Jetsettersblog

With the 2010 Winter Olympic Games set to begin in less than two weeks, Marriott has just launched a Marriott Road to Gold Olympic package which features 12 participating hotels in Seattle with rates starting from just $104 per night.

Located just 140 miles from Vancouver, Seattle is a great option for those Olympic fans who can’t find accommodations in Vancouver or who are traveling on a budget and seek something more affordable.

This package is also a good option for pre- and post-Olympic stays. The Marriott Road to Gold Olympic package is priced from $104, valid through Feb. 29, 2010, and includes accommodations, breakfast, and a $25 gas card.

This promotion is valid Thursday to Sunday and is based on availability.

One gas card will be issued per stay upon check out. A limited number of rooms are available for this promotion. Tax is additional.

The offer does not apply to groups of 10 or more rooms and cannot be combined with any other promotions.

Black-out dates may apply. Advance reservations required. Other restrictions apply.

Rates are per room, per night.

The participating hotels include:

Seattle Marriott Waterfront; Seattle Airport Marriott; Redmond Marriott Town Center; Courtyard Federal Way; Courtyard Lake Union; Residence Inn Redmond; Courtyard South Center; Courtyard Bellevue; Residence Inn Bellevue; Courtyard Bellevue Downtown; SpringHill Suites Renton; and TownPlace Suites Renton. For reservations or more information, call 800-228-9290 and ask for promo code “LPR” or visit THIS LINK.

Funjet Vacations launched a Sunsational Sale with vacations starting from $239.99.

All destinations from all departure cities are on sale for bookings through Feb. 18 for travel Jan. 30 to Aug. 31.

Special hotel offers may include free nights, free value-added inclusions and free guaranteed room upgrades, in destinations like Cancun/Riviera Maya, Punta Cana, Jamaica, Puerto Vallarta, Hawaii, Las Vegas and Orlando.

In select destinations, Funjet Vacations is offering buy one get one free tours and excursions and 20 percent off National and Alamo car rentals.

Sample vacation package and pricing include: Cancun — Flamingo Cancun Resort, all-inclusive, three stars, suitable for families, three nights reduced from $799.99 to $499.99, kids stay, play and eat free; Riviera Maya — Gran Bahia Principe Coba, all-inclusive, four stars, suitable for romance, three nights reduced from $964.99 to $579.99 with honeymoon inclusions; Punta Cana — Iberostar Punta Cana, all-inclusive, four stars, suitable for families, three nights reduced from $799.99 to $529.99. Jamaica — Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa, all-inclusive, four stars, suitable for beach lovers, three nights reduced from $999.99 to $579.99; Oahu, Hawaii — Aston Waikiki Beach, three and a half stars, suitable for families, three nights reduced from $709.99 to $659.99, including two-for-one Luau and kids stay free; and Las Vegas — Circus Circus Hotel & Casino, three stars, suitable for active travelers, three nights reduced from $299.99 to $239.99.

Funjet Vacations Mexico and Caribbean hotel-only and air/hotel vacations include roundtrip/airport hotel transportation and in Cancun/Riviera Maya, Vallarta, Los Cabos, Jamaica or Punta Cana. Vacationers will receive a free “Experience More” Card with exclusive discounts and offers at participating retailers.

Funjet Vacations is the flagship brand of the family-owned Mark Travel Corporation, headquartered in Milwaukee.

Funjet Vacations is celebrating 36 years of business in 2010.

Individual and group Funjet vacations are via nonstop charters and scheduled airlines to hundreds of destinations including Mexico, the Caribbean, Las Vegas, Hawaii, California, Florida and Europe.

Travelers can choose from air-inclusive, hotel-only or air-only vacations and add tours, attractions and shows to their vacation package for added value and convenience. For reservations click the Funjet banner above.

As the official airline of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, Air Canada is offering the following tips to help customers enjoy a smooth travel experience during the upcoming peak travel period, Feb. 9 to March 22, 2010, particularly for travel to Vancouver, host city of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The busiest travel dates getting to Vancouver are Feb. 5-12, 2010, with Air Canada carrying more than 82,000 passengers system wide each day, including up to 12,000 to Vancouver, per day.

The busiest travel dates leaving Vancouver are Feb. 28-March 5. The peak departure day is March 1, YVR’s busiest day in history with close to 39,000 people departing Vancouver, almost 12,000 on Air Canada.

Air Canada said customers should check the status of departing and arriving flights before leaving for the airport by consulting the Air Canada website www.aircanada.com , using an Internet-enabled mobile device at http://mobile.aircanada.com , or by calling the flight status line at 888-422-7533.

Customers also can keep abreast of how weather or other circumstances may affect their flight by checking the Daily Operational Outlook in the Travel Updates section on the home page at www.aircanada.com

Air Canada customers can receive flight delay and cancellation information directly on their mobile devices or via e-mail. To register, visit www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/traveller/mobile/notification_app.html

The Air Canada iPhone App is a free application specifically designed for Apple iPhone users makes travel easier than ever.

Enhanced services like My Flights and My Messages allow customers to manage their Air Canada travel experience from a single location. Users can check in for flight, verify flight status, sign up for real-time flight notification updates, or take advantage of one of the other available options.

Log in at the App Store for the iPhone or from iTunes on a Mac/PC.

Air Canada’s BlackBerry app provides travelers with BlackBerry devices convenient and easy real-time access to a wide-range of flight information.

This includes retrieving electronic boarding passes, tracking flight information in real-time, receiving notification of itinerary changes and obtaining other details about Air Canada flights. The app is available free on-line from BlackBerry App World (www.blackberry.com/appworld ) or on Air Canada’s mobile site (http://mobile.aircanada.com ).

Transport Canada carry-on regulations for flights from Canada to the United States permits one carry-on bag on flights to the United States, in addition to limited personal items allowed in the cabin.

Air Canada recommends that customers flying to the U.S. bring only limited baggage and respect the strict carry-on limits imposed by Canadian and U.S. authorities.

For details on permitted carry-on items please consult the Canadian Air Transport Security website at www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca.

For more information, visit www.aircanada.com

World On Skis is offering a five-night air/hotel ski package including air from New York to St. Moritz, Switzerland, with fuel surcharges, priced from $1,393.

Also included are roundtrip rail transfers and breakfast daily. A Washington, D.C. departure is available.

Book by Feb. 28 and save 5 percent on the land portion of the trip.

The offer includes roundtrip airfare from New York JFK to Zurich (via United or Lufthansa Airlines) including fuel surcharges; roundtrip rail transfers from Zurich to St. Moritz, and five nights’ hotel stay (Sunday through Friday), including hotel taxes and service charges and breakfast daily.

Washington, D.C. departure, with nonstop flights from Dulles on United, is an additional $214 per person.

Hotel options include the three-star Hotel Laudinella for Feb. 27 to Apr 9 from $1,393; four-star Hotel Monopol, March 14 to April 17, from $1,709; and five-star Kempinski Grand Hotel Des Baines, March 14 to April 5, from $2,448.

For more information, call 866-678-5858

or visit www.WorldOnSkis.com

Adventure Eye Video Systems, which allow tour and resort operators to rent wearable cameras to their clients or film them participating in an activity and provide a customized DVD or jump drive with a recording of the experience within minutes of completion, can now be found at specialty sports ventures in Colorado, at ski schools, on major cruise lines, dive and ski shops.

For more information, view a demonstration movie at www.adventureeyevs.com  or visit www.adventureeye.net

With Valentines Day looming, it is time to treat your loved one to that unforgettable romantic valentines break. Try some of these perfect destinations and see what your loved ones thing of your inspiring ideas for 2010.

We recommend the following top romantic getaways:
1. Taj Mahal, India
2. Rome, Italy
3. Lapland
4. Las Vegas, USA
5. Vancouver, Canada
6. Tenerife, Canary Islands

All the Raj

Celebrate Valentines Day at one of the world’s most iconic emblems of love, the majestic Taj Mahal. This beautiful example of Mughal architecture, one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World, was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Propose at this site on the 12 day ‘Rajasthan at a Glance’ tour starts from £695 per person departing 13th February 2010, including 11 nights accommodation (ten nights hotel/guesthouse, one night sleeper train), transport (bicycle rickshaw, bus, jeep and train) and the services of an experienced tour leader.

Entrance fees and local guide fees to some sites such as the Taj Mahal are also included. Flights are available from £414 per person. Call Imaginative Traveller Reservations Line on 08450 778803 or book on line at www.imaginative-traveller.com

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot… all the way to Rome

Combine a romantic weekend in the ‘Eternal City’ with watching the Italy v England RBS Six Nations action at Flaminio Stadium (Sunday 14th February 2010).

Rome has become the most popular Six Nations city break for English rugby supporters due to the iconic sights, wonderful restaurants and lively bars to explore when the match winds down. England is undefeated here so let the man in your life embrace the passionate atmosphere of the fans and you maybe rewarded with a romantic night on the tiles!

Gullivers offer three night packages (12th – 15th February 2010) starting from £365 per person including 3* B&B accommodation, guaranteed supply of a match ticket (cost is extra, at face value) and the services of a Gullivers representative. For more information and to book online visit www.gulliverstravel.co.uk  or call 01684 293175.

Lap it up in the Arctic Circle

Spend Valentine’s Day burning with desire in Lapland. Stretch those muscles with a spot of cross country skiing.

Take a break in one of the many Kotas (Lappish tepees) dotted along the tracks for optimal snuggling up time. Getting close and warm to the one you love.

The pine forest is home to an array of snowy wildlife and there is a great chance of skiing past reindeer, and a good chance of seeing the northern lights from the private hotel balconies.

Finland offers many unique experiences and the eight day ‘Cross Country Skiing in Lapland’ holiday starts from £958 per person tour only departing 14th February, including seven nights at the 3* Hotel Riekonlinna with breakfasts and evening meals, three cross country skiing lessons (two hours each lesson), a local bus pass, a ski pass and the hire of boots, skis and poles. With flights, prices start from £1334 per person Heathrow to Ivalo via Helsinki with Finnair. F

lights are also available from most UK airports. Call Headwater Reservations Line 01606 720199 or book on line at www.headwater.com

Rugby in Las Vegas – You BET!

Head to the bright lights of Las Vegas this Valentine’s Day for the first ever Las Vegas Sevens. Famous for glitz, glamour and casinos, the city that never sleeps has now added the IRB Sevens World Series to the list of spectacular events.

With plenty of action on and off the rugby pitch Las Vegas is an exciting place to take loved ones.

Discover the Grand Canyon or restaurants, shopping, and shows on the famous strip. Sport Abroad offer four nights packages starting from £895 per person (11th – 15th February 2010) including Official Sevens Match Ticket, four nights 4* accommodation (room only), return international flights with British Airways and return airport transfers.

For more information and to book visit www.sportabroad.co.uk or call 0845 680 3086.

A Vangroovy kind of love

Snuggle up on the slopes this Valentine’s Day and use Whistler as your own winter playground. As any ski pro knows, during Olympics one or two slopes are closed for the downhill races but the rest of the time nobody heads there as they worry about too many spectators. Get ahead of the crowds and head down ‘Seventh Heaven’ for a Passionate embrace, you might be the only ones on the slopes! Grab this opportunity for an Olympic experience with some awesome skiing. Sportsworld is exclusively appointed by The British Olympic Association as the official Ticket and Tour Operator for Great Britain for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Prices start from £1,875 per person staying in the pedestrian village of Whistler where there will be ceremony concerts and activities going on. Stay four nights on a B&B basis at the 5* Westin Resort & Spa which is located just yards from the cable car which takes you to the best skiing on Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain, return airport transfers, welcome drinks, pre-departure information, official merchandise, experienced Sportsworld representative and the opportunity to request your own selection of event tickets (at an additional cost.

Flights are at an additional cost. Visit www.sportsworld.co.uk/vancouver  or call Sportsworld 01235 544404.

Tenerife… Romantic Relief

For an elegant and intimate setting head to the little known area of Isla Baja in Tenerife this Valentine’s Day and save £75 per person.

Be guided along ancient shepherd’s routes through rolling hills and pine forests, past small lakes and soaring volcanic cliffs before heading back to the stylish 4* San Roque Hotel on the edge of the Teide National Park.

This 18th Century noblemans mansion with its heated swimming pool, courtyard, sauna and library is a romantic base for the quaint port and cobbled streets of Garachico.

The eight day guided ‘Secrets of Tenerife Walk’ holiday starts from £1213 per person (usually £1288pp) over Valentines Day (9th – 16th February 2010).

This price includes seven nights accommodation at the 4* Hotel San Roque, all breakfasts and evening meals (including wine), five picnic lunches, Headwater route notes, Headwater map kit, briefing and local information.

With flights and transfers, prices start from £1414 per person (usually £1489pp) Gatwick to Tenerife South Reina Sofia with Thomson Airways.

Flights can be arranged from most UK airports.

Call Headwater Reservations Line 01606 720199 or book on line at

www.headwater.com

from $699/Person -Stay Four Nights, Ski Three Days and Get Roundtrip Airfare-

Cities include: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, New York and Washington D.C.

After receiving upwards of five feet of snow in just one week, Jackson Hole has quickly become a premier winter destination for the 2010 ski season. Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, this legendary ski resort offers 2,500 acres of inbound terrain for all abilities, a 100-passenger aerial tram and a 4,139-foot vertical rise. For decades, skiers and snowboarders alike have touted Jackson Hole as some of the best skiing in the country.

In an effort to make a ski vacation to the area a reality, Jackson Hole Central Reservations is offering air-inclusive, four-night, three-day ski vacation packages starting at $699 per person*. This affordable price includes roundtrip airfare from select cities, four nights lodging in the Town of Jackson, a three-day lift ticket to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, airport shuttle, ski shuttle, continental breakfast and taxes and fees.

Prices are starting at, per person and based on double occupancy. Cities include (but are not limited to): Atlanta from $699, Boston from $739, Chicago from $699, Dallas from $699, Detroit from $729, New York from $739 and Washington D.C. from $699.

Perhaps what makes a trip to Jackson Hole such a memorable one is the town’s close proximity to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park. Travelers can add some winter adventure to their ski vacation with snowmobile tours to Old Faithful, wildlife viewing, dog sled trips, dinner sleigh rides and more.

The historic town of Jackson still promises authentic Western hospitality and a variety of lodging options from moderate motels to full-service, luxury resorts.

The Jackson Hole ski season extends through April 4, 2010. Package prices are valid January 20 – April 4, 2010.

Availability is limited and travelers are encouraged to call Jackson Hole Central Reservations to learn more, 888-838-6607 or visit

www.jacksonholewy.com/jackson-hole-ski-and-fly-vacation-packages.php .

*Price is starting at, per person and based on double occupancy.

Availability is limited and restrictions apply. New reservations only.

Additional baggage fees from airline may apply. Valid dates of travel: until April 4, 2010.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming is located at the base of the Grand Tetons in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West and provides year-round travel and tourism opportunities. Jackson Hole Central Reservations has served as the area’s official reservations agency for over 40 years, offering discount lodging, airfare and activities.

Visit www.JacksonHoleWY.com  for more information.

February is a fantastic time to get out of the city and explore British Columbia’s beautiful Sunshine Coast.

Located only an hour from Vancouver, but a world away from the crowds, traffic and noise.

SECHELT, BC, CANADA — Come to experience nature and hike or bike through the forest or watch the waves crash the beach. Spot a bald eagle nesting high in the trees.

Snowshoe or cross country ski at Dakota Ridge Winter Recreation Area.

Come to spend quiet time with that special someone. Soothe your cares away with a day at the spa. Bask in the moonlight and millions of stars as you completely relax in the ocean view hot tub of your bed and breakfast or cozy cottage.

Dine on fresh seafood and then cuddle up in front of a cozy fireplace.

Come to celebrate British Columbia arts and culture. Take in a touching drama or an award winning documentary at the Powell River Film Festival February 18-21.

Live music abounds from classical to jazz, something for every taste. Forbidden Flutes is sponsored by the Pender Harbour School of Music on February 14. Celebrate Marti Gras with the Voodoo All Stars in Roberts Creek February 20. Mix live music with great food at Wild Bistro in Gibsons throughout the month.

Visit the shíshálh First Nation House of hewhiwus (House of Chiefs) museum in Sechelt. Admire new exhibits at Gibsons Public Art Gallery, the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre or any number of private galleries. Follow the self-guided Purple Banner Tour and meet amazing artists at work in their studios.

No matter how you define your personal perfect getaway, the Sunshine Coast will exceed your expectations. BC’s Sunshine Coast is a stunning 40 minute mini-cruise from West Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay Terminal or a pleasant sail from Comox on Vancouver Island.

The coastal communities of Gibsons, Roberts Creek, Davis Bay, Sechelt, Halfmoon Bay, Pender Harbour, Egmont, Powell River and Lund welcome you to come and explore.

About SCBBCOA

Sunshine Coast Bed & Breakfast, Cottage Owners Association represents 125 member accommodation businesses stretching from Langdale to Lund and from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound. Something for Everyone!

Visit us online at http://www.bbsunshinecoast.com

With Valentine’s Day approaching, there is no better way to say “I Love You” than a romantic meal at the restaurants of The Venetian and The Palazzo.

Below is a link to view the special Valentine’s Day menus at participating restaurants:

http://www.palazzolasvegas.com/valentinesdining

After dinner, be sure to stop by Fusion Mixology Bar and enjoy an exclusive Valentine’s Day cocktail:

The Rose. Created by a Fusion mixologist, this lovely cocktail contains strawberries, Alize Rose Vodka, Stoli Vanilla, and Kern Nectar Sttawberry Fresca.

After visiting Fusion for a delicious cocktail, be sure to enjoy a gondola ride at The Venetian. Gondoliers will sing sweet Italian love songs as couples glide down the quarter mile Grand Canal.

With above-average snow amounts in the Black Hills, what better time to snowshoe on the George S. Mickelson Trail? The trail will host four snowshoe hikes this winter.

Hikes will be held at 1 p.m. on January 9 and 23. Both will start at the Englewood trailhead. February hikes will be held at 1 p.m. on the 6 and 27 with the location to be determined. Please call the Black Hills Trails Office at (605) 584-3896 for more information and for the location of the hikes.

Staff will teach basic snowshoeing skills while leading a nature walk along the trail. “We have a limited number of snowshoes available for participants to use,” said Dana Garry, Mickelson Trail manager. “We have had great turn-outs for the snowshoe hikes in the past, so it is important to sign up early to make sure you get a pair.”

“We’d also like to remind people that snowshoes are available for check-out anytime, not just during guided hikes,” said Garry. Snowshoes can be reserved by calling the Black Hills Trails Office.

There is no cost to participate in the program, although a trail pass is required. Both day and annual trail passes will be available for purchase before the program. Participants are reminded to dress appropriately for the weather.

The Walk in the Park programs are a series of educational, guided hikes held throughout the year in South Dakota state parks and recreation areas.

For more information on the Walk in the Park programs and for a full listing of events for 2010, visit the state parks website or call (605) 773-3391.

Bayfield is preparing to go to the dogs

With near perfect snow conditions the
15th Annual Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race schedule is packed well

The Bayfield Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Bureau is eagerly preparing for what is certain to be successful Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race on February 6th and 7th.

“We always have near perfect snow conditions in Bayfield, and this year is no exception! All the early snow in the Midwest this year means that the mushers and dogs are sharing another wonderful season,” explains John Theil, owner of Wolfsong Adventures in Mushing,

“The best thing about a sled dog race is that you can feel the excitement in the air! The dogs love it, the mushers love it, the volunteers love it and all that energy ignites the crowd.”

Theil has been actively involved in assisting in the planning of this race for 15 years.

The Bayfield Chamber is also very excited to be welcoming over 40 “Voluntourists” to Bayfield to help out as volunteers for the races this year.

“The voluntourism program has become such an amazing success. We have again increased our numbers over 2009 greatly, and we even have people coming back to experience these races for a second time,” explains Kristen Sandstrom, Marketing & Events Manager for the Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau.

This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to come and cheer on the teams and experience a bit of the energy this event exudes.

Below is the full schedule of events for the 15th Annual Apostle Islands Sled Dog Races:

Friday, February 5, 2010

6:00-7:00pm – “Meet the Mushers” Spaghetti Dinner (open to the public)
7:00pm – Mushers roll-call and meeting at the Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion
8:00pm – Dr. Jerry Vanek (Cheif Veterinarian for the races) shares his experiences from the “Serum Run” in Alaska

At the Bayfield Inn

Saturday, February 6, 2010

10:00am – Race begins at the Echo Valley Gravel Pit
Located approximately 12 miles out of Bayfield along Highway 13

5:00pm – Musher Mixer at the Bayfield Inn – a lasagna dinner open to the public.

Race results will only be available here

6:00pm – Madeline Island resident Jim Ryder of Snow Ryder Dog Sled Adventures presents his “Arctic Adventure.” At the Bayfield Inn

Sunday, February 7, 2010

10:00am – Race begins at the Echo Valley Gravel Pit
Located approximately 12 miles out of Bayfield along Highway 13

4:00pm (Approx.) – Awards presentations at the Northern Edge Restaurant located just south of Bayfield on Highway 13

The 15th Annual Apostle Islands Sled Dog Races are sponsored by; The Bayfield Inn, Harbor View Lodging, Northern Wisconsin Dog Mushers Association, Seagull Bay Motel, Silverwaves *Olas de Plata, Snow Ryder Dog Sled Adventures, Stonehouse Photography, Wolfsong Wear and Xcel Energy.

For more information on this and all other Bayfield information and events, visit www.bayfield.org  or call (800)447-4094