Jetsettersblog

TURKMENISTAN TO UZBEKISTAN OVERLAND

Tamerlane the Terrible, central Asia’s most influential military leader of the 14th century, would be celebrating his 672nd birthday this week…luckily for the 21st century he is not. The Turkik Mongol conqueror spent his life wreaking destruction across Central Asia and is legendary for his ruthless savagery and lack of mercy, massacring entire populations, then building towers out of his victims skulls… his aim was to make his capital, Samarkand, the most impressive in Asia. To see if Tamerlane succeeded, join Dragoman Overland on its 14-night Samarkand & Tamerlane’s Testament, next departing Ashgabat 21st June 2008 (Code STT28). (Or v.v from Tashkent 7th July and 15th September 2008).

From Turkmenistan’s modern city of Ashgabat, the journey begins along the Silk Route, travelling over 500kms through the inhospitable Karakum Desert - meaning the ‘Black Desert’ because of its harsh and bleak atmosphere. At Kunye Ugench, visit the Kunye Urgench Historic Preserve and the decorated Kutluk Timur minaret, the tallest in Central Asia at 62-metres. In Darwasa, visit the huge gas crater - approximately the size of a football pitch, ablaze with fire fed by natural gas vents.

On to Uzbekistan, and Central Asia at its most exotic. Visit Khiva, an intact Khanate whose ancient walls provided sanctuary for Silk Route travellers - the old town inside is beautifully decorated in classic turquoise tiles. At Bukhara explore the spectacular Ark Fortress, the Ismail Samanid Mausoleum and the Kalyan Minaret (Death Tower). On to one of the two great Central Asian Deserts, the Kyzylkhum or the ‘Red Desert’.

This desert is home to Kakaz and Uzbek nomads and travellers spend a night amongst the dunes staying in a yurt camp with an option of a camel ride into the desert. Next, the 2,750-year-old nomadic city of Samarkand, one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities.

Most noted for its central position on the Silk Road between China and the west and as an Islamic centre for scholarly study, the UNESCO World Heritage site is labelled as a ‘Crossroads of Cultures’. Here, experience the impressive majolica and azure mosaic-decorated Medressas in Registan Square, explore the Oriental Market and Shakh-I-Zinda Complex, a street of tombs for Timur’s family - one is said to be that of the prophet Muhammad. Arrive in Tashkent, once the fourth largest city in the Soviet Union, explore the city markets including Chorsu Bazaar, now offering a vast array of Soviet ephemera, ranging from entire Soviet stamp collections, old paintings of Lenin, to Military uniforms, before the journey concludes next day.

The overland costs £640 p/p plus kitty from US$370 (~£185) including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s customised Mercedes-Benz truck, hotel, yurt homestay and wildcamp accommodation (80%/20%), all camp meals plus the expertise of Dragoman’s two person crew and local guides as neccessary.

International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman.

Super 8 Bobby Labonte’s Pit Stop Challenge

Thanks to its affiliation with NASCAR driver Bobby Labonte, the Super 8 lodging chain is offering Bobby Labonte’s Pit Stop Challenge Competition, an online game accessed by visiting www.labonteslaw.com. Players are challenged to make a pit stop, make repairs and get back in the race as fast as they can. The three top-scoring players each month will be eligible to win gift cards from the Petty Enterprises race shop. The top scorer from each month will be eligible to participate in online tournaments. Grand-prize winners will get the chance to meet Bobby Labonte and Richard Petty, a racing legend with 200 career victories.

Grand-prize packages will be awarded during two periods, March 31 to June 30, 2008 and July 1 to Sept. 30, 2008.

The grand prize for the first period is a trip to Mooresville, North Carolina, that includes an insider’s tour of the new Petty Enterprises race shop and a chance to play the Pit Stop Challenge Competition with Labonte and his pit crew. Grand prize for the second period is a November trip to a NASCAR race in Fort Worth, Texas, as guests of Labonte and Petty. Both grand prize packages include three nights’ lodging, airfare, meals and two gift certificates to the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Contest rules and prize details are available at www.labonteslaw.com

Idaho Spring Salmon Seasons 2008

The Idaho spring Chinook salmon season is set to begin a half hour before sunrise on Saturday, April 26, on parts of the Snake, Clearwater, Salmon and Little Salmon rivers.

It opens on May 24 on the Lochsa River. Commissioners are expected to consider seasons on the South Fork Salmon River and the upper Salmon River in May.

Though only 24 Chinook salmon, as of Sunday, April 20, have crossed the Lower Granite Dam on the Snake River, nearly 100,000 are expected to cross the dam and return to Idaho this year.

Chinook fishing will open on the Snake River from the Dug Bar boat ramp upstream to Hells Canyon Dam; on the mainstem Clearwater River from the Camas Prairie Railroad Bridge at Lewiston upstream to the South Fork Clearwater River; on the North Fork Clearwater River from its mouth upstream to Dworshak Dam; on the South Fork Clearwater River from its mouth upstream to the confluence of the American and Red rivers; and on the Middle Fork Clearwater River from its mouth upstream to the confluence of the Lochsa and Selway rivers.

The Lochsa River will be open, starting May 24, from its mouth upstream to the Twin Bridges immediately upstream from the confluence of Crooked Fork and Colt Killed Creek.

These above segments will be open until July 20 or further notice, whichever comes first.

The Lower Salmon River will be open from the Hammer Creek boat ramp upstream to a posted boundary at the mouth of Short’s Creek – about 1.4 miles upstream of the mouth of the Little Salmon River – until June 22 or until further notice.

The Little Salmon River will be open from a posted boundary at its mouth upstream to U. S. Highway 95 Bridge near Smokey Boulder Road will be open until August 3 or further notice.

Access to salmon fishing on the Little Salmon River for those without boats in the Riggins area will be more limited this year than in the past because of the loss of some bank access.

Fishery managers are asking boat anglers in the Riggins City Park Hole to avoid mooring or anchoring along the western shoreline between the City Park boat ramp and the mouth of the Little Salmon River, where one or two boats can block access for a dozen or more shore anglers.

“A little courtesy goes a long way toward ensuring an enjoyable fishing trip for everyone,” said Larry Barrett, senior fisheries technician for Idaho Fish and Game.

Fishing hours are from one half hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset, local time, seven days a week until the seasons close. Waters not specifically designated remain closed to fishing for Chinook salmon.

Limits in the Clearwater River drainage are two per day, six in possession. On the Snake, Lower Salmon, and Little Salmon Rivers limits are three per day, nine in possession. The statewide limit for adult Chinook is 40 for the season.

Only hatchery Chinook salmon with a clipped adipose fin – evidenced by a healed scar – may be kept. All salmon with an intact adipose fin must be released immediately. Any salmon caught in a legal manner must be released or killed immediately after landing.

The rules have changed for jack Chinook salmon this year. A jack is any Chinook less than 24 inches long. Anglers may keep two adipose-fin-clipped jacks per day and have six in possession in addition to the adult Chinook daily and possession limits. But they don’t have to record the jacks on their permit.

When the adult possession limit is reached, the angler must stop all fishing for salmon, including catch and-release and for jacks.

Anglers may use only barbless hooks no larger than 5/8 inch from the point to the shank. It is unlawful to take or fish for salmon by snagging. In the Lochsa River, salmon may only be taken with artificial flies and lures with one barbless hook per fly or lure – no bait. A single hook may have up to three points.

Anglers must have a valid fishing license and salmon permit in possession to fish for salmon, except on Free Fishing Day, June 7. Any nonresident 14 and older must buy a nonresident season fishing license and salmon permit, a nonresident junior fishing license and salmon permit, or a three-day salmon license.

Please consult the 2008-2009 Fishing Seasons and Rules brochure for additional rules, license costs and other information.

Flying High In Royal Windsor: 28 Jun - 2 Nov

Big Wheel in Riverside Park 28 June – 2 November

Visitors to Royal Windsor from Saturday 28 June to Sunday 2 November can fly high on the town’s big wheel which gives spectacular views over the battlements of Windsor Castle, along the River Thames and across the historic landmarks of Windsor and Eton to the countryside beyond. On a clear day they may even be able to see the new arch at Wembley Stadium and into central London.

Previously the Royal Windsor Wheel has only been in place for the summer months offering rides until early September but, following its great success, the time scale has now been extended through to the autumn offering stunning night time views under the cover of darkness.

The 180ft (55m) diameter wheel will be located close to the town centre in Alexandra Gardens, Windsor’s riverside park. Forty gondolas will each carry a maximum of six people taking 12-15 minutes to complete a rotation. One gondola has disabled access, all children must be accompanied by an adult and a free-entry Royal Windsor Wheel café will be situated next to the attraction serving light refreshments.

Ticket prices per session are £6.50 per adult and £4.50 for children under 16; a private gondola is £30 or, for that special experience, a champagne gondola can be booked on request. It will be open seven days a week from 10am until 10pm. Tickets will be available at the wheel, subject to availability, (last tickets 9.30pm) or can be booked in advance online at www.royalwindsorwheel.com (from 1st May).

The Windsor Wheel is operated by PWR Events and supported by Regatta outdoor clothing.

For those planning a short break to combine a ride on the Windsor Wheel with a visit to the town’s other attractions such as Windsor Castle and Eton College, assistance with booking somewhere to stay is available by calling the accommodation hotline on 01753 743907 or email

Windsor.accommodation@rbwm.gov.uk

For further details about the Royal Borough and its many attractions visit www.windsor.gov.uk A copy of the free Visitor Guide is available by email to Windsor.tic@rbwm.gov.uk  or call the Royal Windsor Information Centre on Tel: 01753 743900.

Hot Summer Offers in Latin America

Despite the credit crunch woes, there seems to be no sign of a drop in demand for exotic holidays this summer. And Latin America is no exception, with Journey Latin America’s best-selling holiday being its 18-night “Luxury Peru” tour. But we do seem to be booking later and all still love a bargain. Read on for Summer Offers and Late Space to Latin America - from boutique boltholes near Rio, or “women-only” cruises in the Galapagos, to classic highlights tours to Panama, Cuba and Peru.

* BEACH BLISS

1) Pousada Picinguaba, Costa Verde - BRAZIL
- Offer: SAVE £286 on a 6-night stay. Valid for travel 01 May – 31 July.
- Price: 6 nights from £709 per person + flights

A beautiful pousada located on a hill overlooking the tranquil fishing village of Picinguaba, four hours’ drive south west of Rio. A peaceful hideaway with 10 tastefully-decorated rooms, nice gardens with a pool and great views of the bay and surrounding Mata Atlantica coastal rainforest. Discover empty beaches and jungle waterfalls; take a boat trip to nearby islands or visit the colonial town of Paratí. The Paratí Literary Festival runs from 02 - 06 July.

2) EL Careyes, Manzanillo – MEXICO

- Offer: Stay 7 nights and pay for 6 (SAVE £197). Plus, enjoy a 20% discount at the restaurant, 10% off spa treatments and a free kayak and horse riding tour. Valid for travel in May.
- Price: 7 nights from £692 pp + flights.

This exclusive retreat is located on a relatively undeveloped stretch of Mexico’s beautiful Pacific coast; surrounded by cliffs, lush tropical vegetation and mountains. The 51 luxurious rooms are spacious and light, with suites having private balconies, Jacuzzi or plunge pool. Facilities include a pool, fitness centre, tennis court and an array of water sports. Combine a stay here with a visit to the colonial “silver” cities or the fascinating capital, Mexico City.

* INDIANA ADVENTURES

3) Coppola lodges, Mayan temples & Caribbean – GUATEMALA & BELIZE
- Offer: Book 8 nights at Coppola lodges and pay for 7 (SAVE £175). Plus, receive 1 free massage and a bottle of Sofia Coppola sparkling wine. Valid for travel from 01 Jun – 30 Nov.
- Price: 11-night itinerary from £1230 pp + flights.

With less than a month until the much-anticipated release of “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” (May 22); where better to head, for anyone looking to recreate their own Indiana adventures, than the lost Maya temples of Guatemala and Belize. And you can now do it style, exploring the rainforest-clad temples by day and staying in the comfort of luxury jungle lodges by night - owned by legendary film director, Francis Ford Coppola. Start your trip in the colonial town of Antigua, and end it in laid-back Placencia, on the Caribbean.

* WILDLIFE WONDERS

4) Pousada Aguapé, Iberá wetlands – ARGENTINA

- Offer: Save 20% on all bookings made before July (SAVE £116 for a 3-night stay).
- Price: 3 nights from £349 pp + flights.

Argentina’s answer to Brazil’s famous Pantanal, the Esteros del Iberá wetlands are located in the country’s north-east corner. The region is absolutely teeming with wildlife and yet it still remains amazingly undiscovered by foreign visitors. Head off on foot, horseback or by boat in search of caiman, capybaras, deer, monkeys and hundreds of species of birds. The ranch-style lodge offers simple accommodation, a pool and a good range of activities. Combine a stay here with the awesome Iguazú Falls, or visit to the ruined Jesuit Missions in the area.

* WOMEN ONLY

5) Galápagos “Women only” cruise – ECUADOR

- Summer departure: 24 August (7 nights) onboard the MV Letty, Eric or Flamingo.
- Price: 7-night cruise from £1742 pp + international flights (includes flights from Quito). No single supplement for those willing to share with other single.

The MVs Letty, Eric and Flamingo are compact yachts which offer comfortable cruising at the top of the “tourist-class” range. Each boat has 10 outside cabins distributed over 3 decks; contemporary interiors with polished teak features; a spacious sundeck and an excellent range of activities – from “onland” nature walks with guides, to snorkelling with sealions and rays off the boat. There are nine crew and two naturalist guides.

* CLASSIC TOURS

6) Inca heritage, Peru highlights in style – PERU

- Summer departures: 27 July and 03 August.

 7) Rivers, rainforest & volcanoes – COSTA RICA & PANAMA

- Summer departures: 25 July and 22 August. - Price: from £2543 pp including all flights.

Cross from the Pacific to the Caribbean with a full-day transit of the incredible Panama Canal. Discover fairyland cloudforest and hummingbirds in Monteverde. Explore the wildlife-rich jungle creeks of Tortuguero; relax in hot springs under the smoking cone of Arenal volcano.

* ORIGINAL ADVENTURES

The Real Cuba, beyond the beach – CUBA

- Summer departure: 27 July.
- Price: 19 nights from £1098 pp + flights.

See the “real Cuba”, staying in and eating at local family homes. Travel from one end of the island to the other, with highlights including colonial Havana and Trinidad; revolution sites in Santa Clara; walking in the Sierra Maestra and exploring jungle rivers and hills near Baracoa.

Note - special offers are only valid for 2008 travel dates as stated. Cost savings are quoted as a total discount per room. Prices are based on double occupancy and do not include international flights (unless stated otherwise). Inclusive prices with flights can be provided.

Gap Adventures 20% off

Guide to Hiking The Grand Canyon a winner

USA Book News as a Best Book Award Finalist,

Award-winning author Brian Lane’s book offers practical advice honed from over fifteen years of experience hiking in and around the Grand Canyon and throughout the United States.

Award-winning author Brian Lane published Hikernut’s Grand Canyon Companion, A Guide to Hiking and Backpacking the Most Popular Trails Into the Canyon in 2007. Chosen by USA Book News as a Best Book Award Finalist, the book offers practical advice honed from over fifteen years of experience hiking in and around the Grand Canyon and throughout the United States.

Brian hikes the Canyon at least twice/year and has quickly emerged as the spokesperson and face of the Canyon. He provides accurate and up-to-date information on Canyon hiking conditions and other helpful tips on his blog at

http://blog.asenseofnature.com

A member of the American Hiking Society, lifetime member of the Sierra Club, and a certified NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School — the only school that focuses on wilderness skills, leadership, and environmental ethics) Wilderness First Aid alumnus, the author is also a horticulturist, forestry and wildlife conservationist, and master watershed steward, advocating for sustainable resource management. Born and raised in North Brookfield, Massachusetts, he now resides on a four-acre ranch in Sedona, Arizona.

Contact Brian at 928.282.9525, info@asenseofnature.com or http://www.asenseofnature.com  Purchase his book at http://www.asenseofnature.com or at http://www.amazon.com

Escape to the Beach at Oxnard

Embassy Suites Mandalay Hotel & Resort in Oxnard Offers Summer Packages

Oxnard, Calif. – Summer is upon us and it’s time to start making plans for those important family vacations filled with lazy days and endless fun.

The Embassy Suites Mandalay Hotel & Resort nestled along California’s Central Coast in Oxnard is preparing for the busy summer season by offering a choice of three summer packages consisting of three, five and seven night stays in a deluxe two-room, two-bath suite with full cooked-to-order breakfast each morning, hosted beverages each evening, daily overnight self-parking for one vehicle and daily internet access.

The Summer Getaway Package is available for three nights and amenities include 1 in-room movie (up to $12.95 value) or 1 hour of Nintendo play, 2 bike rentals from Wheel Fun Bike Rentals (choice of Beach Cruiser, Quad Sport, or Chopper for a ride along the beach), $50 credit at the onsite award-winning Capistrano’s Restaurant or room service.  Rates start from $275.

The Summer Fun Package includes a five night stay with 2 in-room movies (up to $12.95 value) or 2 hours of Nintendo play, 3 bike rentals from Wheel Fun Bike Rentals, $100 credit at Capistrano’s Restaurant or room service. 

Rates start from $275.

The third available package, the Summer Vacation is a seven night stay with 3 in-room movies (up to $12.95 value) or 3 hours of Nintendo play, 4 bike rentals from Wheel Fun Bike Rentals and $150 credit at Capistrano’s Restaurant or room service and an oversized resort beach towel with Embassy Suites logo.

Rates start from $259.

Embassy Suites creates an ambience of far away destinations without the airfare.

Resembling the tropics, the resort is the only all-suite hotel in southern California that sits directly on the beach.

The property contains 248 two-room and three-room suites with a private bedroom and separate living room with a sleeper sofa.

On site award-winning Capistrano’s Restaurant features California cuisine and nightly entertainment every weekend.

The resort has just completed a number of renovations and upgrades.

Summer guests will be able to take advantage of the newly resurfaced heated free-form swimming pool, a kid favorite!  The pool is located adjacent to a large whirlpool for additional fun, and a second whirlpool, geared for adults, is also on property allowing for more privacy and relaxation under a summer’s sky.

In addition, the resort is equipped with two lighted tennis courts and a newly expanded exercise facility with state-of-the art equipment.  And, guests can step right out onto the white, sandy beautiful Oxnard beach where they can surf, soak up the sun and view the majestic Channel Islands located just 12 miles offshore.

Besides the myriad of activities available at Embassy Suites, guests can also take advantage of the many special events taking place during the summer. 

For sport enthusiasts, the public will have the opportunity to view the Dallas Cowboys training sessions when they make Oxnard their home base this summer starting in July through August.

Things spice up in July when Oxnard hosts the 15th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival taking place July 26-27 in downtown Oxnard.  The agenda calls for spicy food, hot music, salsa dancing, salsa tasting and more.

In addition, the Channel Islands Harbor, located adjacent to Embassy Suites, will host the 2008 Tall Ships Challenge Race Series in August where visiting tall ships will converge coming from all around the world.

The Tall Ships Festival 2008 will take place during the race series from August 7-10 and will feature a number of events including dockside tours, battle re-enactment sails, Civil War re-enactments, children’s programs and much more.

The Embassy Suites Mandalay Hotel & Resort makes an ideal summer vacation where families can enjoy numerous onsite activities and adventure in a secluded beachside setting.

For more information on the 2008 Summer Packages, call 805-984-2500 or visit the website at www.mandalaybeach.embassysuites.com

WHAT’S ON IN ATLANTIC CANADA IN 2008?

A SUMMER-LONG NON-STOP PARTY RIGHT NEXT DOOR

Celebrate Heroes & History; Ceilidhs & Kitchen Parties and Mussels & Lobster

ATLANTIC CANADA,– This summer, history will come alive, literary heroines and heroes will be celebrated and plenty of Celtic fiddling, Scottish step dancing and some of the world’s most pristine seafood will be on display in Atlantic Canada. Fancy a taste of Irish, Scottish, English or French (Acadian) culture without crossing the pond? The four provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island are less than two hours away from most East Coast gateways. Maxxim Vacations offers many value-added packages starting as low as $725 for a six-night land package,* or $1265 with airfare

www.maxximvacations.com

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND – ANNE’S 100TH AND PLENTY OF SEAFOOD

This year Prince Edward Island is commemorating the 100th anniversary of “Anne of Green Gables.” For over a century, Lucy Maud Montgomery’s spunky heroine has charmed millions, and to celebrate, the island is hosting a year-long series of ceilidhs, or kitchen parties, concerts, picnics, barn dances and firelight story-telling sessions. Come June, this welcoming island in Atlantic Canada will be a non-stop, open-air festival for the whole family with historical re-enactments, theatrical performances, parades and a country fair (July 3-6). Homemade ice cream and raspberry cordial will be in plentiful supply.

www.anne2008.ca

Billed as the “biggest kitchen party in Atlantic Canada,” the 13th annual PEI International Shellfish Festival in Charlottetown will be the place for seafood lovers September 19-21. Chowder cook-offs, oyster shucking contests and a chef’s challenge are on the menu along with plenty of mussels and other delicious seafood.

www.peishellfish.com

And a few days later, the entire 2,000 square miles of Prince Edward Island will be Chef Michael’s kitchen. From September 30 to October 10, “Fall Flavours,” a new island-wide food festival with more than 100 culinary events, will take place with native son Michael Smith, one of Canada’s leading chefs, hosting a gala dinner and cooking classes. Visitors can learn about wine and cheese pairing, how to pickle and preserve or opt for a more hands-on experience – digging clams, catching lobsters, harvesting oysters, or even picking the island’s famed potatoes, Visit this link.

NOVA SCOTIA – LOYALISTS, LOBSTERS AND LOUISBOURG’S 250TH

Fancy reliving the life of an 18th century soldier – skirmishing in the hot sun, sleeping on the hard ground, with music, dancing and tall tales till dawn? Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are throwing a year-long celebration for the 225th anniversary of the United Empire Loyalists landing. After the Revolutionary War, 3000 Loyalists fled to Shelburne, Nova Scotia, while others continued on to New Brunswick. The population quickly swelled to 10,000, making Shelburne the fourth largest city in North America, while nearby Birchtown became Canada’s first free black settlement. In July, the city is hosting three weekends of boat races, tall ship tours, treasure hunts, concerts and fireworks. The re-enactment – featuring 500 costumed characters – kicks off on July 17, and visitors who don’t want to play soldier can get in the spirit at the annual provincial Town Crier Competition or attend the Loyalist Garden Party, complete with a pageant of 18th century dress.

http://www.loyalistlanding2008.org

 From June to August, Nova Scotia will also commemorate the 250th anniversary of Louisbourg’s second siege. The Fortress of Louisbourg will host a series of encampments – with North America’s first nighttime siege re-enactment – and military displays (July 25-27), complete with fireworks, parades, chowder cook-offs, street dances, concerts and quilt displays. www.louisbourg2008.com/index.asp

Did someone say lobster? Lobsterpalooza promises 35 days of “feasts and fun” including lobster suppers, whale watching tours and Gaelic music. www.lobsterpalooza.ca

Albert Bigelow Paine’s tale of a canoe journey through the wilds of Nova Scotia, Tent Dwellers, marks its 100th anniversary this year. From May through October, there will be a “public paddle” day, an outdoor arts festival and a recreation of the original journey. At the Canoe Festival (August 15-17), visitors can learn canoe building, paddling, fly-fishing, wilderness preparation, basket making and more.

NEW BRUNSWICK – LOYALISTS AND LOBSTERS, ACADIAN STYLE

Since 1949, the self-proclaimed “lobster capital of the world” has hosted the Shediac Lobster Festival (July 2-6) with parades, entertainment and feasting on this delicious crustacean. The Loyalist Heritage Festival (July 14-18) will offer activities for the whole family including organized walks, visits to historic houses, parades, re-enactments and artistic performances.

 Known as one of North America’s top festivals, the Acadian Festival (August 1-15) draws 100,000 spectators to see some 200 artists perform – concerts, theater, dance performances – and comes with the blessing of the fishing fleet by the local Catholic clergy. There’s plenty of Acadian food and drink capped off by the Tintamarre, a massive – and very loud – street celebration with fireworks on August 15, Acadia Day.

www.festivalacadien.ca

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR – MUSIC, MAGIC AND A REGATTA

St. John’s Time in Newfoundland’s capital is an 11-day, non-stop party. This lively celebration kicks off with the George Street Festival (July 31-August 5). Streets are closed, pubs throw open their doors and bands rock into the night. Celebrated since 1826, the Royal St. John’s Regatta, one of North America’s oldest continuing sporting events, is a series of rowing events on Quidi Vidi Lake – cheered on by 50,000 many garbed in outlandish dress. From August 8 to 10, the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival features singers, dancers, storytellers and musicians performing traditional Newfoundland music, Celtic tunes handed down through the centuries and modern rock. At the Buskers Festival visitors can see up to 30 shows a day watching jugglers, acrobats and magicians on four stages.

www.stjohnstime.ca

Maxxim Vacations offers packages to all four provinces. A six-day/five-night “St. John’s Time” package starts at US$1186 per person ($1209 CAD), double occupancy and includes hotel accommodations in a 4 ½ -star hotel, roundtrip airfare from New York, a midsize car rental with unlimited mileage, city tour and entrance to the Johnson Geo Center and The Rooms, the province’s museum and leading art gallery. Taxes are not included.

Call 1-800-567-6666 or go to www.maxximvacations.com.

The Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership (ACTP) is a nine member pan-Atlantic partnership comprised of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the four Atlantic Canada Tourism Industry Associations and the four departments responsible for tourism for the provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Go to www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca (1-800-561-0123), www.novascotia.com  (1-800-565-0000),

www.newfoundlandlabrador.com  (1-800-563-NFLD) and for Prince Edward Island, go to www.gentleisland.com  (1-800-463-4PEI).

Maxxim Vacation’s “Nova Scotia Sampler” features stays in Halifax, Lunenberg and the Western Shore and Baddeck with six nights’ accommodation at select hotels, country inns and B&B’s, seven-day midsize rental car with unlimited mileage, admission to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, Pier 21 National Historic Site and the Alexander Graham Bell Museum. The land-only package starts at $725 per person, double occupancy and covers: 4½ -star Canada Select accommodations, or $823 with deluxe accommodations. The price is $1265 with airfare, or $1363 for the deluxe package with airfare and taxes are extra.

Vermont Green Mountain Migration Package to Floridians

Florida residents are invited to head north to Vermont where they can find lodging properties offering special summer discounts and packages designed exclusively for Floridians. The new “Green Mountain Migration” promotion is a collaborative effort between Vermont lodging properties and the Department of Tourism and Marketing. Twenty-three inns and hotels from Jay to Wilmington are already participating in this unique promotion designed to draw visitors from Florida this summer, and more are anticipated to sign on. Packages, which range from discounted rates to culinary tours and tastings, require proof of residency, such as a valid driver’s license, at time of check-in. For more information, visit www.VermontVacation.com/Florida