Jetsettersblog » South America

G.A.P Adventures New Polar Expedition Ship

July 20, 2008 on 7:15 am | In Adventure Travel, Alaska, Argentina, Belgium, Chile, Cruise Boats, Europe, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Labrador, Latvia, Lithuania, London, NWT, Netherlands, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Norway, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, PEI, Poland, Russia, Scotland, South America, Sweden, Toronto, USA, United Kingdom, Wales, Yukon | Comments Off

World leaders in adventure travel, G.A.P Adventures, has announced the purchase of a new ship, the M/S Expedition, and the relaunch of its polar expedition program, commencing on January 4, 2009.

“We have been scouring the globe to find the ideal replacement ship for our polar expedition program,” said Bruce Poon Tip, CEO of G.A.P Adventures. “I am delighted to say that we have succeeded with our aim with the acquisition of a world class ship, M/S Expedition.

Built in Denmark in 1972, the ship has been operating in coastal waters around Scandinavia for 15 years.

The 105 metre long ship can accommodate 120 passengers and will undergo a multi-million dollar refurbishment and refit in order to offer travellers a unique and comfortable way of exploring the Polar Regions. This will include the installation of brand new cabins with ensuite bathrooms, a refurbishment of the dining room - large enough to accommodate all passengers in one sitting - the pub, lounge, gym and sauna.

Guests will have the choice of five categories of cabins ranging from triples to suites. Each cabin will be outside facing featuring either portholes or windows and the ship will boast multiple viewing areas, including a 360-degree observation deck for wildlife spotting.

M/S Expedition will be fitted with state-of-the-art stabilizers to ensure as smooth a passage as possible. With a top speed of 16 knots, passengers will be able to spend less time travelling from A to B and more time exploring the destination. The ship will also be outfitted with all the latest safety equipment including brand new covered lifeboats and a fast rescue boat from Norsafe.

An elite team of 10 expedition staff, consisting of expedition leaders, naturalists, historians, geologists and marine and avian biologists, will accompany every cruise in order to share their knowledge of the destination’s history, unique environment and wildlife.

The sail plan will include Antarctic and Arctic programs. Tours in Antarctica will cover the Falkland Islands and the South Shetland Islands. Following the end of the Antarctic season in March, M/S Expedition will head north toward the Arctic, stopping along the way for dedicated trips around the Azores and Great Britain. The ship will launch from Scotland, travelling via the Norwegian Fjords towards Spitsbergen to finish its polar program for the 2009 season.

“I would like to thank our travellers for their support while we searched for the right replacement ship and we look forward to welcoming them on board in January,” said Bruce Poon Tip. “M/S Expedition will offer the adventurous traveller a unique, comfortable, and rewarding way to visit the great wilderness that are the Polar Regions.”

M/S Expedition Technical Specifications:
Built: Helsingor Skibsvaerft, Denmark 1972
Ice class: Swedish/ Finnish 1B
Length: 105.23 metres (345 feet)
Breadth: 18.63 metres
Max Draft: 4.71 metres
Gross Tonnage: 6336 grt

For more information, please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/expedition

About G.A.P Adventures

G.A.P Adventures is a world leader in the adventure travel industry offering small group adventures on all seven continents and beyond to more than 70,000 global travelers annually. The award-winning trips, which focus on culture, nature and active travel, are ideal for those with a sense of adventure - people who want to leave the beaten path and authentically immerse themselves in a local culture or environment to experience the real world in a sustainable manner. Demonstrating its ongoing cultural, social and economic commitment to responsible tourism, G.A.P Adventures established the Planeterra Foundation, as a way the company and its passengers can give back to the communities visited. For more information, please visit http://www.gapadventures.com and http://www.planeterra.org or click the Gap Banner above for special deals.

Delta NonstopsBetween U.S. and Ecuador

July 18, 2008 on 8:23 am | In Airlines, California, Chicago, East Coast, Ecuador, Florida, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Rockies, San Diego, San Francisco, South America, Southwest, Texas, The South | Comments Off

Delta Air Lines announced changes to its Ecuador schedule to offer nonstop flights between Atlanta and Quito, as well as Guayaquil. Delta currently offers one daily flight from Atlanta to Ecuador that stops in both Quito and Guayaquil before returning to Atlanta.

Starting Sept. 5, 2008, Delta will split the route and offer nonstop service in each direction between Atlanta and Quito. Nonstop service in each direction between Atlanta and Guayaquil starts Dec. 1

Worldwide Adventure with Saga Holidays

July 17, 2008 on 9:48 am | In Adventure Travel, Africa, Airlines, Asia, Australia, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Cabinweb, California, Canada, Caribbean, Central America, Chicago, China, Costa Rica, Cruise Boats, East Coast, Europe, Festivals, Florida, Great Lakes, India, Las Vegas, London, Mexico, Miami, Middle East, New South Wales, New York City, New Zealand, Ontario, Pacific Islands, Rail Tours, Saudia Arabia, Scotland, South Africa, South America, St. Lucia, Sydney, Toronto, Turks Caicos, USA, United Kingdom, Wales, Webbandstand | Comments Off

Recent research conducted by Saga Holidays reveals that two thirds (63 percent) of over 50s didn’t travel abroad on holiday until they were adults. 82 percent of respondents over 65 believe they have made up for it in later life, whilst 50-64 year olds are doing everything possible to explore new and exciting destinations.

Australia’s dramatic scenery and historical Commonwealth ties make it the most popular desired destination, with 44 percent of respondents saying they would like to explore the country. Of those who would consider releasing equity from their homes, 36 percent said they would use it to travel the world.

Gap years, once the sole domain of adventurous university students, are being taken to the next level by their parents and grandparents who continue to show they have huge amounts of energy by trekking through the old hippy trails of Nepal, clambering through jungle excursions in Borneo, and delving into the rain-forests of Costa Rica. The traditional backpacking destinations of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina are no longer reserved just for the young.

One third (30 percent) of children and grandchildren are envious of the travelling their parents and grandparents are doing. This is particularly clear for mothers and grandmothers who have just reached the age of retirement, and on average are taking nearly 2.5 holidays abroad each year. Films and books influence women in their travel decisions and aspirations with 40 percent naming literature (31 percent for men) and 26 percent naming movies (20 percent for men) as important factors, which may indicate why nearly all (91 percent) name scenery and three quarters (72 percent) name history as the main attraction of a place to visit.

There is little doubt the adventurous programme Saga Holidays offers is hitting the right spot. 80 percent of all respondents take two or more holidays per year and the company reports substantial increases in requests for special interest wildlife, music and art appreciation holidays.

Nearly all respondents (97 percent) have already visited the European mainland, and whilst only a small number has visited Antarctica (one percent), it is high on the list of places to visit (21 percent), along with South America (31 percent).

When asked if an annual event would influence them to travel to a destination, music played a large part; however at opposite ends of the spectrum, 50 year olds were more likely to choose the Rio Carnival in Brazil (19 percent), whilst 65 and over named opera festivals (15 percent).

Only six percent of all respondents to the survey, carried out by Populus, were worried their newly found freedom to travel would impact on how much they passed onto their families, preferring instead to ensure they travelled and tasted the ever changing face of travel for the over 50s.

For further details on Saga Holidays please call 0800 056 5880 or visit www.saga.co.uk/travelshop

Religious Travel Year of Faith Tourism

July 17, 2008 on 8:58 am | In Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Cancun Cozumel Yucatan, Caribbean, Central America, Chicago, China, Colombia, Czech, East Coast, Europe, France, Germany, Great Lakes, India, Israel, Italy, London, Los Angeles, Mexico, Miami, Middle East, New South Wales, New York City, New Zealand, Ontario, Orlando, Pacific Islands, Panama, Paris, Philippines, Rome, San Diego, San Francisco, Saudia Arabia, Scotland, Slovakia, South Africa, South America, Switzerland, Sydney, Texas, The South, Toronto, USA, United Kingdom, Virgin Islands, Wales | Comments Off

The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) designated 2009 as The Year of Faith Tourism.

The year-long celebrations and activities will: Highlight the New Era of Faith Tourism; Increase the awareness of the personal and communal benefits of Faith Tourism;

and contribute to the overall growth and health of the global economy, travel industry, and individual travel providers.

The official host of The Year of Faith Tourism is the World Religious Travel Association, the leading organization dedicated to the $18 billion faith-based travel, tourism, and hospitality industry.

As part of its kick-off for The Year of Faith Tourism, the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) is hosting this fall the World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference in Orlando from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1, 2008.

To learn more about The Year of Faith Tourism, visit the official website at www.faithtourism2009.com.

For more information about the World Religious Travel Association or the World Religious Travel Expo, call 800-657-1288 or visit www.religioustravelassociation.com

and www.religioustravelexpo.com

MEET MARCELA MANGABEIRA

July 17, 2008 on 6:54 am | In Brazil, South America, Webbandstand | Comments Off

Brazilian Music Connection (BMC) is launching in the Netherlands SIMPLES, the new music CD of Marcela Mangabeira. This honeyed and seductive voice is one of the most promising acts in the Brazilian Music scene today. She is dotted with very soft and relaxed vocal hues, with so much melody, so jazzy, so Bossa Novaish…

Marcela started her singing career in 1998 and has toured through Europe as guest singer with the group BossaCucaNova. Marcela was discovered by Roberto Menescal - the greatest living legend in the Bossa Nova scene.

Lifetree Adventures Voluntourism Programs

July 17, 2008 on 6:53 am | In Cabinweb, Central America, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru, South America | Comments Off

Lifetree Adventures, a Christian tour operator based in Loveland, Colo., recently launched tours to meet the growing demand for Christian travel, and is the first of its kind to offer voluntourism specifically from a Christian approach.

Lifetree Adventures is a new travel option that’s part vacation and part Christian service, enabling Christian travelers to put faith into action while exploring the world. Every Lifetree Adventure has two key components:

adventure activities and Christian service projects — packaged into one trip. With tours operating in the fall of 2008, participants can discover exotic destinations while serving the needs of indigenous people through eight trips to four Latin American countries: Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala and Peru.

In 2009, Lifetree Adventures will offer 30 trips in 12 countries as well as the U.S.

Lifetree Adventures is a new division of Group Workcamps Foundation, a leading non-profit mission organization offering Christian service trips for youth and adults for over 30 years. Through Group Workcamps, more than 250,000 volunteers have provided more than seven million hours of volunteer service to projects in hundreds of U.S. and international locations.

For more information, call 800-747-2157 or visit www.lifetreeadventures.com

Visas not necessary in Ecuador

July 17, 2008 on 6:21 am | In Adventure Travel, Argentina, Beachbooker, Bolivia, Brazil, Cabinweb, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Florida, Guyana, Miami, Paraguay, Peru, South America, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela | Comments Off

The President of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, ordered that starting this month, visas will not be required for citizens of any nationality who intend to enter Ecuador for tourism and stay for a period of 90 days.

Avenida de los Volcanes implements tourism road signs

The municipalities of Ruminahui, Mejia and the metropolitan district of Quito form a territory with several touristic alternatives for activities such as mountaineering, hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, camping, photography and educational activities, as well as services offered by the local population.

Cruise ‘Le Diamant Falklandss, South Georgia, Antarctic

July 15, 2008 on 1:42 pm | In Adventure Travel, Argentina, Australia, Chile, Cruise Boats, London, New South Wales, Sailing, Scotland, South America, South Australia, Sydney, Tasmania, United Kingdom, Victoria, Wales | Comments Off

Book by 31 August 2008 to receive special pricing of Euros 3660.00 plus euro 100 onboard credit per cabin.

Get carried away by the sound of waves and let your mind wander. Lean on the rail and ponder the immensity of the ocean. Dream away - you have time for that aboard Le Diamant.

On board Le Diamant, there is always a choice of menus with carefully selected high quality items prepared for you by an experienced staff who maintain the highest standards afloat. The atmosphere on board allows the guest to rediscover the value of time You will love the spacious cabins, some with private balcony and others with panoramic sea view.113 air conditioned cabins and suites range from 17 to 37 m2. All have seaview, 10 have private balcony, and each has a double or twin beds, private bathroom with bathtub or shower, bathrobes, minibar, flat screen satellite tv, radio with music channels, DVD player and telephone.

In the Main lounge, you will enjoy entertainments and lectures .

If you prefer a more intimate style, enjoy the calm of the library, the conviviality of the smaller lounges, or relax in the Observation Lounge with its panoramic views.

For relaxation, a small fitness room, pool, massage room and hairdresser are available.

Future Vacations New Price Match Policy

July 15, 2008 on 11:26 am | In Adventure Travel, Africa, Alaska, Alberta, Antigua Barbuda Anquilla, Argentina, Aruba Bonaire Curacao, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, British Columbia, Cabo, California, Canada, Cancun Cozumel Yucatan, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Central America, Chicago, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czech, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Dubai, East Coast, Ecuador, El Salvador, Europe, Finland, Florida, France, French West Indies, Germany, Great Lakes, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Hawaiian Islands, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Labrador, Las Vegas, Lichtenstein, London, Los Angeles, Luxwmbourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Manitoba, Mauritania, Mexico, Miami, Middle East, Midwest, Monaco, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, NWT, Namibia, Netherlands, New Brunswick, New England, New York City, Newfoundland, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Orlando, PEI, Pacific Northwest, Panama, Paraguay, Paris, Peru, Plains States, Puerto Rico, Quebec, Rockies, Rome, Russia, Rwanda, San Diego, San Francisco, Saskatchewan, Saudia Arabia, Scotland, Slovakia, South Africa, South America, Southwest, Spain, St. Kitts Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Texas, The Keys, The South, Toronto, Trinidad Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turks Caicos, USA, Uganda, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Venezuela, Virgin Islands, Wales, Yugoslavia, Yukon, Zaire, Zambia, Zanzibar | Comments Off

Future Vacations launched a new Price Match policy. Under terms of the new policy that will match any competitor’s price on comparable vacation packages within three hours, ensuring that travelers always receive the best value for their vacation dollar.

Travel agents or consumers who book a Future Vacations package and find a lower price on a comparable package elsewhere can call Future Vacations’ new Price Match Hotline – 800-373-7801 – and speak directly to a Price Match Specialist for immediate service.

Comparable packages must feature the same airline, hotel, room category, travel dates and inclusions (e.g.: rental car, ground transfers, theme park/show tickets, etc.). For the fastest service, calls must be made during the following Price Match business hours: Monday to Saturday 9 am to 7 pm EST and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm EST.

Calls made outside of these hours will receive a return call the following business day. If Future Vacations is unable to match the price of a package, travelers will receive a $25 travel credit for future use.

The Price Match Policy is effective now and until further notice on all packages in the Future Vacations portfolio, which spans the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Hawaii, Mexico, Europe, South America, Africa and the Middle East.

For telephone reservations, call 800-456-2323.

ResortQuest Partners with Interhome

July 15, 2008 on 11:09 am | In Adventure Travel, Africa, Alaska, Asia, Australia, Beachbooker, Cabinweb, California, Canada, Caribbean, Central America, Chicago, East Coast, Europe, Florida, France, Germany, Great Lakes, Hawaiian Islands, Hotels, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Mexico, Miami, Middle East, Midwest, New England, New York City, Orlando, Pacific Islands, Pacific Northwest, Paris, Plains States, Rome, San Diego, San Francisco, Scotland, South America, Southwest, Spa Resorts, Sports Travel, Spring Break, Switzerland, Texas, The Keys, The South, Toronto, USA, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Wales, Yugoslavia | Comments Off

Effective July 31, 2008, ResortQuest and Interhome will enter into a partnership to create the largest vacation rental management network in the world.

ResortQuest and Interhome will continue to operate independently under their respective brand names, providing the ultimate in vacation rental product, service, quality and selection to customers and homeowners alike.

New initiatives and expansion have been a focus of ResortQuest over the past twelve months. In December 2007, they launched the ResortQuest Partner Program. This program allows property management companies to partner with ResortQuest and benefit from its strong online presence and web marketing. Partners have the advantage of quality link building, better search rankings, shared best practices, and enhanced homeowner perks. The new partnership with Interhome greatly enhances this competitive advantage.