Jetsettersblog

Baobab Expeditions plans to operate a 12-day Tribal Adventure in Belize from May 9 to 20.

The itinerary is designed as a trek through Belize in the footsteps of the Mayan people. It begins in Belmopan, where participants will visit the Belize Zoo and the local Mennonite community and see how its people use modern methods to sustain their traditional way of life.

Clients will visit the Green Iguana Farm, hidden on an Indian Reserve, which has sought to bring back the Green Iguana from the brink of extinction.

The next day, adventurers will trek to the famous Mayan ruins of Caracol, the largest Maya archeological site in Belize.

At its peak, Caracol was larger than modern Belize City, with a central acropolis, three plaza groups, and two ball courts.

In the jungle surrounding Caracol, they’ll receive basic jungle training to prepare them for the days ahead. After traveling along the coast to the Toledo District, the group will stop at Nim Li Punit to see views of the Caribbean islands and at Lubaantun to discover Mayan ruins in the jungle.

They’ll spend the night at the Sun Creek Lodge, an eco-adventure lodge between the Mayan mountains and the Caribbean Sea.

They’ll hike along the Cacao Trail to a local village, where they will learn about the medicinal properties of the local jungle flora, before going cave swimming at Blue Creek.

Next, they will travel onwards to discover the non-excavated Uxbenka site (estimated to be 600 to 700 years older than either Lubaantun or Nim Li Punit), the waterfalls at Santa Elena and the unexcavated Kayuko Cave and Mound Group.

The group will camp out overnight, with open-air evenings by the campfire and nights sleeping under the jungle’s thick canopy in hammocks, bashas and mozzy nets.

After several days, travelers will reach the Sun Creek Jungle Lodge from where they will explore the Mayan village of Santa Cruz, the Pusilha Acropolis and the Maya Bridge, before proceeding on to several days in the sun at either the stunning diving destination of Caye Caulker or the beautiful beaches of Placencia.

Pricing begins at $4,444 per person double occupancy and includes accommodations, all meals on expedition and breakfasts at hotels, local experienced guides, drinking water, all transportation and excursions, and Royal Geographic Society membership.

A luxury camp upgrade is also available, which provides higher quality hotels (where available), vehicle upgrades, faster boats (where available) and the use of tents on expedition. The expedition, available to groups of up to ten, will require moderate to difficult physical effort. Baobab Expeditions has been ranked by National Geographic Adventure Magazine as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth 2009,” with a client satisfaction rating of 100 percent.

For more information, call 516-622-2279 or visit www.BaobabExpeditions.com

Cayo Espanto, a private island off the coast of Belize, is expanding its offerings with the addition of Casa Solana, a romantic villa set to open July 1, 2010.

Rated the number one honeymoon destination in the world by Mr. and Mrs. Smith, a highly respected boutique hotel directory, Cayo Espanto’s newest villa caters to couples seeking the ultimate romantic getaway.

Casa Solana is secluded on the western tip of the tiny, four-acre island, allowing guests to bask in the warm glow of Cayo Espanto’s best sunsets while lounging in their private swimming pool.

The one-bedroom villa’s distinctive Caribbean architecture celebrates the harmony of the Caribbean with floor to ceiling views of the ocean and lush tropical landscape of the island.

Its tropical décor features bold accent pieces that are inspired by the organic beauty of Cayo Espanto, creating a refreshing and relaxing atmosphere for guests to unwind. Casa Solana has five-star amenities, including plush fine linens, a personal houseman and customized meals prepared by Cayo Espanto’s award-winning chef. Other villa features include an expansive verandah and private dock.

Cayo Espanto is now accepting reservations for Casa Solana at a special introductory rate of $995 per night. Based on double occupancy and valid for stays between July 1 and December 15, 2010, the rate includes all meals, non-motorized activities and use of a personal cell phone and laptop, among other amenities.

Taxes are not included.

For more information or reservations, call 888-666-4282 or visit www.aprivateisland.com

St. George’s Caye Resort, an island resort off the Belize Barrier Reef, is offering a new Reef & Spa package that allows guests to save 35 percent off standard rates and includes: seven nights in a cabana built over sand and sea;

three delicious meals per day and evening appetizers;

snorkel excursion for two; and one Swedish massage per person.

The Reef & Spa package is $1,199 per person double occupancy and available for travel until Nov. 23.

All packages include domestic bar beverages/alcohol, coffee, tea and fresh juice delivered each morning, airport transfers, turndown service and bedtime snack, 24-hour swimming pool access and beach and pool beverage service.

This offer is available for new bookings, dependant on availability and some restrictions may apply, including black-out dates.

No refunds are given on any unused portion of the package and there are no inclusion changes.

St. George’s Caye Resort, located on a private residential island just off the coast of Belize, is known for its lush surroundings, unparalleled service and world-class diving and fishing adventures.

Resort accommodations include 12 private cabanas, eight lodge rooms and a 5,000 square-foot conference facility available for small corporate events.

Just 20 minutes away from the mainland, transportation to the island is included in the nightly rate along with freshly prepared meals, domestic bar beverages/alcohol and unlimited use of kayaks, Hobie Cats and windsurfers.

The Island Spa, situated in the midst of lush gardens, offers an oasis of relaxation.

Numerous diving, fishing and eco adventure excursions are available, and divers have access to a unique, personalized Valet Diving program customized to their experience level.

For more information, call 800-813-8498

or visit www.belizeislandparadise.com

Kensington Tours and Windstar Cruises are offering a package to Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Costa Rica and Nicaragua by Sea is a limited-time offer that includes tropical islands, exotic animals and first-class sailing.

The 10-day package is priced from $1,710 per person.

The Windstar sailing yacht stops at exotic ports, tranquil beaches, tropical nature reserves and an active volcano. During a combination of private guided and shared shore excursions, travelers can discover scarlet macaws, rare blue morpho butterflies, monkeys, sloths, marmosets, ocelots, macaws, motmots, anteaters, turtles and dolphins.

Clients can also go snorkeling, windsurfing, waterskiing, sea-tubing, scuba diving or searching for dolphins. The last voyage is March 20. The Kensington/Windstar package includes private city tour of San Jose, private guided shore excursion of Nicaragua, private guided shore excursion of Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica, and private airport transfers.

For more information, visit www.kensingtontours.com

TrekAmerica has re-launched its open-age adventure brand as Grand American Adventures. The Grand American Adventures programme, previously known as Footloose, offers an extensive range of comfortable camping and lodging tours, dedicated walking tours and family tours for active people of all ages.

Samantha Cox, managing director of the TrekAmerica travel group comments: “The Grand American Adventures programme offers the chance to explore incredible, iconic landscapes and enjoy exciting adventure activities, much like the core TrekAmerica product. With its specialised itineraries, higher levels of comfort and more exotic destinations, we are giving all our customers access to a wider range of trips and styles of travel.”

Grand American Adventures are available for travellers over 18, with an extra range of family trips suitable for children aged eight and over. TrekAmerica’s trips are aimed at those aged 18-38.

While TrekAmerica trips are focused in the USA and Canada, Grand American Adventures also operate in Latin American countries including Mexico, Costa Rica and Peru.

Amongst its itineraries are some focusing on particular activities to appeal to travellers with specific interests – for example walking tours, and a rafting tour through the Grand Canyon.

Grand American Adventures offer an increased level of comfort and are priced in a more inclusive way, with local payments for hotel accommodation and meals whilst camping included in the overall price.

Accommodation on Grand American Adventure tours range from comfortable lodgings – national park lodges, cowboy ranches and three star hotels – to camping, using high quality camping gear including large dome tents, inflatable sleeping pads, camp chairs and top of the line field kitchens.

No single supplements are charged – solo travellers are matched with another passenger of the same sex unless a single room is specifically requested.

Each tour is led by a knowledgeable and experienced Grand American Adventures guide and on walking trips, two guides will travel with the group.

Guides will co-ordinate meals for the group whilst camping, assisting in the shopping and preparation of healthy, hearty meals and picnic lunches.

The Grand American Adventures programme includes tours in the USA (including Alaska), Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica and Peru. Family tours are available in the western USA.

Highlights of the programme include:

• Appalachian Trail Walk –

a ten-day walking tour in New England, departing in autumn to coincide with the famous fall colour season

• Canyons & Indian Lands –

a seven-day trip taking in the highlights of southwestern USA including the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks

• Ruta Maya –

a three-week adventure discovering ancient Mayan culture in Mexico and Guatemala. Stops include Chichen Itza, Tikal and Palenque

• Classic Peru –

a lodging tour of Peru including Machu Picchu, Lima, the Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca

Grand American Adventures are featured within the 2010/2011 TrekAmerica brochure, which is out now.

For further information, or to book, see

www.trekamerica.co.uk

or telephone 0845 863 9402.

The tiny country of Belize has so much to offer. Join Terra Incognita Ecotours as you travel by motor launch through riverine forest on the New River to visit the ancient Maya ruins of Lamanai.

Paddle in canoes on the Macal River and spend three nights in the exquisite thatched cabanas of the exclusive Chaa Creek Resort.

Ride horses through the rain forest, and track the elusive big cats in the World’s only Jaguar Preserve.

End the land adventure with snorkeling or scuba adventures on the largest Barrier Reef in the Northern Hemisphere.

The guide for this ecotour will be Lascelle Tillet, a Board Member of the Belize Audubon Society, the organization responsible for managing most of Belize’s National Parks for the Government of Belize. Group size is restricted to 16 individuals.

www.ecotours.com

The 2010 Dive Odyssey Packages (number of diving days varies per package) include gear and range from 4 nights/5 days to 7/nights/8 days, with pricing that starts, during the Winter, at $1035 US pp, and during the Summer, at $862 US pp.

The 2010 Whale Shark Dive Packages (4 nights/5 days and 7nights/8 days) , available April 25- May 9; May 24-June 7; and June 23- July 4 — the peak Whale Shark sighting periods — start at $1286 US per person in April and May ; and $1203 US pp in June.

Divers have often referred to Belize as one of the seven underwater wonders of the world due to the country’s proximity to the world’s second largest Barrier Reef.

Placencia, where The Inn at Robert’s Grove and its Dive Center are located, is an especially unique and pristine diving destination. As the Barrier Reef’s edge comes along the southern coast of Belize, it begins to separate itself further from the mainland, thereby resulting in a broad expanse of coral reef with channels that go down 90 to 110 feet in the inner reef, then rising abruptly into shoals and cayes.

The Outer Reef is home to some of the most spectacular walls that start from around 40 feet and drop off to approximately 3000 feet. With a minimum of 20 named dive sights in the southern waters, untouched coral and abundant fish life abound for underwater adventure guests of the Inn at Robert’s Grove.

The 52-room Inn at Robert’s Grove, which was awarded “Hotel of the Year 2008″ by The Belize Tourist Board, is owned by Risa and Bob Frackman, transplanted New Yorkers who place an emphasis on great food, hospitality and ease of travel.

In addition to the top PADI dive operation in southern Belize, the Inn features two restaurants; two private islands; a fly fishing center, Sea Spa; marina; internet center; and a host of complimentary activities that include tennis, three 50-foot swimming pools, rooftop Jacuzzis, gym, a fleet of kayaks, windsurfers, canoes, hobie cats, sailboats and bicycles. An in-house tour operation arranges excursions to the Mayan ruins, Barrier Reef, Cockscomb Jaguar preserve and Monkey River.

For additional information about The Inn at Robert’s Grove and it’s PADI 5-Star Dive Center, or to request brochures and make reservations, call 1-800-565-9757,

E-mail info@robertsgrove.com  or access their websites at http://www.robertsgrove.com  and http://www.diverobertsgrove.com

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, treat the one you love to a six-night Western Caribbean cruise onboard Royal Caribbean International’s (www.royalcaribbean.co.uk 0844 493 2061) Independence of the Seas from just £450 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

Setting the mood onboard the love boat, there will be romantic themed activities including karaoke, a love trivia quiz, Valentine’s Day arts and crafts for the kids and a teen Valentine’s Day dance.

Price includes a six-night cruise only departing Fort Lauderdale (Florida) and calling at Belize City (Belize), Costa Maya (Mexico), Cozumel (Mexico) before returning to Fort Lauderdale; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

Price is based on 14 February 2010 departure.

US Airways Vacations is giving clients a $300 Discount when paying with MasterCard card.

They can save up to $100 when booking, up to $100 at their destination and can receive a MasterCard gift card valued at $100 after travel has been completed.

Vacations must be booked before Feb. 1 for travel occurring until June 30.

Customers can save up to $100 when they book their vacation to the Caribbean, Hawaii and Mexico by using promo code SALE100 (minimum six-night stay required). Travelers wishing to take a vacation closer to home can save $50 on all domestic vacations, excluding Hawaii, by using promo code SALE50 (minimum four-night stay required).

Vacationers, booking via US Airways Vacations at www.usairwaysvacations.com/sale  can receive up to $100 in resort credits at their destination when staying at a participating hotel and resort with partners such as Starwood, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Breezes Resorts, Riu Hotels and Resorts, Wynn Las Vegas and more.

Customers who book their travel to select Caribbean destinations (Anguilla, Antigua, Bermuda, Grand Cayman, St. Croix, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, or Turks and Caicos) and pay using their MasterCard card will receive a MasterCard Gift Card valued at $100.

Travelers who book using their MasterCard card to any other destination will receive a MasterCard gift card valued at $50. For more information on this and other specials, and to book a vacation, customers can visit US Airways Vacations at www.usairwaysvacations.com/sale

US Airways Vacations offers customers a one-stop shop to book vacation packages to dozens of exciting destinations, including Las Vegas, the Caribbean, Florida, Mexico, Hawaii, Arizona and Europe. Packages include roundtrip airfare, hotel accommodations and other options such as tours and rental cars. US Airways, along with US Airways Shuttle and US Airways Express, operates more than 3,000 flights per day and serves more than 190 communities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Central and South America.

Families Worldwide has launched its new brochure for 2010 /11 which reveals 14 brand new trips, guaranteed departures (once 4 people have booked) and a guarantee for early bookers that they will receive the lowest possible price for their trip before departure (i.e. late booking is a bad idea – the trip might be full and the price won’t be cheaper).

Also new for 2010; a number of the itineraries contain a serious amount of walking for families who really enjoy being active (marked by a boot print in the brochure).

The popular Post Exam Stress Buster trips feature again, which depart before most schools break up (avoiding peak season prices) and certain other itineraries are exclusively for families with teenagers.

Trips can be enjoyed three different ways (no other operator offers this):

Group departures: The most popular type of adventure holiday with, typically, three or four families travelling together on set dates with set itineraries.

Private departures: Perfect for families who prefer to travel alone or create their own small group with friends; the itineraries are created by Families Worldwide but groups are free to select their own, private, departure dates.

Tailor made: Families Worldwide offers the chance for adventurous families to build their own itineraries and select their own departure dates to Egypt, Morocco, Tanzania, Kenya, Costa Rica, Oman, Ecuador & Galapagos and Nepal.

Here is a brief synopsis of the new trips:

Sinai & Desert (Egypt) – 9 days from £999 pp (minimum age 7 years)

A genuine desert experience; includes the pyramids, camping in the desert Bedouin style and snorkelling in the Red Sea.

Morocco Highlights – 12 or 15 days from £899 pp (min. 7 years)
A thorough introduction to this fascinating country including the cities of Fez, Meknes and Marrakech plus Roman ruins, a camel trek to a Bedouin camp, the High Atlas Mountains and seeing where Gladiator was filmed. Optional three day extension to Essaouira on the coast.

Active Costa Rica – 10 days from £1749 pp (min. 11 years)
Highlights of the trip include flying through the rainforest on a zip wire, riding a horse ranchero style, white-water rafting and a visit to Arenal Volcano at night.

Cuba Libra – 12 days from £1899 pp (min. 5 years)
Discover the west of Cuba on this educational trip which includes learning about the revolution, a city tour of Havana, staying in an eco lodge, a boat trip around the Bay of Pigs, rainforest walks and a visit to a tobacco plantation.

Guatemala & Belize – 14 days from £2799 pp (min. 7 years)
Visit two Central American countries on this trip which includes exploring the jungles of Tikal NP, ancient Maya temples, a boat trip on Lake Atitlan, discovering volcanoes and even snorkelling with sharks!

Footsteps of the Incas (Peru) – 13 days from £2149 pp (min. 12 years)

A chance to hike the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Also includes a city tour of Cusco, rafting, cycling, horse riding and Santa Catalina Convent.

Paradise Island (Bali) – 15 days from £1599 pp (min. 2 years)
Bali really is an island paradise and the itinerary for the trip includes Hindu temple visits, Tropical Bird Park, guided walks, rafting, tree top adventure park, watching a Barong Dance and an elephant ride.

Chinese Crackers – 14 days from £1999 pp (min. 7 years)
Highlights of this fascinating trip include the famous Terracotta Warriors, the Great Wall, a Shaolin Temple and a chance to try Kung Fu and Tai Chi.

Hanoi to Saigon (Vietnam) – 15 days from £1499 pp (min. 5 years)

An exciting trip to south east Asia with highlights including the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, Halong Bay junk cruise, Mekong Delta boat cruise and a train ride from Hanoi to Dong Hoi National Park for guided walks.

The land of Dracula (Romania) – 8 days from £999 pp (min. 5 years)

Get under the skin of the myths and mysteries of Transylvania with a visit to Dracula’s Castle. Also includes a visit to a salt mine and a bear sanctuary.

Slovakia, Finland, Austria & Bulgaria – winter trips from £729 pp (min. 5)

Four brand new winter trips from 6-8 days in duration. Activities include husky sleigh rides, snowmobiling, staying in a snow hotel (Finland), snow-shoeing, cross country skiing and downhill skiing.

Families Worldwide trips include flights, all transportation, accommodation, some meals (depending on itinerary) and the services of a tour leader.

Call 0845 051 4567 or visit www.familiesworldwide.co.uk