Jetsettersblog

Goway Travel added to its Classic itineraries for Latin America, independent packages for Central and South America. The programs holidays are flexible, pre-planned packages that can be modified according to time and interest.

“The growth in sales of our Latin programs has enabled us to assess the trends of the most popular destinations in order to create new product with now nine Classic itineraries on offer,” said Don Forster, product manager for Goway’s Latin America. Goway’s new Latin Classics include Chile and Argentina Classic, nine days from $1,690, including travel to Santiago, the wine town of Mendoza and the Argentinean capital of Buenos Aires; Lost Civilizations of South America, nine days from $2,150, combining Easter Island and Machu Picchu; and Mountains, Rivers and Waterfalls, eight days from $2,595, with Iguassu Falls and Machu Picchu.

Since 1970, Goway has been providing travel programs for Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America and island destinations. Goway’s 2012-13 Latin America Travel Planner is available by calling 888-469 2955 or emailing info@goway.com

On the Go Tours launches a brand new ‘value for money’ travel program to Latin America and Mexico suited to adventurous travellers. Using simple hotels and local transport travellers can explore the highlights of Latin America & Mexico on a group tour from 7 to 49 days, party in Rio and interact with locals!

Central America & Mexico:

Wild Costa Rica – 9 days – from £580
Spend 9-days in a nature lover’s paradise, blessed with lush rainforests and national parks, rumbling volcanoes, sublime beaches and wonderful wildlife.

The way to San Jose – 15 days – from £990
Travel from Antigua to San Jose in 15 exhilarating days discovering spectacular scenery, beautiful beaches and ancient ruins.

Mexico City to Guatemala – 22 days – from £1,310
Take an exciting three week journey through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala visiting the Mayan ruins, Chichen Itza and Tikal, colonial cities, colourful markets, beautiful beaches and lush highlands en route.

South America:

Go to Rio Carnival – 5 days – from £650
Join the party in Rio! Witness hundreds of fabulous floats cruise the streets whilst dancers dressed in sensational costumes samba along to the infectious rhythm of the percussion bands.

Machu Warrior – 7 days – from £740
Retrace the steps of the ancient Inca civilization, highlighted by the spectacular Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu and explore the lively cobbled streets of Cuzco.

Peruvian Poncho – 8 days – from £1,170
Discover the very essence of Peru staying in the heart of the lush Amazon rainforest and journey to the incredible Inca city of Machu Picchu.

Road to Rio – 16 days – from £1,220
Live the Latino spirit from the dynamic city of Buenos Aires to exotic Rio de Janeiro visiting the spectacular Iguazu Falls, Sao Paulo and Uruguay’s melting pot capital.

Patagonia Discovered – 21 days – from £1,960
Venture through some of the most isolated regions in Argentina and Chile discovering immense glaciers, deep blue lakes, pristine forests and towering peaks.

South American Salsa – 49 days – from £3750
The ultimate epic journey of a lifetime travelling from Rio de Janeiro to Lima with a plethora of exciting highlights along the way

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PlanetWildlife.com, a leading provider of diverse wildlife travel and tours around the world, presents Wildlife’s Hot Spots for 2012 – a month-by-month directory of what’s happening and when – and itinerary suggestions to inspire nature lovers to experience some of the seminal seasonal events of the natural world. To explore all the ideas and options available, visit PlanetWildlife’s Calendar presented on the website under ‘Travel’…..itineraries are all-inclusive from point of departure but do not include international flights.

January – India
January is the breeding season for the green sea turtles around the Galapagos Islands – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/galapagos-island-hopping-tour – is a five-day itinerary priced at £1,661/US$2,594 per person (pp)
This is also an excellent time of year to go tiger spotting in India when the clement weather facilitates close study of these rare and endangered big cats – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/classic-explorer-kanha-and-bandhavagarh – a six day safari itinerary including elephant rides in Central India priced at £756/US$1,180pp

February – Nepal
February is a good time to go trekking in Nepal with better than usual odds of spotting the famed Bengal Tiger – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/chitwan-explorer  is a nine-day itinerary in Chitwan National Park priced at £1,465/US$2,287pp. This is also an ideal month for tracking the rare and beautiful snow
leopard in nearby Ladakh, India – visit www.planetwildlife.in/travel/itineraries/snow-leopard-experience  for a 13-day trekking adventure priced at £2,163/US$3,377pp.

February also sees the gathering of hundreds of thousands of spectacular pink flamingos on Lake Nakuru in Kenya, Africa – www.planetwildlife.in/travel/itineraries/simba-safari  is a seven-day safari priced at £2,027/US$3,164pp.

March – the Arctic
When the days start to lengthen and become milder in the Arctic region, this is an ideal time to spot Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights – and a cruise is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience this natural wonder – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/lofoten-aurora-borealis through Norway is an eight-day journey on the schooner ‘Noorderlicht’ priced at £1,979/US$3,090pp.

April – Galapagos
April presents another excellent opportunity to go bird-watching in Galapagos where enthusiasts can spot blue-footed boobies, swallow tailed gullies, frigate birds and red-billed tropic birds amongst others. www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/galapagos-island-hopping-tour is a five-day itinerary priced at £1,661/US$2,594pp).

May – India – Ladhak and Karnataka
In India, the weather is perfect for an extensive trek around Ladhak in the Himalayas – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/amazing-leh-community-service-trek – presents an unusual 13-day itinerary and the opportunity to become involved in local community service in the villages of Spango Valley while learning about and tracking the elusive snow leopard – priced at just £569/US$888pp.

This is also an opportune month to visit Karnataka in India and the Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve, the natural habitat of Bengal tigers, leopards, elephants and hyenas – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/classic-explorer-karnataka  is a five-day itinerary including the fascinating cities of Bangalore and Mysore and priced at £1,330/US$2,076pp.

June – Rwanda
Head to Rwanda this month to witness a unique baby gorilla naming ceremony, “KwitaIzina” – an annual ceremony attended by hundreds of local villagers but international visitors are also welcome – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/gorillas-wildlife-and-chimpanzees is a comprehensive seven-day adventure through some of Uganda’s best national parks of Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi and is priced at £4,457/US$6,958pp.

July – Costa Rica and Brazil
Latin America is the destination to head for this month to spot the endangered green and hawksbill turtles nest on the beautiful Caribbean beaches of Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica. The park is also home to manatees, crocodiles, tropical gar, jaguars, sloths and basilisks, amongst other exotic wildlife – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/forests-and-volcanoes-costa-rica  is a 15-day excursion round Costa Rica and the Caribbean priced at £3,662/US$5,717pp.

Alternatively, in Brazil’s Pantanal area this is the best time of year for jaguar sightings and for close study of many other endangered species including the hyacinth macaw and the maned wolf – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/voyage-heart-amazon  is an eight-day voyage to the heart of the Amazon and is priced at £2,940/US$4,590pp

August – Kenya
Head to Kenya this month to be amongst the first to witness one of nature’s greatest shows – the annual Great Migration sees thousands of wildebeest, gazelles and zebras make a dash across the Mara River risking death from predators such as the crocodile – www.planetwildlife.in/travel/itineraries/simba-safari  is a seven-day safari priced at £2,027/US$3,164pp

September – Botswana
This is an ideal time to ravel to Botswana and explore the wilderness of Chobe National Park and the Okavango delta and take in the full majesty of the famed Victoria Falls – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/best-botswana-chobe-and-okavango  is an eight-day itinerary commencing in Maun and finishing at the Victoria Falls prices at £2,664/US$4,159pp

October – Madagascar
During this dry month off the coast of Africa, lemurs are particularly active and playful on the island of Madagascar – www.planetwildlife.in/travel/itineraries/magical-madagascar  is an exciting eight-day adventure combining lemurs and bird-watching as well as interaction with tribal villagers and is priced at £1,713/US$2,674pp.

November – the Falkland Islands

Head to the bottom of the world to the Falkland Islands (classified under the Antarctic zone) to watch five different species of penguins breed at this special time: the King, Rockhopper, Gentoo, Magallanic and Macaroni penguins – the islands also present a chance to spot the rare black-browed albatross – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/antarctic-peninsula-weddell-see-falkland-islands  is a 14-day cruise from Ushuaia in Argentina to the Falklands priced at £8,995/US$14,041pp

December – Sri Lanka
In southern Sri Lanka, this is the best time of year to spot one of the natural wonders of the world – the Blue Whale….nowhere else do they come as close to the land as they do near the coast of Sri Lanka. The www.planetwildlife.com/trave/itineraries/blue-whale-and-leopard-experience  is a nine-day itinerary commencing in Colombo which combines blue whale and dolphin spotting with safaris in Yala, home to elephants and leopards – priced at £2,520/US$3,934pp.

For further information, please visit www.planetwildlife.com  or contact a PlanetWildlife office (listed on the website). PlanetWildlife is as a leading international provider of diverse wildlife and safari tours with over 300 creative itineraries in 26 countries around the world catering to a wide range of interests and budgets.

About PlanetWildlife:

PlanetWildlife is an international travel company based in India with sales offices in UK, India, Australia, Hong Kong and Sweden. It is backed by highly successful entrepreneurs and managed by a professional team who are passionate about wildlife and have been involved in a variety of nature conservation activities over the years. The www.PlanetWildlife.com website features over 300 itineraries to Africa, India, and South America comprising a diverse range of photography safaris, hiking expeditions and bird-watching adventures, including ocean cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica.

Most tours offer daily departure dates and each is well-organised, competitively priced, environmentally responsible and tailored to suit the requirements of group or individual travellers. In all instances they are led by highly qualified and experienced leaders. Respected travel industry professionals and wildlife experts work in consultation with PlanetWildlife and are instrumental in designing each themed itinerary Via the website, a comprehensive and continuously expanding reference library on species and destinations is readily accessible and is regularly updated to ensure its usefulness to travellers, students, wildlife enthusiasts and bloggers.

PlanetWildlife is committed to responsible tourism, and in particular: minimising negative environmental impact; contributing to the conservation of natural and cultural heritages and embracing diversity; providing rewarding experiences for visitors through meaningful interaction with local communities to the economic benefit of those communities; and promoting a greater understanding and respect for local cultural, social and environmental issues. It is part of PlanetWildlife’s corporate policy to fund selected awareness drives and wildlife conservation programmes and welcomes suggestions from the public in this regard.

Ecotourism specialist International Expeditions introduced a new tour to Nicaragua for 2012, focusing on wildlife reserves, colonial architecture and culture, and high-end accommodations. “Nicaragua is really a pristine version of Costa Rica before the crowds and five-star resorts moved in,” said Bill Robison, IE’s director of program development.

“We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive reaction to the program because our travelers want to explore this former ‘backpacker-only’ destination before it becomes mainstream.”

The nine-day, small-group itinerary will visit Juan Venado Island Reserve, Selva Negra Private Reserve, Montibelli Private Reserve, Chocoyero Reserve, Mombacho Reserve, Masaya Reserve and Lake Nicaragua.

The tour also visits the colonial cities of León and Granada, with locally guided walking tours and time at leisure to take in the architecture, art and history of the atmospheric cities.

Three departures are offered — April 14, 21 and 28.

Group size is limited to 18.

Prices start at $3,198 and include transfers, most meals, bottled water, and tips to porters, wait staff, drivers and local tour guides.

International Expeditions specializes in small-group journeys to exotic destinations. For more information, call 800-633-4734 or email nature@ietravel.com

Copa Airlines said that it will begin nonstop service in June 2012 from Panama to four new destinations — Recife, Brazil; Liberia (Guanacaste), Costa Rica; Las Vegas, Nev.; and the island of Curacao.

Passengers who depart or connect to these new flights through Copa’s Hub of the Americas at Tocumen International Airport will have access to a network of 63 destinations in 29 countries in North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. As part of the airline’s strategic plan, Copa will add 10 new Boeing 737-800s Next Generation aircraft this year, for a total of 83 aircraft equipped with cutting-edge technology.

Company to offer travel packages beginning March 1

RealSurfTrips.com announced the debut of their all-inclusive surf travel packages at their 4000 sq. ft. “Wave House” beach home in Playa Negra, Costa Rica starting March 1st 2012 and running through September.

These weekly packages, which range from $899- $1200 (USD) are perfect for small groups and individuals of all abilities.

Packages include: 5 bedroom/4 bath luxury lodging facilities with wi-fi, large screen tv’s, pool and hot tub, 2 catered meals per day, airport pick up and drop off, transportation to surf breaks and boat permits.

The Playa Negra Wave House is located in a warm and beautiful laid-back surf and beach community that boasts secluded beaches and consistent waves.

For pricing, options and more information, please visit, www.RealSurfTrips.com

The founders of RealSurfTrips.com have a lot of experience in the local surf community and a unique philosophy to surf travel.

“We are very community conscious and will not do large groups,” said founder Bob Witty.

“Groups up to 6 are optimal because it makes transportation easy if we travel to surf breaks. We also want to keep the crowds down.

“The surf spots are sacred and very secluded and we don’t name them.”

Witty continues, “We usually surf a 20-mile stretch of beach that is incredibly diverse, from beach breaks to points to outer reefs, and you’ll be guided by our crew every step of the way.”

One unique feature of RealSurfTrips.com is that guests will have the option to arrange professional photos and video of their surf adventure shot by professional surf photographer Tony (TR) Roberts and his staff. Images and video can be purchased individually or as a package where the guest can purchase all images and video from the day or week.

This is an excellent opportunity for surfers to document their trip or for promotional purposes for teams, individuals and apparel. TR is a world -renowned surf photographer who is Staff Photographer for Quiksilver Latin America, was principal photographer of the Quiksilver Crossing, a senior staff photographer at Surfing and Transworld Surf as well as contributor to TransWorld Skateboarding, Sports Illustrated, ESPN.com, National Geographic Explorer and others.

A large skate park and quiet resort with full amenities such as restaurant, bar, spa, golf and yoga classes is very close to the Wave House lodging, which guests can use.

www.realsurftrips.com

Members of the Best Western Rewards program can now earn 250 LifeMiles, the frequent flyer points from Avianca and Taca Airlines, for every qualified stay at any Best Western hotel around the world. In addition, between now and March 31, 2012, Best Western Rewards members who have chosen LifeMiles as their earning preference will be awarded an additional 250 bonus miles for qualified stays at Best Western branded hotels in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America or the Caribbean.

Summer Savings on Guided Vacations up to $870* per couple including Guaranteed Departures

Winter weather brings thoughts of great summer travel, so Brendan Vacations , the Ireland Specialist, is offering Definite Deal Days to turn those winter dreams into a summer reality! Book your Brendan dream vacation by March 10, 2012, and you can save up to $870 per couple on any 2012 Guided Vacation, including Brendan’s new exclusive guaranteed departures to Eastern European destinations.

* Travel must be taken by October 31 st, and when you pay in full at least six months prior to departure, you can save up to 5% per couple on the land portion of your vacation!

“Our many new guaranteed-departure vacations for summer coupled with a great incentive to book early translates into peace of mind and a great value for every traveler,” says Nico Zenner, President of Brendan Vacations.

“A great many immersive, new itineraries to Ireland and Europe qualify for savings, as do many of our Guided Vacations to Australia, New Zealand, USA & Canada, as well as Central and South America.”

Choose from popular itineraries below, including our new vacation in Ireland. Definite Deal Days is valid on all of the following 2012 Guided brochures: Europe , Ireland & Scotland , South & Central America, USA & Canada and Australia & New Zealand.

NEW Eastern European Guided Vacations featuring guaranteed departures:

Imperial Cities Showcase – 9 Days from $1,680**

Highlights include: Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna, Krakow

Dalmatian Sunshine – 9 Days from $1,830**

Highlights include: Bled, Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Plitvice Lakes

The Best of Ukraine, Poland & Hungary – 12 Days from $2,498**

Highlights include: Krakow, Budapest, Kiev, Lviv, Zakopane, Kamenets Podolsky

The Balkans & Venice Revealed – 11-Days from $2,515**

Highlights include: Venice, Bled, Split, Dubrovnik, Plitvice Lakes

For a full listing of our new Eastern European Vacations, visit our What’s New for 2012 page or refer to our Europe brochure.

Or choose from one of our Favorite Vacations, Worldwide:

Highlights of Peru – 8 Days from $1,895**
Highlights include: Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cuzco

Western Frontiers – 11 Days from $2,225**

Highlights include: Las Vegas, Bryce Canyon, Salt Lake City, Jackson, Yellowstone, Billings, Rapid City, Denver

Castles & Manors – 10 Days from $3,285**

Highlights include: Dublin, Donegal, Connemara, Killarney, Kilkenny
Highlights of Australia & New Zealand – 24 Days from $8,579**

Highlights include: Melbourne, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Cairns, Sydney, Auckland, Rotorua, Darfield, Franz Josef, Queenstown

All Guided Vacations include accommodations, transfers, select meals and services of an experienced Travel Director aboard a private luxury motorcoach. Travelers will also receive travel documents and a souvenir group photo.

For more information and to book, please call Brendan Vacations at 1 (800) 421-8446 or visit www.BrendanVacations.com  for complete details.

The travel company that secures matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of small expedition ships announces that is offering effective March 2012 five new itineraries in Central and South America thanks to the re-launch of newly renovated M/V Sea Voyager.

AdventureSmith Explorations,

www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/

brings this 60-passenger expedition ship into its fold at a time when demand for travel to Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama and Ecuador is on the rise, said Todd Smith, founder / director.

He noted that the ship that provides both an experienced crew and affordable rates was a winner in Condé Nast’s 2009 Best Small Ships Awards.

Smith has worked with many of the newly assembled A-team representing the ship’s parent company, Sea Voyager Expeditions (SVE), and its partner Global Voyages Group. Among them are Michael Lomax, Brand Director Global Voyages Group, whom he met through Glacier Bay Tours & Cruises in the 1990’s; David Giersdorf, President & CEO Global Voyages Group, whose father gave Smith his first job as a naturalist guide; Dave Randon, Senior Sales Manager Global Voyages Group, who has joined Smith on Antarctic and North Pole expeditions; and Captain Jorge Murillo whom Smith met back when the ship was operated by Lindblad Expeditions.

”While I have not personally met Denise Landau, President & CEO Sea Voyager Expeditions, I am familiar with her because of her work at IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators),” Smith noted, adding that Landau is also noted as an eco-tourism advocate and expert.

Fares, priced seasonally, begin at $365 per day, per person, double cabin for 8 to 12-night cruises. Included are all meals, pre-post hotels, shore tours, admission to museums and parks, tax and port fees.

Plus, travelers can save up to $2,000 per couple if they book their cabin on any of the M/V Sea Voyager departures by Jan. 31, 2012. Discount amount is dependent on time of year, cabin type and itinerary.

While cruising guests will venture with naturalists and guides into rainforests and sea in pursuit of land and marine life that is among the world’s most diverse.

While on board passengers enjoy air-conditioned comfort in 31 outside staterooms with ample storage and private bath. On board are a lounge, bar, fitness and massage rooms, library with WiFi, dining room, buffet, fore and aft deck space and a platform for getting on/off Zodiacs. See: THIS LINK.

While other small ship cruises may be limited to Panama and the Pacific side of Costa Rica, traveling only November through March, M/V Sea Voyager will operate year round with itineraries inclusive of the Pacific and Caribbean side of Costa Rica, both sides of Panama and Panama Canal visits and coastal Columbia and Ecuador.

The five new itineraries are:

Panama to Costa Rica Pacific Cruise – 9 Days; Balboa/Panama City to San Jose/Costa Rica

Panama to Costa Rica Caribbean Cruise – 10 Days; Panama City/Panama to San Jose/Costa Rica

Panama to Colombia Caribbean Cruise – 9 Days; Panama City/Panama to Cartagena/Colombia

Columbia Caribbean Cruise – 9 Days; Cartagena/Colombia to Santa Marta/Colombia

Panama to Ecuador Pacific Cruise – 13 Days; Balboa/Panama City to Quito/Ecuador

About Adventure Smith Explorations

AdventureSmith Explorations is the global leader in small ship, adventure cruise vacations. Company founder Todd Smith helped pioneer the concept of wilderness cruising that combines the comforts of a small cruise ship with the adventure of sea kayaking, hiking and exploring remote wilderness areas ashore.

The company matches guests with the top names in small ship cruising as well with intimate, boutique ships that may not make the radar of most travelers.

In moving through exotic natural environments and exploring vibrant native cultures seldom associated with more mainstream cruise itineraries, AdventureSmith Explorations dedicates its efforts to small footprint, sustainable travel and has launched a carbon free cruising initiative. Its off-the-beaten-path destinations include Alaska, Baja, Costa Rica, Columbia, Belize, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Hawaii, Panama, Peru, the Arctic, Antarctica, Asia, and Australia.

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, California along the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free or 530-583-1775.

Email: travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com  or visit: www.AdventureSmithExplorations.com

AdventureSmith Explorations is offering five new Central and South American cruises, thanks to the relaunch of renovated Sea Voyager, starting in March.

The 60-passenger expedition ship will offer eight- to 12-night cruises from a per diem of $365 per person, double.

Included are all meals, pre- and post-cruise hotels stays, shore tours, admission to museums and parks, tax and port fees.

In addition, travelers can save up to $2,000 per couple if they book their cabin on any of the Sea Voyager departures by Jan. 31.

The discount amount depends on the time of year, the cabin type and the itinerary.

Onboard are a lounge, a bar, a fitness and massage rooms, a library with Wi-Fi, a dining room, a buffet, fore and aft deck space, and a platform for getting on and off of Zodiacs.

The five new itineraries are a nine-day Panama to Costa Rica Pacific cruise, a 10-day Panama to Costa Rica Caribbean cruise, a nine-day Panama to Colombia Caribbean cruise, a nine-day Columbia Caribbean cruise, and a 13-day Panama to Ecuador Pacific cruise.