Jetsettersblog

Travelers explore deeper into China, Vietnam, Europe

After the final medal has been awarded and the Olympic media frenzy subsides, Backroads will help travelers explore China’s nooks and crannies far removed from the crowds during a tour designed for complete cultural immersion. And you don’t need to be an Olympian to enjoy this trip because Backroads, the world’s #1 active travel company, now offers tours without the bikes and hiking boots.

Backroads China Insider Trip will allow guests to experience firsthand tai chi with a master, visit a Tibetan village and drink yak-butter tea with a local family, and sit down with a local craftsman and learn to make prayer flags. Travelers will visit renowned landmarks such as the Great Wall and Tiananmen Square and will benefit from longtime personal relationships with locals for an insider’s perspective of these historic and cultural landmarks.

“Backroads is really excited to add our latest way to explore the world to our award-winning biking, hiking and multisport vacations,” says Tom Hale, Backroads President and Founder. “These are experiences you cannot have behind the wheel of a car, or on a train or a tour bus, or in a few excursions from a cruise ship or a secluded resort.”

Backroads, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2009, has learned that active travel extends well beyond activity to an attitudinal approach of engaging with the world. When on a Backroads trip, travelers do not tick off guidebook highlights or passively wait for the next stop on the coach tour. Backroads guests fully explore a region, immersing themselves in a fascinating culture or an area of pristine natural beauty, having illuminating conversations with experts and meeting local people they’d never otherwise encounter.

“There are many travelers who are looking for the enriching travel that Backroads is known for but with less activity than a 50-mile bike ride or a 10-mile hike,’’ Hale says. “We feel strongly that our existing world-class ability to offer the most flexible active vacations will translate into a better Insider experience for travelers than what is currently available. Authenticity and flexibility will be provided in spades on Insider Trips.”

Here’s a look at Backroads Insider Trips with fall, winter and spring departures:

China Insider: Ancient and Modern

Oct. 18-28, April 19-29, May 31-June 10; Cost from $5,698 (excluding internal airfare)

This unique trip will appeal to adventurous travelers looking for a vast array of experiences, epic landscapes, ancient cultures and welcoming locals eager to share their traditions. Not only will guests visit hot modern cities—Shanghai and Beijing—and view well-known Chinese icons, but travelers will also enjoy the more personal and intimate cultural encounters that only Backroads provides.

Meet a Daoist monk who helps you make offerings for a successful journey. And witness the fascinating dichotomy between people holding tightly to ancient traditions while simultaneously riding the tidal wave of modern Chinese-spurred development.

http://www.backroads.com/pgi/achir1a_08.pdf

Indochina Insider: Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos

Sept. 27-Oct. 7, Jan. 25-Feb. 4, March 23-April 2; Cost from $5,998 (excluding internal airfare)

The beauty of Indochina exists not only in the stunning Khmer carvings at Angkor Wat, but also in the smiles of young monks at a village wat, the sight of Vietnamese fishermen paddling on the South China Sea and an impromptu encounter with giggling school kids at a centuries-old pagoda—things that are easily missed unless travelers slow their pace to match the richness and diversity of your surroundings. In tandem with Backroads’ team of extraordinary local guides and experts (from a Buddhist monk to an art historian), the intertwined cultures of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos come to life, as well as the traditions, landscapes, political histories, languages and lifestyle that make each country unique. Guests will delve into Indochina’s deep and fascinating cultural roots, as well as its wildly dynamic modern culture, which will likely intrigue them just as much as the ancient.
http://www.backroads.com/pgi/aicir1a_08.pdf

Dalmatian Coast Insider: Sarajevo and Croatia’s Island Jewels
Sept. 26-Oct. 1; Cost from $3,998

The enduring multiethnic tapestry and stunning natural beauty of southeastern Europe sets the stage for a memorable journey stretching from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. As the region reemerges as a destination to rival established European vacation spots, Backroads helps guests discover architectural treasures, distinctive cultural and religious history, and gorgeous coastline. Travelers will stroll the bustling streets of Sarajevo, site of the 1984 Winter Olympics, and visit Mostar’s famous bridge Stari Most, a World Heritage site. And on the Dalmatian Coast, renowned for having some of the most beautiful islands in the world, guests will explore the Old Walled Town of Dubrovnik, “The Pearl of the Adriatic,” and navigate turquoise waters aboard a private boat in search of sun-drenched beaches, fields of lavender and picturesque villages.

http://www.backroads.com/pgi/adcqr1b_08.pdf

Tuscany & Umbria Insider
Sept. 14-19, May 31-June 5; Cost from $4,798

Ageless scenery, rich history and, of course, stellar wine and cuisine make Tuscany and Umbria ideal destinations for culturally curious travelers. Over 20 years of operating in the region has allowed Backroads to cultivate its knowledge of central Italy. Thanks to relationships with locals who know this area intimately, Backroads peels back layers to reveal Tuscany’s deep heart. The trip is filled with special events and encounters—from a behind-the-scenes exploration of Florence to fun-filled cooking classes—to offer the most in-depth and authentic Italian experience. Guests will meet and interact with artists, chefs and historians who are happy to tell you their stories and share their expertise. Travelers will return home, feeling like they’ve become part of an extended famiglia internazionale!
http://www.backroads.com/pgi/attir1b_08.pdf

Czech Republic/Austria Insider
Aug. 24-29, Sept. 21-26, June 2-7; Cost from $3,298

Backroads helps guests explore the stunning Bohemian landscape from the peaceful countryside and perfectly restored Ceský Krumlov to the authentic Czech city of Tabor and magical architecture of Prague, where spires, turrets and onion-shaped domes are surprising pleasures. Guests will discover the terraced vineyards of the Wachau, Austria’s premiere wine region, and the historical and architectural gold along the Danube River, including the famous Melk Abbey and the castle ruins of Dürnstein. Regional experts and guides will help travelers uncover the history and culture of these two intriguing countries, highlighted by World Heritage sites and subtle treasures.

http://www.backroads.com/pgi/azaqr1b_08.pdf

Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has grown to be the world’s #1 active travel company, with the most destinations, itineraries and annual departures in the active vacation industry.

There are more than 1,700 scheduled departures in 2008. For ten consecutive years, Backroads has been ranked among the Top Ten travel operators globally in the prestigious Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards as voted on by travelers worldwide. Backroads is also a founding member of the elite Adventure Collection.

Open daily, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time.

Call 800-462-2848 or visit the Web site at www.backroads.com

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).

Cross Border Medical Tourism

The EU Proposal for a Directive on patient’s rights in cross border healthcare (to be announced on Wednesday 2 July) provides an added stimulus to the already growing number of medical tourists who seek hospital treatment elsewhere in the European Union.

The Directive will create a formal framework and remove obstacles for UK patients wishing to travel for treatment in other EU countries. In some circumstances, patients will be able to travel to other EU countries for treatment and will be able to reclaim the cost of treatment from the NHS. Patients will have to pay their travel and accommodation costs, plus any top-up fees if charges in the foreign hospitals are higher than the NHS cost.

The Directive proposes the following developments in cross border healthcare:

• A legal framework for the reimbursement of treatment where it takes place elsewhere in the EU.

• Common principles in terms of guaranteeing patient safety and ensuring quality and continuity of care.

• Stimulating greater European cooperation on healthcare including the establishment of “European Reference Networks” which would create a concentration of expertise, training and resources for specific diseases and health issues.

• Establishment of a European network for the assessment of new medical technology.

• Establishment of standards for e-health, in particular the transfer of patient information and treatment records between member states.

Keith Pollard of Treatment Abroad (www.treatmentabroad.com) says; “This Directive is the first step to creating a truly European market in healthcare; it could revolutionise the way we experience healthcare in this country and throughout the rest of Europe. It’s very good news for the fast developing medical tourism industry. The Directive will take the concept of patient choice to a new level; www.treatmentabroad.com will assist that choice by providing the most up-to-date and relevant information that patients need when making decisions about travelling for treatment.”

Treatment Abroad is the most popular site on the web for UK and European medical tourists seeking information about cost effective surgery and medical treatment abroad. The site provides information covering the healthcare services available, doctor accreditation, treatment costs, travel and accommodation. There’s also an extensive and free Guide to Medical Tourism to download, for those considering overseas treatment.

“With the announcement of this new Directive we are expecting a significant increase in traffic to the website not only from British patients but also from members of other EU countries looking for reliable, comprehensive and practical information about treatment options within EU member countries”, continues Pollard.

Last year, around 100,000 “medical tourists” left the UK for treatment. Their experiences were resoundingly positive with 97 per cent of patients willing to travel abroad for treatment again, according to Treatment Abroad’s recent medical tourist survey.

Treatment Abroad’s newly launched patient ratings and reviews system lets medical tourists share and rate their experiences and its “Code of Practice for Medical Tourism”, the first of its kind in the industry has been set up to encourage the adoption of best practice in medical tourism through the commitment of international healthcare providers to a voluntary code of practice. Both the “Code of Practice” and the ratings and reviews have been introduced to give further reassurance to prospective health tourists.

Crystal Memories Plan on 2009 Sailings

Crystal Cruises is unveiling Crystal Memories, its largest family and multigenerational group promotion, for all 2009 itineraries.

The promotion, which was first introduced this year as Mediterranean Memories on select 2008 Mediterranean sailings, has been expanded fleet wide as Crystal continues to tap into the growth of family and multigenerational travel.

The program includes one free sailing for every 10 full-fare, full-paying guests; prepaid gratuities;

a $100-per-person onboard credit with maximum of two guests per stateroom;

free sailings for third-berth guests ages 17 and under;

a $500 credit for a Private Adventure shore excursion of $2,500, enabling multigenerational families to customize their land experiences;

and one 8×10 group or family photo, plus one photograph of guests’ choice per stateroom.

The Crystal Memories program is available on all 2009 cruises aboard the Crystal Symphony and the Crystal Serenity, except the World Cruise, the North Cape, the Black Sea and the Christmas and New Year’s cruises.

Trafalgar 2009 Europe & Britain Preview

Trafalgar Tours is launching its 2009 Europe & Britain First-Class Europe and Britain summer vacations earlier than ever this year, with their 2009 Summer Preview brochure.

Trafalgar’s Best Price Guarantee ensures the prices listed in the 2009 Summer Preview Brochure will be guaranteed, even if the prices in Trafalgar’s full Summer Europe & Britain brochure (when released in October of 2008) are higher.

All that is required to lock in these prices now is a $500 per person deposit. Bookings paid in full a year in advance receive an Early Payment discount of 10 percent (adjusted discounts are available for booking and paying in full at 10, seven and four months prior to departure).

Trafalgar also offers other special savings (land portion only). The Trafalgar Travel Club - if you traveled with Trafalgar in the past two years you could receive an additional 5 percent savings - book by July 31. Young Travelers between the ages of 5 and 17 can save 10 percent.

Second Tour: Book two Trafalgar vacations of eight days or more and save an additional 5 percent off the land portion of the shorter tour.

Travel With Friends: Travel with five to eight friends or family members and each passenger will save an additional 5 percent Certain restrictions apply.

Trafalgar’s 2009 Europe and Britain Summer Preview brochure highlights a choice of 76 vacations in England, Italy, France, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Central and Eastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, in a variety of touring styles, including relaxing Free & Easy vacations, multi-country Europe Discoveries and in-depth Regional Tours.

A selection of train tours and Eastern Mediterranean cruises are also included in the brochure. For more information and reservations, see your travel agent or call 866-544-4434 or visit www.trafalgar.com/preview  

Brochures can be ordered online at www.trafalgar.com

Deilmann Cruises Spring 2009 Mediterranean Cruises

Peter Deilmann Cruises is debuting two new 2009 Mediterranean itineraries aboard its luxury flagship, MS Deutschland, with calls at such perennial favorite destinations as Rome and Venice as well as lesser-known medieval cities and towns boasting Roman and Greek ruins that span the millennia.

The seven-night Venice-to-Rome cruise, March 29, 2009, calls at ports in Croatia, Montenegro, Greece and Italy with fares from $3,950 to $9,150 per person, double.

The 12-night itinerary, roundtrip from Rome on April 5, explores destinations in Spain, Tunisia, Malta, Greece and Italy, prices from $5,100 to $13,970. Peter Deilmann continues to offer its $99 air and shore excursion package that provides roundtrip air from 73 North American gateways, a package of pre-arranged shore excursions and free transfers to the ship, representing a value of up to $600.

Groups of five couples or more save an additional 10% off the published cruise fares.

The seven-night itinerary spotlights one of the Mediterranean’s most sought-after destinations, the Dalmatian Coast, with visits to the medieval cities of Kotor, Montenegro, a World Heritage Site set amid a magnificent fjord; and Zadar, Croatia, encircled by a mountainous park and home to the 9th-century St. Donat Church and the 14th-century St. Anastasia Cathedral.

The Greek ports of Katakolon and Corfu also bring the past alive for travelers, with the former city offering easy access to the ancient site of the original Olympic Games that debuted in 776 BC; and the latter featuring a Venetian Old Town and 19th-century Achillion Palace.

In Italy, Naples is the jumping off point for excursions to the ruins of ancient Pompeii and the breathtaking island of Capri. Venice brings guests some of the most famous landmarks in the world, including the Piazza San Marco and the two-mile Grand Canal, while Rome offers a seemingly endless array of attractions that include the Coliseum, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.

A taste of Italy is on the 12-night itinerary’s menu, with an overnight in the Eternal City and calls at Sicily’s Lipari, home to a reconstructed Norman-era church; and Messina, whose museum features works by famed Italian artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio.

Travelers trace the footsteps of the Roman Empire in Tunis’ La Goulette with visits to the city’s ancient baths, cisterns and basilicas, and Spain’s Palma de Mallorca, a beautiful port city founded by the Romans in 123 BC, and known for its rich history, varied culture and active nightlife.

Malta also boasts its share of breathtaking historic treasures including Megalithic temples, catacombs and fortresses, legacies of The Knights of St. John, Phoenicians, Romans, Carthaginians and Arabs.

Ancient Greece comes alive in Patras, where history spans four millennia with attractions such as the Holy Church of Agios Andreas, the Byzantine Church of Pantokrator and Castle of Rio, circa 1499.

With a guest to crew ratio of two-to-one, MS Deutschland offers its guests a choice of three gourmet restaurants, an outdoor dining terrace plus seven diverse bars and cafes, each featuring its own distinct ambience.

There are a variety of accommodations, all with fine moldings and artwork, classic furnishings, picture windows, ample closet space and marble-tiled bathrooms with full-size showers; suites are also equipped with bathtubs.

The nine-deck ship offers a spacious library lounge; outdoor and indoor pools; three sun decks; open-air promenade deck; grand ballroom for nightly entertainment and dancing; and fitness and spa facilities. Smoking is not permitted onboard except in open deck areas and in the Old Fritz Pub.

For those travelers arranging their own air, an allowance of $750 per person is deductible from the cruise fare. Deilmann Cruises also offers Business Class fares for an additional supplement on selected itineraries.

For details on the cruises, optional tours and other amenities, contact Peter Deilmann Cruises at 1-800-348-8287 or by E-mail at pdcmail@deilmann-cruises.com

 Cruises itineraries, deck plans and ship photos are online at www.deilmann-cruises.com

Voyages of Discovery Summer 2009 Schedule

Voyages of Discovery launched its summer 2009 season with an extended free-air offer, early-booking savings up to 25 percent and a roster of voyages to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Red Sea and North Africa.

Guests who book by Oct. 15 can get free to $199 air add-ons from selected North American gateways. Special rates for single travelers also are available. Summer 2009 programs on the 650-passenger Discovery include a rare visit to Murmansk, the largest city north of the Arctic Circle, on a 17-night “North Cape, Arctic Circle and Russia” voyage sailing July 16. Cruise fares start at $4,650 per person.

A return to the British Isles begins July 30 round-trip from London (Harwich) to the Scilly Isles, Dublin, Belfast, Oban and Dundee. Fares begin at $3,950 per person. All Voyages of Discovery itineraries feature an extensive enrichment program with background provided by historians, diplomats, scientists and naturalists. From May to late August next year, all of Voyages of Discovery’s summer voyages will sail round-trip from London (Harwich). Cruise-tours feature two hotel nights in London pre- or post-cruise with a half-day sightseeing included. The Discovery repositions to the Mediterranean on Aug. 31, 2009, on a 19-night “Voyage to Venice,” with fares starting at $4,250 per person. Late-summer and fall cruise destinations include the French and Italian Riviera, the Adriatic and the Black Sea.

The season concludes with an antiquities cruise beginning Oct. 30, 2009, from Alexandria, Egypt, to Barcelona, with calls at Libya, Tunisia, Malta and Sicily. Fares for the 15-night “North African Treasures” cruise begin at $3,950.

The new program also features five “Grand Voyages” that combine two or more summer cruises. Fares start at $6,495 per person for the Grand Voyage from the Black Sea, departing April 25, 2009, and combining the Black Sea with the Mediterranean before returning to London.

For more information, call 866-623-2689 or visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.com

Classic Golf Cruises Adventures 2009

Classic Golf Cruises has unveiled a new season of voyages to golf courses in the Mediterranean, South Africa and North America.

The 2009 portfolio encompasses “South Africa Morocco & Spain’s Costa del Sol,” “Canada’s Maritime Provinces,” the Western Mediterranean, the Adriatic Sea, “Treasures of Italy and Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast,” the Great Lakes, the Greek Islands and Turkey, and “Glorious Morocco, Gibraltar &

Spain.” “In designing 2009’s kaleidoscopic slate, we imagined the ultimate dream itineraries for both golfers and discerning travelers seeking exceptional museums, historic landmarks, vivid emporia and pristine beaches,” said company director David Monash. “And the result spans South Africa’s Addo Elephant National Park, Spain’s world-ranking Valderrama golf course, Tunisia’s ancient Carthage, Greece and Turkey’s ancient and modern sites, and - here at home - the Great Lakes’ Bay Harbor Golf Club, among many other wonders in between.”

Leading each Classic Golf Cruises voyage will be a golf professional or other expert to instruct players on their game, both onboard and on the course.

The cruises take place aboard the 34-guest Callisto and two all-suite ships: the 110-guest Clelia II and 114-guest Corinthian II.

Fares include all green fees and other costs associated with golf; for non-golfers, excursions to major cultural attractions are included.

Classic Golf Cruises pays travel agent commissions, which are discussed with each agency. Reservations can be made by contacting Amalia Ciprijan at 866-858-1579, ext. 502, or by emailing amalia@travdyn.com.

For additional information, visit www.classicgolfcruises.com

TourCrafters Offers Discounts on Europe Tours