Jetsettersblog

The European Backpacker Index for 2012, now in its second year, offers a gauge of costs in tourist cities in Europe and around the world. In Price of Travel’s updated Backpacker Index, Sofia, Bulgaria, leads 40 major European cities by price, just barely ahead of Krakow, Poland, as the cheapest tourist city for budget travelers for 2012.

Budapest moves up to the third spot, mostly due to the weakened Hungarian currency. Zurich, Oslo, and Stockholm remain the three most expensive cities on the list, with the similar group of budget-traveler expenses costing on average of four times as much per day compared to the cheapest group. The index price is based on costs of hostel beds, public transportation, attractions, food, and drink in each city.

“Prices have climbed at least slightly in most European cities during the past year,” said Roger Wade who runs the PriceofTravel.com website that compiles the Backpacker Index. “But Americans should be happy to know that a recent surge in the value of the U.S. dollar has actually made most of Europe cheaper than it has been in a few years.” The Backpacker Index covers over 100 global cities, and coming weeks will see updates of the Asia, South America, and North America lists for 2012.

Prices go downhill in Post Office® Travel Money Family Ski Resort Report (www.postoffice.co.uk/familyski2011)

Bulgaria named as best value for beginners

Austria is cheapest of Europe’s ‘Big 4′ with lowest priced ski/boot hire
‘Kids ski free’ deals cut costs by up to 31 per cent in North America
Kids ski free deals and price discounts offered by hard-pressed ski resorts in Europe and North America have sent the cost of family skiing sliding downhill – according to the annual Post Office Travel Money Family Ski Resort Report. With sterling holding its 2010 value this year¹ for most ski destinations, resort equipment and living costs have tumbled by between four and 20 per cent compared with two years ago. The exception was Switzerland, where the strong franc kept prices higher.

Produced in conjunction with ski holiday operator Crystal Ski, the Post Office Family Ski Resort Report compared prices for ski holiday essentials in 10 resorts across Europe and North America². Costs for equipment hire, lift passes and ski school, together with meals and drinks were checked in resorts selected for their family suitability. The Post Office found that many local prices had dropped as a result of 2-for-1 ski rental, free lift passes and added value incentives on food and drink.

The clearest message emerging is to head east for Bansko in Bulgaria where prices are less likely to break the bank. Rated best value and particularly suitable for novice and intermediate skiers, Bansko’s shopping basket was 17 per cent cheaper than in 2010. At £817.64 for a family of four, it cost less than half the price in traditional favourites Italy and Switzerland, highest-priced of the European ski destinations.

Runner up resort, Slovenia’s Kranjska Gora, was cheapest in the eurozone but, at £1,142.11 for skiing and living costs, 28 per cent more expensive than Bansko.

Family ski and boot hire was cheapest in Ellmau in Austria. At £187.16 this was less than half the price charged in Les Menuires in France’s Trois Vallées (£385.32). This helped push the Austrian resort’s prices down 11 per cent from their 2009 high, making it cheapest of the ‘Big 4′ European ski destinations surveyed (£1,198.61).

Resort costs in Ellmau were 34.6 per cent lower than in Nendaz in Switzerland (£1,828.96), highest-priced of the ‘Big 4′ where a 9.5 per cent rise in value for the Swiss franc disguises the fact that costs locally are on par with last year. Les Menuires (£1,567.16) and Italy’s Selva (£1,724.30) also registered price falls of five per cent compared with 2009.

Selva suffered from having the highest ski school prices in Europe. Six days’ tuition cost £722.94 – nearly a third more than in Les Menuires (£552.29) and 75 per cent higher than in Ellmau (£412.84). For families not needing tuition, the Italian resort was cheaper than France for a lift pass and ski equipment.

While more expensive than most of Europe, family skiers considering transatlantic trips to Canada or the USA this year will find that ‘kids ski free’ deals have cut resort costs significantly. Prices have plunged by over 23 per cent in the family-friendly resort of Fernie, which boasts the greatest number of ski runs (140) in the Canadian Rockies. Even better, the Post Office survey found that prices have fallen by 31 per cent in the US resort of Winter Park in Colorado.

Sarah Munro, Post Office Head of Travel Money, said: “This year’s report revealed welcome news for cash-conscious family skiers. We found good examples of price cuts in most of the resorts surveyed – especially in North America. Prices are more competitive than before in the bargain hunter’s resort of Bansko in Bulgaria and Switzerland is working hard to combat the negative impact of the poor exchange rate.

“However, for families who want to keep a lid on ski costs, the budgeting should start before flying off to their resort. They should start by changing holiday cash in advance rather than leaving it late and getting a poor rate at the airport.”

Simon Cross, Managing Director of Crystal Ski, said: “Although demand for half term and peak weeks for family travel has been strong this year, the difficult weekend timing of Christmas and the New Year means that there are some great deals to be struck as the season gets underway.”

Skiers can purchase euros over the counter at more than 8,500 Post Office branches. Currencies for other Family Ski Resort Report destinations, including the Swiss franc, Canadian dollar and Bulgarian lev, are available at over 1,600 branches. An additional 2,600 stock US dollars. Other currencies can be pre-ordered for collection or home delivery at 11,800 Post Office branches or online at www.postoffice.co.uk

The Post Office has just been named by the UK public as the ‘Best Foreign Exchange Provider’ for the fifth year running at the prestigious British Travel Awards. It was also voted ‘Best Travel Insurance Provider’ for the sixth consecutive year and a range of winter sports travel insurance policies are on offer at www.postoffice.co.uk

At this year’s WTM (World Travel Market) Bulgaria is show casing its development as a premier destination for golfers.

The past five years have seen the development of six landmark golf courses built in a range of stunning locations – by the Black Sea Coast, at the foot of the beautiful Rila and Pirin mountains and by the serene Pravets lake, each perfectly fitting into the scenic environment of the Bulgarian countryside and taking care to preserve the ecological diversity surrounding them.

Please see below two of the main Bulgarian Golf Destinations:

Cape Kaliakra is the host of two Gary Player Signature Golf Courses – BlackSeaRama and Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort, and also the Ian Woosnam designed Lighthouse Resort – all with stunning views to the Black Sea.

Sofia region includes three golf courses in close proximity to the capital – St. Sofia Golf Club & SPA, designed by Paul McGinley, which is 15 minutes away from the city centre, Pirin Golf & Country Club, also a Ian Woosnam Design, which is situated close to one of the biggest ski resorts in Bulgaria – Bansko, and the third is Pravets Golf & SPA – only 40 minutes drive from Sofia, with a stunning backdrop of Stara Planina mountain and by the Pravets lake. All six golf complexes offer not only challenging golf venues but a variety of options for recreation and entertainment as well, having hosted numerous sponsored and international events.

Brendan Vacations is offering several new itineraries for Europe in 2012, including the 12-day Crossroads of Cultures and Contrasts: Bosnia, Croatia & Slovenia; the 11-day Discovering the Balkans; the 17-day From Greece to Dalmatia; the eight-day Highlights of Slovenia; and the 15-day Fabled Cities of Europe: Zagreb to Venice. All are being offers as Definite Departures. They include first class accommodations, breakfast daily and some lunches and dinners.

Also new, but not offered as definite departures are The Best of Russia, Baltic States and Warsaw, 14, 16 or 18 days; Dalmatian Sunshine, Dubrovnik to Zagreb, 10 days; Imperial Cities Showcase, Vienna to Warsaw, 10 days; From Bohemia to Transylvania, Prague to Bucharest, 14 days; The Best of Ukraine, Poland and Hungary, 12 days; Belgrade to Zagreb, 12 days; and Glimpse of Italy, nine or 12 days.

General Tours World Traveler is offering two new Small Group Journeys to Eastern Europe. The Small Group Journey product line is distinguished by having never more than 16 guests to a group, with boutique hotel stays, quality meals and activities not possible in a larger group. They are designed to provide a deeper and more authentic look into the culturally diverse destinations.

New for 2012, Grand Capitals of Eastern Europe is a 10-day trip to Berlin, Warsaw, Krakow and Budapest featuring distinguished hotels like the Regent Berlin, deemed one of the best places to stay in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, and the Sofitel Chain Bridge overlooking the Danube in the heart of Budapest. Activities include a visit to the Schindler Factory Museum in Krakow, dinner with a Polish family in the charming town of Lowicz and a countryside excursion to Szentendre, an ancient Hungarian town and now-thriving artists’ colony in the Danube Bend. A pre-trip extension to Prague and Dresden features five-star city-center hotels, complete sightseeing and all on-tour transportation including first class rail from Dresden to Berlin to join the Grand Capitals tour.

Also new in 2012, Journey through Austria, Slovenia and Croatia, features landmark hotels and resorts such as the Grand Hotel Toplice, overlooking Lake Bled, and Zagreb’s Regent Esplanade, originally built for passengers of the Orient-Express train. The itinerary includes Munich, Salzburg and Vienna, as well as destinations rarely featured on traditional large-group escorted tours, such as the Salzburg Lake District; Graz, Ljubljana, often called “Little Prague,” and the sixteen cascading lakes of Plitvice National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through Dec 30, General Tours is offering savings of $500 per person on bookings paid in full at the time of booking for either of the new trips to Eastern Europe.

Now in its 65th year, General Tours World Traveler offers Small Group, Privately Guided and Small Ship journeys to Asia, Europe, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. Specifically designed for never more than 16 guests, the company’s programs promise immersive cultural encounters and authentic travel experiences not possible in a larger group. For more information, call 800-221-2216 or visit www.generaltours.com

eWaterways, the small ship travel expert, will feature four naturist cruises to Croatia in 2012 on a fleet of motor powered sailing ships.

There are two different itineraries for the naturist cruises, both of which offer opportunities for guests to go clothing optional while on-board with clothes only required when in port and during meal times.

The Kvarner Bay Island Hopping Naturist Cruise is a round trip sailing from Opatija where holidaymakers can enjoy day trips to tranquil islands and secluded beaches for snorkeling, swimming or sunbathing.

In the evenings, guests can enjoy the local culture, explore inland dining options and enjoy tours of the picturesque towns and villages.

The nude cruise includes a stopover at Krk, the Adriatic’s largest island and visits to other picturesque islands such as Rab (“the island of love”), Zadar and Losinj.

The eight-day cruise departs on June 16, 2012, and Aug. 25, 2012, with prices starting at $745 per person (including daily breakfast, lunches, and taxes).

Flights, transfers and optional tours are not included but can be arranged by eWaterways.

The Dalmatian Island Hopping Naturist Cruise starts and ends in Split offering a true “back to nature” experience for cruisers in the Adriatic waters off Croatia’s coastline. Activities include skinny dipping on the daily agenda and the option of snorkeling, cave exploring, hiking or even white water rafting on the Cetina River. Departing from Dalmatia’s capital Split, the cruise ship travels to at least two islands per day, including Korcula, Lastovo, Komiza and Starigrad. The eight-day cruise departs on June 9, 2012, and August 18, 2012, with prices starting at $619 per person (including daily breakfast, lunches, and taxes). Flights, transfers and optional tours are not included but can be arranged by eWaterways.

For more information, call 877-217-4083 or visit www.ewaterways.us

According to BikeToursDirect, bicycle tours along the Danube Bike Path-which takes cycle tourists along a dedicated, paved bicycle path through picturesque medieval towns, lush farmland and sprawling vineyards in Germany and Austria-remain top choice for its clients in 2011. Chattanooga, Tenn., July 12, 2011 – Austria’s Danube Bicycle Path tops the 2011 list of most popular European bicycle routes, according to BikeToursDirect, which represents local European bike tour companies. Out of more than 200 tour routes in 35 European countries, bicycle tours along the Danube Bike Path represent nearly 20 percent of the company’s 2011 bookings. Offering care-free cycling on a dedicated, paved bicycle path, tours along the Danube take cycle tourists through picturesque medieval towns, lush farmlands and sprawling vineyards. BikeToursDirect represents five Austrian and German bicycle tour companies that operate tours along this route and offers 14 different Danube tours among its roster. “The Danube Bike Path is by far our top seller and has been since BikeToursDirect started eight years ago,” says BikeToursDirect founder and president Jim Johnson. “It’s especially popular among families and first-time cycle tourists because it’s flat, well-marked and on a dedicated asphalt path away from traffic. Daily distances are also low, so there’s plenty of time to explore and sightsee.” The typical tour along the Danube Bike Path is one week and begins in Passau, Germany, the “City of Three Rivers,” and ends in Vienna, Austria’s capital and a top tourist destination. “Cycle tourists can choose a variety of tour options, including self-guided, guided or bike and boat tours,” explains Johnson. “The Danube also offers good ‘bail-out’ options if a cycle tourist gets tired. In some places cyclists can rolls their bikes onto a train or boat to the next town.” Low tour prices are also a factor in the route’s popularity. Self-guided tours start at under $800 for one week and include hotels, breakfasts, luggage transfers, detailed maps, route information and a service hotline in case any questions or problems arise. Danube tours take four primary forms: . Self-Guided: The self-guided tour from Passau to Vienna is the most popular and can be customized based on preferences for interests, daily mileage and trip duration. Rest days can be built in along the way so cycle tourists can explore an area in greater depth and return “home” each night. . Guided: The guided tour from Passau to Vienna is a popular choice for cycle tourists interested in a more structured schedule in a group atmosphere with a guide to point out historic sights. Guided tours also add dinners and a support van. . Bike and Boat: Cycle tourists stay on a comfortable boat (cabins with shower, toilet, and air conditioning), while cycling at different locales on the Danube Bike Path each day. Cyclists (or non-cyclists) have the option each day to take a break and travel by boat to the next destination. . Family Tour: The family tour, which can be guided or self-guided, offers shorter daily distances, due in part to scheduled boat rides along the route on many days, features stays in family-friendly hotels, and incorporates kid-friendly attractions and activities such as a fairy-tale ride on the grotto railway, visits to zoos and an adventure park, and a ride on the giant Ferris wheel in Vienna. Two of BikeToursDirect’s other top three tours for 2011 are also along dedicated bike paths: the Lake Constance Bike Path in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and the Mosel Bike Path in Germany. About BikeToursDirectBikeToursDirect, now in its eighth season, serves as a central resource for bicycle tours in Europe, representing more than 50 tour companies that offer more than 200 tours in 35 European countries and is currently expanding to Asia, Africa and Australia. BikeToursDirect offers a variety of resources to help travelers choose tours and handles the entire booking and payment process. Learn more at www.biketoursdirect.com . Telephone: 1-877-462-2423 or 1-423-756-8907. Email: info@biketoursdirect.com

The World’s Most Award-Winning River Cruise Line, Viking River Cruises today announced the launch of the second-state-of the art ‘green’ ship, The Viking Prestige.

Building upon the high standard set by Viking Legend the industry’s first “green” river cruise vessel, the Viking Prestige will have the same efficient, hybrid propulsion system. Producing less vibration and using significantly less fuel, this cutting-edge technology offers a quieter, smoother journey than other ships and represents the environmentally responsible future of Viking’s European vessels.

“We take great pride in doing our part to help the environment,” comments Wendy Atkin-Smith, Managing Director Viking River Cruises UK Limited. “With two ‘green’ vessels now in use, we are hoping to set the standard for vessels around the world.”

The new ship will feature Viking’s signature décor: sophisticated, understated elegance across the Prestige’s’ 188-passenger, state-of-the-art river cruise ship. Boasting all-outside staterooms and French balconies on both the Upper and Middle decks, the ship’s public areas, including a single-seating restaurant, observation lounge and bar, and library as well as an expansive sun deck, provide unobstructed panoramic views throughout.

“This is a very exciting time for Viking River Cruises” continues Atkin-Smith. “Viking Prestige will mark the first in our fleet expansion program which is set to roll out over the next three years, setting the bar high for river cruise vessels globally.”

For further information and reservations call 020 8780 7979 or please visit

www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk/winners.

About Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises, the world’s leading river cruise company, offers scenic cruising along the rivers of Europe, Russia, China and Southeast Asia. The company has been honoured multiple times as the top river cruise line on Condé Nast Traveller’s “Gold List” and Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best” Awards as well as being recognised as the World’s Leading River Cruise Operator at the World Travel Awards and the “Best River Cruise Line” at the British Travel Awards. Since its 1997 inception, the company has grown to a fleet of 19 vessels, and provides unique, deluxe holidays to travellers with an interest in geography, culture and history. With a $250 million investment in a fleet development programme, by 2013 Viking will have several refurbishments plus the introduction of 10 new ships beginning with Viking Emerald and Viking Prestige in 2011 and four ships in 2012. For additional information, contact Viking River Cruises 020 8780 7979 or visit the company at www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk  Follow Viking River Cruises on Facebook.

128 room hotel located in the tourist resort of Nessebar in the south of the Black Sea.
Meliá Hotels International has recently announced the opening of its sixth hotel in Bulgaria.

The Sol Marina Palace is a four star resort with 128 rooms located in Nessebar and strengthens the Spanish hotel company’s hotel portfolio in one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Balkans. The region has seen a significant rise in the number of visitors in the past few years, popular for the cultural attractions and beautiful Black Sea beaches.

The hotel opened in 2004 and will be added to the Meliá Hotels International portfolio under a management agreement and will begin operations in summer 2012 under the Sol Hotels resort brand, joining the other Sol Hotels resorts in the area.

Sol Marina Palace was built on 2,350 m2 of land and provides 128 rooms, a main restaurant for 140 diners, 4 bars (one on the roof terrace with panoramic views) and a spa on the top floor, equipped with a swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, massage booths, fitness area and solarium. The hotel also features two meeting rooms for events with capacity for 97 and 140 people respectively.

Meliá Hotels International began operations in Bulgaria in 2007 with the opening of the Hotel Meliá Grand Hermitage, a five star hotel with 727 rooms located on the sea front 17 kilometres from the city of Varna, the country’s second biggest city. The company has four more resorts operating under its Sol Hotels resort brand: Sol Nessebar Bay (287), Sol Nessebar Mare (342) and Sol Nessebar Palace (333), all of them located on the sea front and next to the town of Nessebar; and Sol Luna Bay Resort (458), located in the town of Bjala.

About Meliá Hotels International

Meliá Hotels International was founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca (Spain) and is one of the world’s largest resort hotel chains, as well as Spain’s leading hotel chain. It currently provides more than 350 hotels in 35 countries on 4 continents under its brands: Gran Meliá, Meliá, ME, Innside, Tryp by Wyndham,

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will introduce their most extensive collection of itineraries in 2012. They will offer 32 itineraries ranging from 8 to 32 days along Europe and Russia’s great waterways.

Two of their newest programs: Gems of Germany, Belgium & the Netherlands, and Grand Treasures of Europe will include the internationally famous Floriade – a world horticultural exposition presented only once every ten years.

Uniworld will also launch three exciting new programs to make their expertly planned, always-included shore excursions better than ever. These programs are all included in the price of Uniworld’s cruises and will allow travelers the opportunity to customize their travel experience like never before.

Experienced travelers who have already seen some of Europe’s most popular sites can take advantage of Uniworld’s “Choice Is Yours” program, which offers alternate included excursions to the continent’s hidden gems. For travelers who crave a more active adventure, they can try Uniworld’s exclusive “Go Active” program, which lets them explore the great outdoors at their own pace.

And for those who prefer to take a bit more time getting to know the destinations on their itinerary, they can opt for their “Gentle Walking” program, which guarantees a relaxed-pace group with a private guide on many walking tour destinations. In addition, Uniworld has many exclusive excursions only available to Uniworld guests, including special wine tastings in castles with royalty, guided art tours, archeological visits, and so much more.

“Each year, Uniworld actively looks for ways in which to enhance our guests’ experience. With the introduction of these new programs, such as ‘Choice is Yours,’ we are able to deliver a more customized experience to our guests,” states Guy Young, President of Uniworld.

Also in 2012, Uniworld will completely remodel three of their boutique cruise ships, the River Countess, the River Duchess, and the River Royale. “Uniworld continues to invest heavily in the maintenance of our fleet to ensure we are delivering a five-star product to our guests. In 2011, we remodeled three ships completely, River Ambassador, River Baroness, and River Princess, as well as introduced three new ships, including the stunning S.S. Antoinette,” adds Young.

Uniworld ships offer unparalleled luxury in the river cruise arena with the finest of furnishings, inspiring original art, and modern luxuries.

Over the years, Uniworld has worked tirelessly with their sister company, the award-winning Red Carnation Hotels, to elevate the standard in river cruising with an unyielding commitment to quality and service.

“Be assured that when you sail with Uniworld, you will have an unrivaled cruise experience, because no other cruise line in the world has a sister company with over 50 years of expertise in running a collection of five-star luxury hotels,” furthers Young.

Uniworld’s luxury value-packed cruises include the Zagat®-rated staterooms on the river; all meals onboard with complimentary fine wines, choice of beer, and soft drinks served during lunch and dinner onboard Europe company-owned ships; captivating included excursions; Signature Lectures and entertainment onboard; and complimentary transfers on arrival and departure days.

Couples can save up to $2,400 on Uniworld’s 2012 boutique river cruises by paying in full at time of booking by September 30, 2011. “Our goal is to deliver unparalleled luxury at an uncompromising value, so we want to reward those who book early with the greatest possible savings,” states Young.

For more information, please contact your preferred Travel Professional or call Uniworld at 1-800-733-7820 or visit www.uniworld.com

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Los Angeles-based Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the world’s only authentic boutique cruise line, is recognized among the “World’s Best River Cruises” by Travel + Leisure. It is the only river cruise line named to Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List, and has received their Readers’ Choice Award for “World’s Top Small-Ship Line” and won “Best River Ships” in their Readers’ Poll, which ranked River Beatrice and River Duchess the #1 and #2 river ships in the world. Cruise Critic named River Beatrice the “Best New River Ship” and awarded Uniworld their Editors’ Pick for “Best Cruise Line.” Uniworld’s cabins and dining are also ranked among the top three in the world by Zagat Survey®; and is the only river cruise line named in the Zagat Survey® among the best of the best in the cruise industry.

Uniworld features luxurious boutique cruise ships with an average capacity of 130 guests; expertly planned itineraries with included shore excursions; world-class gourmet cuisine; and award-winning hospitality by an English-speaking staff. Uniworld offers over 500 departures on 40 itineraries sailing on over 13 rivers in over 20 countries throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Uniworld is a member of CLIA, Cruise Lines International Association