 12 treatment rooms, two Turkish Hammams and two saunas and new common areas. Just 55 minutes off the coast of Singapore, Club Med Bintan Island has undergone a $US6.5 Million refurbishment and will be launched in September this year.

 In recent years the forward thinking company has also refurbished its ski resort in Sahoro Japan, created a 1000 square metre Mini Club Med for children within Club Med Phuket and added 75 luxurious over water bungalows to Club Med Kani in the Maldives.

One of the world’s largest ski operators, Club Med has also refurbished nine ski resorts in the last three years in a bid to offer Australians the best value for money, sophisticated ski experience in Europe and Japan’s the most popular ski fields of Europe and Japan. Close to Australia, Club Med Sahoro was relaunched in November 2007 and offers all-inclusive ski and snowboarding holidays for the whole family.

Appealing to a more upscale market represents an exciting new chapter for this iconic brand which has become a household name in Australia since the first office opened in Sydney in 1975 offering exotic holidays to New Caledonia and Tahiti. Since then, over half a million Australians have visited one of 80 Club Med resorts around the world.

The new signature “Club Med - Where Happiness Means the World” maintains the company’s long held conviction that by removing financial and social constraints, Club Med’s all–inclusive holidays offer guests the freedom to enjoy whatever makes them happy; whether that is relaxing, socialising, participating in sports or discovering new cultures.

This theme of happiness has been core to Club Med’s offering since its post war origins when French water-polo player Gerard Blitz offered holidays to his tent city in Andalucía, saying ‘the time to be happy is now and the place to be happy is here.’ The offer of a carefree exotic holiday attracted 2,300 people in the first summer of 1950 and strong demand meant more than 10,000 people were turned away. Continuing popularity of the concept meant rapid expansion for the altruistic Club which developed from a non-profit organisation to become publicly listed in 1967 and eventually one of the world’s largest resort operators.

The promise of happiness has persisted throughout 58 years of adaptation and pioneering change and undoubtedly contributed to Club Med’s enduring popularity. Over the years Club Med continued to innovate to attract guests. Ski, sun resorts as well as cruise ships were opened, the popular kid’s club concept was created and an exclusive internal currency was introduced in the form of a beaded necklace. Club Med’s latest great innovation is Club Med Passworld (now available at Cherating Beach and other selected resorts). Passworld is an innovative space where teens can mix music, make videos, participate in jewellery making or just hang out in a relaxed but safe environment.

The new Club Med brand recognises the evolution of the Australian consumer and makes a significant departure from the grass huts and beaded necklaces so popular in the 1980s. “Club Med targets families and couples who want an upscale holiday as well as a friendly environment where they can relax and enjoy interacting with the hotel staff and other guests,” said Mr Giscard d’Estaing.

Click Here for Your BEACH GEARClub Med’s new level of refinement combined with its enduring friendly spirit make it, now more then ever, a place where sophistication meets fun.

For full booking details please call Club Med on (aus only) 1800 258 263 or for more information visit www.clubmed.com.au

Luxury West Indies Cricket Cruise

August 19, 2008 on 9:09 am | In Africa, Antigua Barbuda Anquilla, Argentina, Aruba Bonaire Curacao, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Central America, Cruise Boats, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, France, French West Indies, Germany, Grenada, Haiti, India, Ireland, Jamaica, London, Montserrat, New South Wales, New Zealand, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, South America, Sports Travel, St. Kitts Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, Sydney, Trinidad Tobago, Turks Caicos, United Kingdom, Virgin Islands, Wales | Comments Off

With economic doom and gloom dominating current headlines you’d be forgiven for thinking the end of nigh. However, confidence remains high among England’s cricket fans and, bolstered by the team’s current good form, enquiries and bookings for ITC Sports’ Platinum Cricket Cruise to watch England play the West Indies in February 2009 remain very strong.

In addition to taking in world-class cricket and an array of glamorous Caribbean islands, guests will have the chance to brush up their cricketing know-how as celebrity hosts onboard include David Gower, Darren Gough, Christopher Martin-Jenkins, David Lloyd and Allan Lamb! Prices start from £6,995 per person.

Cricket cruises are a speciality for ITC Sports, the UK’s leading luxury sports tour operator, and for 2009 the company has exclusively chartered Silversea’s Silver Shadow for a superb 16 night extravaganza, between the 2nd – 18th February 2009. The cricket will be thrilling, with part of the First Test in Jamaica and all of the Second Test in Antigua, while the cruising will take in beautiful and diverse islands such as St Barths and the Dominican Republic.

Silversea’s “six star” Silver Shadow offers all-suite accommodation, a vast array of facilities, and the highest standards of personal service and attention to detail. Little wonder that Silversea has won award after prestigious award for small ship, luxury cruising.

Get Your Sports Gear HereITC Sports has brought together a unique, star-studded line up of cricketing celebrities and entertainers, including David Gower, Darren Gough, Derek Underwood, Christopher Martin-Jenkins, David Lloyd, Allan Lamb, Paul Allott, celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson (who will be offering cookery demonstrations) and Mike d’Abo of Manfred Mann. These onboard Hosts will be joined by many other special guests, meaning that evenings on board will be a highlight of the trip, with “State of Play” discussions, interviews with celebrities, live entertainment, and sumptuous dining.



ITC Sports’ Platinum Cricket Cruise Itinerary
West Indies v England, 2 – 18 February 2009

2 February Departure from London Heathrow aboard your flight to Miami and transfer to Fort Lauderdale to board Silversea’s Silver Shadow.

3 February A day to relax at sea and enjoy the facilities on board Silver Shadow.

4 February Day at sea, with the opportunity to watch the start of the First Test, West Indies v England, shown via live satellite feed from Kingston, Jamaica.

5 February Early arrival in Kingston for your transfer to the second day of play in the FIRST TEST, WEST INDIES v ENGLAND, at Sabina Park.

6-7 February

Daily transfers to the FIRST TEST, WEST INDIES v ENGLAND, at Sabina Park.**

8 February

Disembark in Port Antonio on Jamaica’s North Coast.

9 February

A day of cruising and relaxation.

10 February Disembark at La Romana, in the Dominican Republic.

11 February

Morning arrival at San Juan, the vibrant capital city of Puerto Rico.


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12 February Disembark in Gustavia for a day in St Barths – always a favourite for its charm and its casual, yet stylish, French chic. Not to mention the fine restaurants and serious retail therapy opportunities!

13-17 February

Arrival in Antigua and daily transfers to the SECOND TEST, WEST INDIES v ENGLAND at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound.

18 February

Transfer to VC Bird International Airport for your return flight to London.

19 February Early morning arrival at London Gatwick.

** If the final day of the First Test promises to be thrilling, the itinerary will alter to be able to stay and watch it.

Prices start from £6,995 per person sharing a Vista Suite.

What’s included:

• International flights in economy class
• UK airport taxes
• Transfers from airport to ship and return
• 16 nights accommodation on Silver Shadow in the suite of your choice
• All meals and drinks on board ship
• Food & beverages in our exclusive facility adjacent to each ground
• All entertainment on board, including special guests
• Cricket transfers
• Celebrity Hosts
• Services of an ITC Sports representative on board ship
• Commemorative gifts
• Gratuities on board ship
• Port taxes

Not included</