Jetsettersblog

Planning your honeymoon escape? Check out Bales Worldwide’s ultimate Honeymoon Collection for the latest in romantic inspiration. From sunset drinks in the desert beauty of India’s Rajasthan, to the breathtaking scenery of Canada’s wilderness, a wildlife extravaganza in South Africa, to the natural wonders of New Zealand – a range of stunning honeymoon locations await! Visit THIS LINK

New Zealand – Top to Bottom in 20 days
Check out the best of New Zealand with this 20 day itinerary. Variety is the key – journey from idyllic Waiheke Island, to the bustling streets of Auckland and through a land steeped in colonial and Maori culture. Experience the sulphurous springs of Rotorua, enjoy Napier’s Art Deco elegance, and sip a tipple or two at Hawkes Bay vineyards. Head to the South Island for whale watching off the Kaikoura Peninsula, adrenaline filled adventure in Queenstown and the rich majesty of Milford Sound.

The deluxe accommodation throughout allows in you to relax in style, from the chic boutique style of the Boatshed on Waiheke Island, to the secluded retreat that is Treetops Lodge near Rotorua.

Prices start from £4,825 per person based on two sharing, including return flights, accommodation, car hire, transfers, most meals and a number of honeymoon special offers including wine and food hampers, a 4WD safari, Michelin star cookery courses and wine tasting.

South Africa – Wildlife Safari to Beach Paradise
This ten day extravaganza starts with a chance to unwind at The Long Beach Hideaway outside Cape Town.

Be pampered at this beautiful beachside location overlooking eight miles of unspoilt white sand, with uninterrupted views of Hout Bay and Table Mountain. On day four fly to Port Elizabeth and the Shamwari Game Reserve, for wild game viewing and luxury lodge accommodation. After two days of game drives, it off to the pristine beaches of the Indian Ocean and the Oceana Beach and Wildlife reserve for a 5-star food and spa experience. Finally, head to the Art Deco masterpiece that is Shamwari Townhouse in Port Elizabeth.

Savour a drink in the Champagne Lounge, indulge your taste buds with fine foods and be pampered with a spa treatment or two.

Prices start from £3,119 per person based on two sharing, including return flights, transfers, most meals, free lodge upgrade at Shamwari Game Reserve and free spa experience at Oceana Beach.

Canada – Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is a truly unique hideaway, located near Tofino on Vancouver Island. Arrive in style on a float plane from Vancouver, before settling into one of 20 luxury tents and enjoying a private candlelit dinner. The white tents, set under the rainforest canopy, are raised on platforms and are beautifully furnished, complete with queen sized bed.

Gourmet meals are created by highly skilled chefs in the main building’s open kitchen, and wonderful fresh picnics can also be provided – why not head off to a secluded glade for a romantic meal al fresco? Enjoy a free two hour massage, wallow in one of the three wood fired hot tubs, try your hand at kayaking, fishing and rock climbing, or head off on a peaceful horse ride through the unspoilt landscape.

Prices start from £4,500 per person based on two sharing in September, including flights, transfers, accommodation and most meals.

India – Romantic Rajasthan

Escape the tourist trail in romantic Rajasthan and stay in a series of luxury camps that surpass all expectations. Your honeymoon starts in Jaipur, at the stunning Samode Bagh camp located in the beautiful Mughai gardens near the Samode Palace. From here, head to rural Rajasthan to stay at Chhatra Sagar tented camp. This tranquil haven has 11 exquisite tents overlooking a lake teeming with wildlife - marvel at the hand painted floors and enjoy some of Rajasthan’s finest cuisine.

On day 6 transfer to the wonderfully peaceful Deogarh Khayyam camp, set on the shores of a beautiful lake in the Arvalli Mountains. From this tranquil waterside location, head to the heart of the desert and the Manvar Desert Camp.

Set amidst the sand dunes between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, this camp offers spectacular sunsets, fabulous local dancers and musicians, plus the opportunity for a camel ride or jeep safari. Your final location is the fabulous Wilderness Camp west of Rohet, which comprises of just six exclusive tents surrounded by dunes and scrubland.

Prices start from £1,995 per person between 1st October and 10th December based on two sharing, including return flights, accommodation, sightseeing, excursions, transfers and most meals.

Romantic Indochina

A journey through wonderfully scenic Vietnam and Cambodia is great honeymoon option. This 14 day itinerary takes you from the elegant French-colonial Hanoi in Vietnam to the majestic temple complex of Angkor in Cambodia, via a myriad of wonderful locations.

The trip includes a two night traditional junk cruise of Halong Bay, a visit to Vietnam’s former capital of Hue, a river tour to Minh Mang’s tomb, an excursion to the Forbidden Purple City, and a chance to relax on the white sands of Hoi An.

Visit awesome UNESCO World Heritage Sites and reserves, stay in luxury accommodation such as The Residence Hotel and Spa in Hue, savour world class cuisine, explore temples and pagodas, and take in the stunning scenery throughout.

The itinerary includes two full days to explore the breathtaking Ankgor Wat and its surrounding temples and monuments.

Prices start from £2495 per person based on two sharing, for travel between 1 April and 30 June 2009, including return flights, transfers, accommodation and most meals. This also includes free room upgrades at all hotels.

Boutique Peru

This 13 day holiday offers Peruvian highlights, coupled with exceptional boutique accommodation.

Luxurious and eco-friendly, these exceptional hotels present a new range of boutique options that offer all meals and a full range of services. Kick off with a day exploring historic Lima, before flying to Puerto Maldonado and the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica – reached by a 1 hour canoe ride!

Stay in your own thatched cabin set on a raised platform, complete with private bathroom and hammocks on the terrace.

Enjoy two days of activities and excursions from bird watching and photography, to wildlife observation and even astronomy! Day 6 and 7 take you to the Andes and the awe-inspiring remains of Machu Picchu – staying at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu. Your journey carries on to take in Cusco, before you fly to Juliaca for a stay on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Relax at the wonderful Hotel Titilaka which enjoys 270º views of the lake and offers pampering spa facilities.

Prices start from £3995 per person based on two sharing, including return flights, transfers, accommodation, sightseeing/excursions and most meals.

For reservations please call 0845 057 0600 or look online at
www.balesworldwide.com/honeymooncollection

International Expeditions, the world leader in nature travel, added a Sept. 18 Amazon Voyage departure to meet the overflow demands of its fast-filling summer and early fall tours.

Guests of the 10-day tour will save $300 per person with a free in-country airfare offer.

The tour was named one of National Geographic Traveler’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime” in the magazine’s May/June 2009 issue.

With 29 years of Peruvian rainforest exploration to its credit, the company offers intrepid travelers rare access to the most diverse ecosystem on Earth.

Guests have the opportunity to search for more than 100 kinds of birds, pink and gray Amazon River dolphins, 15 species of monkeys, sloths, giant otters and nocturnal animals such as caimans and capybaras.

In addition to hikes, daily outings through the nature reserves include explorations on small excursion boats, for access even further into the heart of the vast wetlands.

A highly experiential program, a highlight of the voyage is visiting with ribereños in their remote river villages, handing out school supplies to the children, and meeting with a local shaman.

Sharp-eyed local expert naturalists enhance each day of the journey through enlightening and vivid commentary.

Guests cruise aboard the 28-passenger La Amatista, specifically designed to sail the upper Amazon Basin.

When not in their spacious air-conditioned cabins, guests can relax in the dining parlor which has floor-to-ceiling windows, stargaze on the open-air top deck, or sip a cocktail while enjoying the low-key evening entertainment, courtesy of the ship’s local staff.

Per person prices for the Sept. 18 Amazon Voyage start at $3,048, including free in-country airfare (a value of $300 per person), accommodations, most meals, local transportation, guides and group transfers. Founded in 1980, International Expeditions is a world leader in nature travel, specializing in small group and independent journeys to the most exhilarating destinations around the globe. A pioneer of environmentally responsible travel,

International Expeditions is committed to preserving natural habitats and improving the welfare of the people and communities it visits.

For more information, call 800-633-4734, email nature@ietravel.com  or visit www.IEtravel.com

Southern Explorations
Justin Laycob
877-784-5400
justin@southernexplorations.com
www.southernexplorations.com

SEATTLE, Wash.—Many avid travelers put South America on their “See Someday” list, but it’s a challenge to find the time and money to get there.

Recently named “One of the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure magazine, Southern Explorations offers unique itineraries that combine South America’s major destinations in one trip, such as the Incan ruins of Peru’s Machu Picchu and the wildlife wonderland of Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands.

Five of Southern Explorations’ trips combine these two popular attractions in itineraries ranging from 10 to 18 days.

Galapagos visitors get a close-up view of the islands’ vast array of indigenous plant and animal species. They may choose from cruise-based tours that offer on and off-shore excursions to observe wildlife or active land-based multi-sport itineraries that include hiking, sea kayaking, snorkeling, mountain biking, and other activities.

In the magnificent Peruvian Andes, travelers walk the Inca Trail and explore major archeological sites in the heart of the Inca Empire before reaching its most famous ruins, the hidden city of Machu Picchu.

Visitors have the opportunity to shop at the colorful markets of Cusco and Chincheros along the way.

“These country combo trips are popular because most people don’t make multiple trips to South America,” said Southern Explorations president, Justin Laycob.

“We take travelers off the beaten track for an authentic experience, traveling in small groups with native bi-lingual guides familiar with the destinations.

For people with limited vacation time, this Ecuador-Peru adventure to the countries’ best known sights is a unique and cost-effective option.”

Southern Explorations arranges scheduled and customized departures, and discounts and special offers are currently available for select itineraries.

To view all of the Galapagos and Peru itineraries, click here.For more information or to book a trip with Southern Explorations, contact Justin Laycob at 877-784-5400 or visit the website at www.southernexplorations.com

The South American Sports Organization (ODESUR) has confirmed that the First South American Beach Games will be held from December 3 to 13 in Montevideo and Punta del Este, Uruguay and Surfing is going to be an official sport in this historic occasion.

Recently, Surfing has taken big strides on the long path towards Olympic Games participacion, something first requested by multi Olympic gold medallist Duke Kahanamoku in 1920. In October 2008 Surfing debuted in the first ever International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognized Beach Games that were held in Bali, Indonesia. Surfing was the most popular sport according to visitors’ votes on the official event webpage.

Now, in the first ever South American Beach Games, the Olympic Movement has invited Surfing once again in its newest and more and very promising event.

Fernando Aguerre, ISA President, said about the upcoming event: “The ISA is proud and honored to accept to organize the surfing competitions on this Beach Games.

This time aided by the Pan American Surfing Association (PASA) our organization will show the world that Surfing is a key sport for today’s youth.

Surfing and its attractive lifestyle are at the centre of beach culture around the world.

The inclusion of surfing in these inaugural Beach Games is a very wise move by ODESUR. Millions of surfers in South America are going to be very supportive of these Games.”

Dates are set. The famous Punta del Este will witness the best surfing of South America from December 9 to 13, 2009 in the waves of Montoya.
www.surfshelter.com

www.isasurf.org

Milestone birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day are all wonderful events to celebrate.

Why not make this year’s significant occasions particularly memorable with an active vacation shared with those special people in your life? Whether you prefer to celebrate with several friends and family members or with just one other person, BikeHike Adventures can design a private trip specifically for you.

Simply notify BikeHike of your desired dates and destination, and the company’s knowledgeable and friendly staff will customize an itinerary full of unique experiences in some of the world’s most exciting places at a great value.

While many tour companies offer customized private vacations, BikeHike Adventures is one of the few operations that will do so for groups of just two people. Named as one of National Geographic Adventure’s “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth”, BikeHike delivers superior customer service and crafts full itineraries lead by expert local guides - no matter the size of your group.

Whether you are looking for a family friendly vacation that your five-year old can enjoy or a thrilling active challenge, the company will tailor each trip to meet the activity level of the participants.

Every customer that travels with the company is provided with personal attention through the entire trip process.

All of BikeHike’s guides are native to the communities they serve, and many have led BikeHike trips for years. Each expedition’s accommodations, restaurants, transportation, and gear equipment have been vetted in advance by the BikeHike team to ensure they meet the company’s lofty standards for quality.

Imagine watching the dawn break at Machu Picchu with your significant other, sharing in the experience of white-water rafting the Pacuare River in Costa Rica with all your closest friends turning 40 this year, boating Vietnam’s Halong Bay with your son, or relaxing in Ecuador’s hotsprings with your mother.

Active vacations and are a great way to celebrate relationships and create lots of lasting memories in the process. BikeHike can arrange it all for you – on your schedule and to your activity and destination preferences – no matter your group size. Trips offer a range of difficulty so that there is something for everyone to enjoy, regardless of age or experience.

To make arrangements or learn more, please call BikeHike at 1-888-805-0061 or complete the online customized trip request form at  THI LINK.

About Bike Hike

Recognized by National Geographic Adventure Magazine as one of “The Best Adventure Travel Companies” and among “The Best Outfitters in the World”, BikeHike (www.bikehike.com ) specializes in small group Multi-sport Adventures in South and Central America, Canada, Europe, Oceania, Asia and Africa. BikeHike is committed to sustainable tourism practices that benefit the local communities and environment in the destinations they serve, and actively supports projects around the world to help raise cultural and social awareness.

The Globus family of brands is offering special prices on more than 20 vacations ranging from seven to 23 days to Central and South America. Until June 2 clients can receive $200 per person off the air-inclusive price of any 2009 Globus, Monograms or Avalon South American vacation.

Some examples include the following: New Amazonia Voyage with Rio & Iguassu (10 days) – After arriving in Rio de Janeiro, clients will take a ride along the Ipanema and Copacabana Beaches to the Sugar Loaf Mountains where they’ll ascend by cable car and take in the spectacular city.

They’ll also visit the statute of Christ the Redeemer crowning Corcovao Mountain and experience a Samba show. In Iguassu Falls, clients will experience the falls and take an ecological jungle train before boarding a flight to Brazil’s Amazon.

After exploring many sites of Manaus, clients will take a three-night, all-inclusive Amazon Cruise with excursions into the Amazon jungle, tributaries and local communities.

Those wanting more time in the Amazon can extend their journey four nights.

Priced from $4,056 (includes air from Miami and intra-tour flights).

Ecuador & The Galápagos (11 days) – This vacation lets clients sample the natural wonders of Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, including guided sightseeing in Quito, their photo taken at the “center of the world” and leisure time in Guayaquil. After flying over the Pacific to Baltra Island, clients will embark on an eight-day cruise of the Galápagos Islands.

Priced from $5,719 (land and intra-tour flights). Regional Discovery Tour: Natural Wonders of Costa Rica (nine days) – The tour begins in San José with a visit the National Theater and National Museum, then a tour of a banana plantation before reaching Tortuguero National Park, where clients will cruise through the canals, view amazing flora and fauna and enjoy a guided walk through the rainforest.

Next, they’ll transfer by boat to Sarapiqui and tour the Corsicana Pineapple Farm and travel through Tilajari Rainforest Reserve en route to Tilajari Resort, where they’ll experience Butterfly Garden, relax in the pools of Ecotermales Hot Springs and view Arenal Volcano.

Clients then go on to Poas Volcano National Park to see the magnificent La Paz Waterfall and Poas Volcano. Priced from $1,669 (land-only).

Independent Package:

Peru Highlights (seven days) – This Monograms vacation begins in Lima where clients will enjoy a guided tour of the city. Next they fly to Cuzco for city sightseeing and an introduction to various ancient sites.

They can enjoy an excursion to the town of Pisac to visit with locals and buy native wares before visiting the Incan fortress of Ollantaytambo.

They also will ride a train through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu where they can walk up to the Sun Gate, the ancient entrance used by the Incas. The visit at Machu Picchu is followed by more free time in Cuzco and Lima. Priced from $1,749 land- and intra-tour flights-only.

For information on Globus, visit www.globusjourneys.com  For information on Monograms, visit www.monogramstravel.com.

Located on the shores of Lake Titicaca in Peru, Titilaka Hotel now offers travelers the opportunity to sail across the highest navigable lake in the world on the hotel’s very own sailboat.

Resting at 12,535 feet above sea level, Lake Titicaca provides the perfect sailing experience amidst the beautiful plateaus of the Central Andes.

The sailboat, which seats a maximum of six people, was brought by road from Callao Sea Port to Puno where it sailed to the Titilaka Hotel.

“We are very excited to provide visitors to Lake Titicaca with this one-of-a-kind sailing experience,” says Ignacio Masias of the Andean Experience Co. “It is sure to spark some additional excitement for travelers to the hotel this summer.”

Located in the high plateaus of the Central Andes between Peru and Bolivia, Titilaka Resort features 18 fully serviced Lake View Suites complete with spa bathrooms and heated floors, and the choice between 14 different travel excursions.

For more information, please visit www.andean-experience.com/titilaka

South America summons the most intrepid of travellers. Visitors can scale the Andes, explore the immense Amazonian jungle, experience the world’s highest waterfall, driest desert, southernmost town or largest river.

The new Rough Guide to South America on a Budget is written by Rough Guide authors and eager bargain-hunters [students] and suggests lively itineraries, tips on crossing borders, outdoor activities, nightlife, history and even a pre-warning for your pallet – anyone for caldo de patas*?

Whether you want to saddle up with gauchos in Argentina, bargain at a Bolivian witches market, hitch a ride on a dune buggy across the Brazilian sands or follow in the footsteps of Darwin to the Galapagos, you’ll find everything you need in this new Rough Guide.

• Complete listings for hotels, hostels and restaurants

• Details of special events and festivals

• “Treat Yourself” boxes that feature great places and things worth splashing out on

• Be inspired with a full-colour introduction with highlights for every country.

Things not to miss…

Rio Carnaval, Brazil: Get ready for some serious partying at this legendary bacchanalia Otavalo Crafts Market, Ecuador: Shop for indigenous ceramics, musical instruments, and loom-woven sweaters at this colourful market.

Easter Island, Chile: Explore the mysterious, remote island known for its enigmatic moai statues.

Machu Picchu, Peru: Hike the ancient Inca Trail to this precipice-surrounded, awe-inspiring citadel.

Amazon Basin: Jungle trek and canoe through the largest rainforest on the planet

Paraguay: Spot spectacular birdlife in the wilderness of the Chaco.

Make the most of southern Brazil with one of Rough Guides tailored itineraries…

Rio – The beaches, the samba, the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer, Rio has it all.

Ouro Preto – Towns don’t come much more attractive with cobblestone streets and colonial buildings. Belo Horizonte – A big city that doesn’t always feel like one thanks to its parks and European feel.

Brasilia – Experience a vision of the future, circa 1960, courtesy of Niemeyer’s modernist architecture.

The Pantanal – Check out the huge array of wildlife in these vast wetlands.

Ilha de Santa Catarina – Some of the best beaches in the country can be found near Florianopolis.

Serra Gaucha – Canela and Gramada serve two nearby parks with crashing waterfalls, climbs and hikes.

“Jam-packed with essential information for the budget-conscious traveller”
The Daily Express, on The Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget

“Essential reading for anyone planning a trip to South-East Asia”
The Sunday Telegraph on The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia on a Budget

Celebrity Cruises will mark its 11th season sailing in South American in December 2010.

The season will include visits to 30 ports in 13 countries. Celebrity opened its winter 2010-11 Panama Canal and South America cruises and cruise-tours for sale on April 30.

Celebrity Infinity will sail four 14-night Panama Canal cruises between Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles.

The Panama Canal cruises in the 2010-11 season also include two 14-night “South America and Canal” voyages, two 14-night canal cruises between Fort Lauderdale and San Diego, and a 16-night repositioning cruise to Seattle on April 24.

Between the Panama Canal portions of the season, Infinity will sail six 14-night cruises throughout South America. These voyages, taking place from mid-December 2010 through February 2011, include sailings through the Straits of Magellan between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Valparaiso, Chile, most of which feature an overnight stay in Buenos Aires.

There will also be two Antarctica cruises roundtrip from Buenos Aires that will sail through the region, past several Antarctica islands.

Each of these cruises features a visit to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, as well as cruising by Elephant Island, Paradise Bay, and Gerlache Strait in Antarctica.

Celebrity also offers escorted land tours in combination with cruises departing from or arriving in Buenos Aires and Valparaiso.

The land packages include hotel accommodations, ground transfers, some meals, and time for independent shopping, dining and sightseeing.

The four-night “Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls” package includes visits to a gaucho estancia, Buenos Aires’ old San Telmo region, and the trendy Puerto Madero neighborhood.

The package also includes a short inland flight to Iguazu Falls, where guests spend two days exploring during included tours and a Zodiac ride along the lower Iguazu River. The five-night “Machu Picchu Adventure” land package includes train travel to and from Machu Picchu and four hours at the site. Also included is a tour of Cuzco, as well as a city tour of Lima. Several inland flights are included.

Country Walkers is celebrating its 30th anniversary in adventure travel with two new “Giving Back” tours in Vermont and Egypt.

The company will donate 100 percent of the profits from these anniversary tours to local community service initiatives in these regions. On the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Country Walkers is giving back to the communities in which it operates.

On Besaw Island in Egypt, Country Walkers is working with local families to develop and maintain the Good Farming Project, which includes the purchase of cows, fencing materials, farm training and veterinary supplies to benefit the families on this remote island.

Guests on the Egypt: The Legendary Nile a la Carte tour will have the opportunity to visit Besaw Island and meet with the families.

Pricing begins at $6,598 per person, with departures on Oct. 21 and Nov. 11. The Vermont 30th Anniversary Trip was designed to give back to Country Walkers’ home state.

On day three of this special anniversary adventure, guests have the opportunity to work with Vermont’s Green Mountain Club to preserve the Long Trail system — the oldest long-distance trail in the United States.

Pricing begins at $2,398 per person. The six-day anniversary trip departs Sept. 13, with additional Vermont itineraries departing Sept. 20, Sept. 27, and Oct. 4.

In addition to donating 100 percent of the profits from its Egypt and Vermont 30th anniversary tours, Country Walkers has implemented several other initiatives to benefit local communities, including: in December 2008, Country Walkers began funding another sustainable farm in Daharampani, Nepal, making contributions to the project on behalf of Country Walkers guests. The funds have been used to purchase goats, medicine, fencing, feed, and training for the villagers.

Guests on Country Walkers’ Annapurna Trek & Seti River Excursion will have a chance to view this project first-hand. Pricing begins at $3,698 per person, with departures on Oct. 26 and Nov. 10.

Launched in 2003, the Patacancha Dormitory Project has raised more than $13,000 to build a dormitory for children in Patacancha, Peru — a small village 13,000 feet in the Andes.

Country Walkers worked with tour guests to raise money for the two-story dorm, which houses local schoolchildren. The company and its guests continue to contribute to the dormitory project with additional funding, school supplies, games, and clothing. Country Walkers visits Patacancha, Peru, with Machu Picchu & The Sacred Valley (10 departures May through December, starting at $3,698 per person) and a nine-day adventure through the Cordillera Vilcabamba on Peru Trek: An Inn-to-Inn Adventure (departures on Aug. 5, Aug. 19, Sept. 16 and Oct. 7, priced from $4,098 per person).

For more information, visit www.countrywalkers.com