Jetsettersblog

TROPICAL ADVENTURES
CONTACT: Scott Pralinsky
TEL: 800-832-9419
E-MAIL: info@tropicaladventures.com
WEB: http://tropicaladventures.com

CARTAGO, Costa Rica—Multi-tasking is a part of everyone’s daily life. Trying to spend time together and also learn life lessons can happen on family voluntour vacations. Tropical Adventures offers ready-to-go itineraries or customized volunteer vacation packages. Families will spend a portion of their trip living and volunteering in a community and the rest of their time traveling the country sightseeing, participating in adventure activities and relaxing on the scenic beaches.

The Coast-to-Coast itinerary encompasses two whirlwind weeks of fun and good community work. Among the experiences is the chocolate tour, where travelers will meet an indigenous woman who makes organic chocolate based on her family’s indigenous traditions. Taste 10 flavors of chocolate and hear incredible stories.

 Cycle south of Puerto Viejo, stop for scenic views and beautiful beaches. Explore an Iguana Refuge on the Kekoldi Indigenous. Take a kayak tour in Punta Uva and see iguanas, different kinds of sloth, many birds, turtles and other incredible wildlife. Journey to the tropical Talamanca Indigenous Reservation and the Bambu Cultural Center, built using ancient traditional Bribri methods, with notable architecture.

Take a Panama waterfall tour, visit an indigenous organic banana farm, an Arenal Volcano Hike and Baldi Hot Springs Tour and see the Arenal Hanging Bridges, all just a few highlights of the vacation. Taking the family to an international, un-commercialized locale that will excite and leave a positive and profound impact on not just the travelers, but the destination as well.

Included in all voluntour vacations: private transportation to-and-from the airport and each destination, accommodations, three meals daily when with a host family, in-country support, medical insurance, assistance in booking excursions and activities, 24 hour in-country emergency service, regional airline transportation (when applicable), and a personal guide.

For more information on exciting learning vacations, contact Tropical Adventures at 800-832-9419 or log on to the web at www.tropicaladventures.com

There are more bat species flying in one small patch of forest in Panama than can be found in the whole of Europe or the USA. To study their behaviour, BBC2’s Bat Women of Panama, aired this week, documented a group of scientists based on Barro Colorado Island in the Panama Canal, who aimed to uncover the secret lives of these mysterious creatures.

Panama may be the top destination for bat enthusiasts, but if Northern Ghost, Big Crested Mastiff or Common Vampire don’t raise the excitement levels, then Trips Worldwide’s 13-day Panama Highlights tour - featuring pristine rainforest, colonial cities, undeveloped beaches, incredible wildlife, indigenous tribes and one of the world’s greatest engineering feats, the Panama Canal - is guaranteed to! Tailored departures from London are available NOW!

On arrival in Panama City, transfer to the 5-star waterfront Miramar Panama. Spend 3-days taking in the sights during a guided tour of the city, followed by a tour of Portobello Church and Fort in Colon.

On to the luxurious Gamboa Rainforest Resort, located on the Panama Canal in the heart of the lush Panamanian rainforest. Here, over 340-acres along the Chagres River, offer unique landscapes including Gatun Lake and the Soberania National Park. Next up, enjoy the friendly Panamonte Inn and Spa, situated outside the town of Boquete.

After a day exploring the rainforest, keeping an eye out for the striking feathers of Quetzal, or sampling coffee at a nearby coffee plantation, relax with a massage or take a stroll in the resort’s beautiful gardens. Continue by road and ferry to Isla Colon in Bocas del Toro, to unwind at a small beachside, antillean-style hotel situated within Bastimentos Island National Marine Park. The area offers 33,000-acres of undeveloped, beautiful beaches, on which four species of endangered sea turtle lay their eggs (May to September), along with stunning underwater scenery – a great excuse to don snorkel and flippers.

At Punta Caracol, further beachside relaxation and underwater activities are on offer from a base at a unique stilted aqua-lodge, before returning to Panama City for a final night and homeward flights.

The holiday costs from £2,395 p/p including scheduled international and internal flights, taxes, 4 and 5-star hotel and lodge accommodation, some meals and all excursions as per itinerary accompanied by an English speaking local guide.

Trips Worldwide
0117 311 4400
14 Frederick Place, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1AS
info@tripsworldwide.co.uk
www.tripsworldwide.co.uk

Trips in Central America offer unique opportunities to explore Guatemala, Costa Rica and Panama. Antigua’s Multi-Sport Adventure takes travelers through the ancient land shared by Mayan descendants and Spanish Conquistadors.

Volcanic peaks give way to flat valley floors, making this tour one of the most diverse and exciting terrain on the planet. Costa Rica’s Multi-Sport in Paradise Adventure challenges body and soul with exhilarating hiking, biking, rafting and canyoneering adventures in the Talamanca Mountains and on the Pacura River.

Experience “Pura Vida” in Costa Rica! Panama’s Ultimate Multi-Sport Aquatic Adventure combines mountain biking with sea kayaking, snorkeling and personalized rafting trips down the Chagres River. Whether on land or water this is the ultimate aqua themed multi-sport adventure! Trips are available throughout Winter and Spring 2009; prices begin at $1490 per person depending on trip.

www.escapeadventures.com

With our present economic situation and the increasingly fragile state of our environment, savvy travelers are looking for new adventure travel opportunities that combine unique outdoor components, responsible travel, cultural immerision, and value pricing. Aventouras is a company that specializes in this kind active, unusual, and value-oriented travel that includes adventures to Latin American destinations.

Itineraries include activities such as a multi-day hike through the jungle of northern Guatemala or snorkeling among the islands of the indigenous San Blas archipelago on the Caribbean coast of Panama. Other activities include mountain biking to the Ancient Maya center of Caracol or sea kayaking the remote and pristine Sapodilla Cayes in Belize, climbing an active volcano in Guatemala, and flying through the canopy on zip lines in Costa Rica or Panama, and hiking Lake Cuicocha’s shoreline or rafting the Class III Toachi and Blanco rivers in Ecuador.

Small group sizes of twelve or less allow adventurers access into lodges and communities that are simply not available to larger tourist groups. There is always a personal touch - largely in getting to know the guides and experiencing the local culture through community run eco-lodges in each destination country. To sweeten the deal,

Aventouras works with STI to purchase carbon offsets for each travelers journey. Trip lengths generally range from a week to ten days, and prices generally run under $2500 with a supplement for single occupancy. Prices include all activities, meals, lodging, guides, and in-country transportation. Aventouras offers trips to Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, and Guatemala in Central America, and Peru, Ecuador, and the Galapagos in South America.

www.Aventouras.com

Windstar Cruises is offering 13 seven-day roundtrips from Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, aboard Wind Star during December through March.

The seven-day roundtrips from Puerto Caldera visit Playas del Coco, Quepos, Bahía Drake, Curu and Tortuga Island in Costa Rica.

The cruise also stops at San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. Of note is the 14-day sailing departing Barbados on Nov. 29 that transits the Panama Canal on its way to Puerto Caldera. The cruise visits Bequia, Tobago, Isla Margarita, Bonaire, Aruba and Panama’s San Blas Islands.

Two new shore excursions are now available on the Panama Canal cruise.

In Isla de Margarita, a “Four-Wheel Drive Highlights and Beach Tour” includes travel to the village of El Valle.

Also included is a short hike through a cloud forest, a drive to the capital city of Las Asunción to see Bolívar Square and the cathedral and a stop at a beach. In Bonaire, an “ATV Off-Road Adventure” explores the Washikemba Reservoir area’s rugged terrain that is home to wild donkeys, goats and iguanas.

Guests also visit Spelonk Lighthouse, take a dip in a natural lava rock Jacuzzi and stop at Suplado Blowhole.

Cruise rates begin at $2,049 per person, double occupancy, for the seven-day cruises and $3,799 for the 14-day sailing.

Ocean Village is to run 14-night cruises in the Caribbean in winter 2009-10 to give access to new destinations not accessible on one-week sailings.

Three different fly-cruise itineraries will run by the line’s two ships with prices starting at £1,199 per person, including a 45% early booking discount.

New destinations on departures from Barbados include Samana in the Dominican Republic, Grand Turk, Mayreau in the Grenadines and Colon for the Panama Canal.

All holidays are for 14 nights, reflecting a clear passenger preference for two weeks away – more than 85% of current Caribbean passengers opt for this duration, according to the company.

Head of marketing communications Gill Haynes said:

“For the first timers, we’ve island-rich itineraries where they can wake up nearly every day at the sort of dream destinations that spring to mind when people think of the Caribbean – St Lucia, Barbados, Grenada and the British Virgin Islands.

“For seasoned cruisers who have perhaps already visited a number of Caribbean favourites, we also have a ‘Grand Tour’ option which takes them off the beaten track from Barbados all the way to the Panama Canal, Costa Rica and Grand Cayman and back again.”

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).

The World, the only private residential community at sea, has announced its itinerary for 2009, which includes a stop in Seoul, South Korea, the ship’s first visit there.

The itinerary features several stops in the Caribbean, including Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; and Roseau, Dominica in January.

In February, The World’s ports will include its first visit New Orleans, as well as stops in Mexico and Central America, including Cozumel and Belize City. In March and April, the ship will visit Roatan, Honduras, Colombia, Nicaragua, and other South and Central American destinations.

The ship will spend the month of May in Mexico, where it will visit cities and towns like Huatulco Acapulco and Zihuatenejo.

The vessel will revisit North America and Canada in June and July, with stops in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria and Nanaimo, among other cities. In August, the ship visit locations like Icy Strait Point, as well as a stop in Anchorage and a 13-day Bering Sea Expedition.

The ship will visit Russian and Japanese ports throughout September, including stops in Petropavlovsk and Vladivostok, Russia as well as Otaru, Aomori, Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe and Nagasaki, Japan. In October,

The World continues its journey southward to South Korea, China and Vietnam. In November, the ship will visit the Philippines and embark on a 23-day journey through Papua New Guinea. The World ends 2009 with a month-long visit in Australia.

Call 954-538-8400 or visit www.aboardtheworld.com

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.

PANAMA CITY - Copa Airlines, subsidiary of Copa Holdings SA, today announced the addition of five new destinations on the American continent and the acquisition of aircraft as part of its expansion plans for 2008. In addition, the airline emphasized its support of increasing the Hub of the Americas’ capacity by adding a new terminal to the Tocumen International Airport.

With the addition of non-stop flights from Panama to Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Oranjestad, Aruba; Valencia, Venezuela; and Santa Cruz, Bolivia, as well as the new service it began to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago earlier this year, the airline will operate flights from Panama to a total of 45 destinations in its extensive route network throughout North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean by the end of 2008.

“We continue to grow and strengthen Copa Airlines and Panama as the best connecting point for travel within Latin America,” said Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines. “The new flights will facilitate commercial and business relations between the countries in our region, increase tourism and foster economic development.”

Heilbron stated that the addition of six new aircraft this year and the airline’s recent announcement of future orders will strengthen its ability to provide world-class service, with the goal of continuing to grow Copa’s hub through new destinations and increased flight frequencies.

“Copa Airlines will close out the year with a modern and efficient fleet of 43 aircraft consisting of 28 Boeing 737 Next Generation and 15 Embraer jets, one of the youngest fleets in the Americas,” said Heilbron.

On August 21, Copa began service to Belo Horizonte, the airline’s fourth destination in Brazil, providing the city with its first direct connections to a large number of Latin American destinations. Continuing with its expansion efforts, Copa will initiate flights to Valencia and Aruba on December 1 and 15, respectively, serving both tourism and business passenger needs. Also, in December Copa will begin flights to Santa Cruz, Bolivia, the airline’s fifth new destination in 2008. From these cities, Copa will offer immediate connections to and from the principal cities of the Caribbean, North, Central and South America.

Because of the expansion and the modernization of Tocumen International Airport, headquarters of the Hub of the Americas, Copa Airlines has been able to expand the number of destinations and frequency of flights it offers. The hub’s future growth will be facilitated by the recent opening for international bidding on construction of the airport’s new terminal and infrastructure, officials stated.

“The new terminal demonstrates the national government’s ability to promote its vision for domestic and international growth and development,” said Orcila Constable, general manager, Tocumen International Airport. “The new terminal is key for positioning and strengthening Tocumen as a preferred hub world wide and as means to facilitate commercial and tourism activity in the country.”

Caribbean & Central America Copa Airlines Destination expansion flights