Jetsettersblog

INCLUDING A NEW PRIVATE JOURNEY TO VENEZUELA

Cox & Kings has launched its new Latin America brochure for 2009, featuring a comprehensive programme of escorted group tours, private journeys and tailor-made holidays throughout Central and South America, and Antarctica.

An inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘The Lost World’, Venezuela is home to tabletop mountains and waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, emerald green lakes and lowland plains. Cox & Kings’ new group tour Venezuela: Journey to a Lost World (page 57) explores the natural beauty of this fascinating country over 11 nights.

“We’re delighted to be launching travel to Venezuela for 2009” says Cox & Kings’ Latin America Product Manager Vessela Baleva. “It offers some of the most beautiful, unexplored scenery in the entire continent and Cox & Kings’ new ‘discovery tour’ really showcases the breadth of what we can offer in Latin America, from super luxury in Chile or Brazil to more adventurous tours in Guyana or Bolivia, and now in Venezuela.”

Cox & Kings has reported Central America to be the company’s fastest growing area in the region over the last 12 months, with bookings to Cuba and Belize both up by more than 50% on last year. In recognition of the region’s recent success, Cox & Kings has launched a new private journey Grand Tour of Central America (Page 63), which explores Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Guatemala. Central America Product Manager Marie-Louisa Lowther explains “we have been seeing more and more tailor-made requests for holidays combining these Central American countries. Our new private journey makes an ideal two-week introduction, or can be used as inspiration for flexible, tailor-made visits.” Prices start from £4,295 per person.

The company has also launched two new private journeys in Mexico following sustained interest in the area. Vessela Baleva says “the inclusion of Chichen Itza in the New Seven Wonders of the World has really helped promote the Mayan sites of Mexico, and we’re seeing increasing numbers of people venture further off the beaten track, travelling away from the beaches to visit the jungle and fascinating hidden ruins.”

A Luxury Journey Through Mexico (Page 68) is a new luxury private journey that combines Chichen Itza with a visit to the most splendid northern colonial cities. Stay in luxurious and carefully restored colonial hotels and haciendas throughout, and finish on the Pacific coast near the enchanting fishing village of Zihuatanejo. 12 nights from £3,845 per person.

Another area stimulating interest is the Peruvian Amazon. 60% of Peru is covered by the Amazon basin; an area that is home to 10,000,000 living species, including 2,000 fish species, 1,200 birds and nearly 300 mammals. Wildlife and environment enthusiasts will appreciate this undiscovered region, and the best way to see it is by river. Take a seven-night cruise onboard Delfin (Page 20) or combine a luxury three night cruise on Aqua with the boutique Inkaterra properties on the new Exclusive Peru private journey.

NEW: Exclusive Peru (Page 21): This 11-night luxury private journey includes a three-night cruise on the luxurious ‘floating hotel’ designed by famed Peruvian architect Jordi Puig. Stay in Inkaterra’s sumptuous new Cusco property ‘La Casona’, visit Machu Picchu and experience the country’s outstanding gastronomy while staying in luxurious boutique hotels. Prices from £5,095 per person.

NEW: Ecuador Nature Trails (Page 32): This 11-night private journey explores Ecuador’s countryside and natural reserves, home to vast collections of interesting flora and fauna. Highlights include visits to the Amazon, cloud forest, thermal hot springs and botanical gardens. Prices from £3,075 per person.

NEW: Chile & Argentina: Across the Andes (Page 38): This private journey allows you to explore dramatic scenery of rivers, lakes, snow-capped volcanoes, pristine forests and glaciers on both sides of the Andes over 18 days. Visit Chiloe Island, with its distinct culture and traditional wooden villages; travel through the scenic ‘Seven Lake Route’ in Argentina and finish in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. From £3,845 per person.

NEW: Boutique Argentina (Page 46): This 11-night luxury private journey combines the culture and glamour of Buenos Aires; the beauty of the country’s landscape of lakes, mountains and glaciers; and Mendoza, the ‘land of sun and good wine’ in the foothills of the high Andes. Stay in carefully selected small hotels that capture the spirit of Argentina. From £4,585 per person.

NEW: Argentina: Secrets of the North (Page 47): Discover a lesser-known Argentina on this 13-night luxury private journey that combines the wildlife of the second largest wetlands in South America, the UNESCO World Heritage ruins of the Jesuit missions, the spectacular Iguazu Falls, and the striking scenery and unusual culture of the northwest, a region once settled by the Incas. Prices from £4,895 per person.

NEW: Copper Canyon & Baja Peninsula (Page 68): Discover some of Mexico’s most dramatic scenery on this 10-night private journey that combines one of the greatest train rides in the world with the rugged and desolate landscape of the Baja Peninsula. Travel through the grassy plains, pine forests and stunning canyons of the Sierra Madre to the hot deserts, cactus shoreline and sandy bays of the Sea of Cortez.

From £2,895 per person.

Tara Tours is offering a new Amazon program, the Amazon Rain Forest Cruise, priced at $1,870 per person double occupancy, including airfare and an Amazon cruise on the Manatee River Boat.

The tour departs every Sunday.

Included are five days/four nights aboard the Manatee River Boat with all meals, shore excursions, guided boat and land excursions; main deck cabin with two lower beds, air conditioned, hot water and private bathrooms; two nights in Quito at the hotel Dann Carlton (one at the beginning and one at the end of the cruise); all transfers on arrival and departure; local airfare Quito-Coca-Quito; entrance fees; assistance of our local representative in Quito, Coca and while on the cruise; $20 Yasuni National Park Entrance fee; $25 Parrot Clay Lick fee; and international airfare from Miami via American or Lan Airlines.

The price is $1,870 per person double occupancy. Not included is travel insurance and any other service not specifically mentioned in the included section. If you want to use your own airfare, deduct $500 to the cost of tour package.

For more information, call 800-327-0080 or visit www.taratours.com  or www.galapagos-amazoncruises.com

With our present economic situation and the increasingly fragile state of our environment, savvy travelers are looking for new adventure travel opportunities that combine unique outdoor components, responsible travel, cultural immerision, and value pricing. Aventouras is a company that specializes in this kind active, unusual, and value-oriented travel that includes adventures to Latin American destinations.

Itineraries include activities such as a multi-day hike through the jungle of northern Guatemala or snorkeling among the islands of the indigenous San Blas archipelago on the Caribbean coast of Panama. Other activities include mountain biking to the Ancient Maya center of Caracol or sea kayaking the remote and pristine Sapodilla Cayes in Belize, climbing an active volcano in Guatemala, and flying through the canopy on zip lines in Costa Rica or Panama, and hiking Lake Cuicocha’s shoreline or rafting the Class III Toachi and Blanco rivers in Ecuador.

Small group sizes of twelve or less allow adventurers access into lodges and communities that are simply not available to larger tourist groups. There is always a personal touch - largely in getting to know the guides and experiencing the local culture through community run eco-lodges in each destination country. To sweeten the deal,

Aventouras works with STI to purchase carbon offsets for each travelers journey. Trip lengths generally range from a week to ten days, and prices generally run under $2500 with a supplement for single occupancy. Prices include all activities, meals, lodging, guides, and in-country transportation. Aventouras offers trips to Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, and Guatemala in Central America, and Peru, Ecuador, and the Galapagos in South America.

www.Aventouras.com

Get ready to shake, rattle and salsa at this year’s FIESTA - Australia’s largest annual Latin American festival at Darling Harbour from 3 – 6 October.

For three days and nights Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority will present 70 groups (dance and bands) consisting of 500 performers on outdoor stages at The Aquashell Harbourside, Palm Grove and Tumbalong Park.

FIESTA kicks off at 6.30pm on Friday 3 October with FIESTA Nights at the Harbourside Amphitheatre followed by a spectacular Fireworks Display at 8.00pm to launch the 1st night of the festival.

The very best of Australia’s Latin, Cuban, Brazilian and Spanish dancers and bands will be featured throughout the festival including Chukale, Sonora Galaxia, Salsa Kings, Mi Tierra, Club Havana Band and Mucho Mambo along with international performers Fulanito, Ariel Puchetta and Puroson.

FIESTA Nights continue on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 6.30pm with some of the hottest talent in Latin music and dance performing live on the Harbourside Aquashell floating stage.

‘Dance Stage’ in Palm Grove is where everyone can learn a few sultry Latin moves from salsa dance groups performing and conducting FREE dance classes and Palm Grove is where special guest performers from the South Pacific Dancesport Championships will demonstrate the tango and cha cha

Adding spice to FIESTA, a delicious range of Latin American and Spanish food stalls offering a variety of culinary treats such as traditional paella, tacos and enchiladas can be found at Tumberlong Park.

Qué: FIESTA 2008
Cuándo: 3 – 6 October (long weekend)
Dónde: Darling Harbour
A qué hora: 6.30pm Friday 3 October, Fireworks at 8pm.Look out for the full FIESTA program, coming soon on www.darlingharbour.com

Get ready to shake, rattle and salsa at this year’s FIESTA - Australia’s largest annual Latin American festival at Darling Harbour from 3 – 6 October.

On international long-haul distance flights from South America operated by LAN, passengers will now be able to take advantage of a new on-board programming offer that places LAN among the airlines that offer the most variety and onboard entertainment in the world.

The Economy Class has been in complete renovation and now offers high-resolution individual screens with movie formats in every one of the seats. This translates into over 85 alternatives; 32 new and all-time favorite movies, 55 channels that show series and documentaries.

For more information, visit www.lan.com

Explore Egypt with a tourist guide

Hailed as “the travel service innovation of 2008″ by the Irish Times

OurExplorer facilitates with ease the on-line booking of professional tourist guides from all over the world. Save time and money while you explore your next destination with the wisdom and guidance of a local.

Have you ever thought whilst visiting a new destination, “I wonder where the locals eat, drink, fish, ski, shop or party?” OurExplorer suggests its time for us all to stop simply sight-seeing but rather start exploring with the local wisdom and knowledge of a professional tourist guide.

OurExplorer has launched a new travel concept in BETA, a user-rated tourist guide booking tool created exclusively for your personal travel needs.

As the global financial crisis still looms, OurExplorer can save travellers hassle and money by getting the maximum out of their overseas adventure with a private tourist guide.

Enjoy the insight of the best shopping and value for money dining experiences in a city, directly from a native. Some tourist guides are currently offering special discounted rates and free tour hours on OurExplorer.

OurExplorer promote professional tourist guides only. Pre booking, the traveller can view their experience, license, past client testimonials or even chat with the tourist guide.

OurExplorer launched in July 2008 with now over 400 private tourist guides covering more than 80 countries worldwide — making it the biggest professional tourist guide directory in the world and growing all the time!

Make your trip overseas unique and full of adventure.
You book your flight and accommodation on-line, why not your tourist guide?
Get a tourist guide for land (city guide, mountain guide) or sea (diving guide).

Purpose of OurExplorer:

1. To help tourist guides increase their income thereby benefiting the local community - especially those in poor countries e.g. Kenya, Mexico and Cambodia.

2. Increase cross cultural awareness and acceptance via direct connection with locals e.g. people in USA get the chance to understand those in Pakistan and Israel

“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry but it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends,” said Mahatma Gandhi.

“Less than 9.7% of overseas travelers interact in meaningful discussion with a local,” according to the Tourism 2020 Vision reported by WTO.

The IMF concluded in March 2007 that “direct support of independent local businesses when you travel has the most positive results on local economy”.

“Rather than just donating money, OurExplorer is a sustainable long term solution to help low income families globally,” said David Cunningham (Chief Exploring Officer).

Taca informed that El Salvador will request travelers to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate as a requirement for entry into the country. Countries which must comply with these requirements are: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela and the African continent.

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.

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.

If you enjoy traveling by train and to be in contact with nature, from Curitiba (Capital of the State of Paraná) you can make a fantastic train trip, starting at the heights of the Paraná plateau, going down through the Atlantic Rainforest to the picturesque colonial town of Morretes, with the possibility to go as far as to the port city of Paranaguá. There are two trains departing on a daily basis from Curitiba: at 8 a.m. the regular train and at 9 a.m. the tourist train (equipped with air conditioning).

The train arrives in Morretes by lunch time. Tip: in one of the typical restaurants lining the river that runs through the town, try “BARREADO” (traditional local dish of beef stewed in a sealed clay pot for 24 hours). Be ready for a feast…

If you must, the train returning to Curitiba leaves at 3:00pm. However, having time, stay overnight in one of the “pousadas” (inns) of Morretes. Linger the evening and savor the charm of the town and the riverside walk, the local live music and some of friendliest people you’ll ever hope to meet. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, this region offers eco-tourism options: many trails (easy as well as mountainous), waterfalls, rivers and spectacular flora and fauna in and around the rainforest of Marumbi State Park.

If you go further (by train) to Paranaguá, from there you can catch a ferry to Ilha do Mel (Honey Island), one of the sweetest eco-paradise islands of the South coast of Brazil.

Operated by Serra Verde Express, the whole train trip (Curitiba to Paranaguá) takes a total of 4 hours (110 km), crossing 13 tunnels (through granite) and 67 bridges. The journey owes its appeal to the engineering feats accomplished in the construction of the railway (1885) as well as to the natural beauty and cultural attractions along its path.

According to “Lonely Planet”, the train trip from Curitiba to Paranaguá as a must see in Brazil!