Jetsettersblog

Visitors can be Super Man or Wonder Woman for a day at Comic-Con International, July 23 – 26, at the San Diego Convention Center. Comic-Con has become a signature summertime event for San Diego; it is the largest comics and pop culture event in the United States, attracting thousands of artists, celebrities and fans of comic books, movie memorabilia and all things related to pop culture. For more information, call 619-491-2475, or visit www.comic-con.org .

San Diego’s culinary community joins forces during September 13 – 18 for San Diego Restaurant Week. More than a hundred of the region’s top restaurants offer prix-fixe, three-course dinner menus at just $20, $30 or $40 per person, so visitors can sample the signature cuisine and sophisticated style that make San Diego’s dining scene one of the region’s top attractions.

For more information, call 858-523-9020, or visit www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com .

The “turf meets the surf” at the Del Mar Racetrack where home racing fans flock each summer to wager on their favorite horses during the popular, annual Del Mar Thoroughbred Club racing season, July 22 – September 9.

The races run six days weekly, except Tuesday. Every Friday, guests can catch 4 O’Clock Fridays, a free headliner concert following the day’s last race.

On September 6, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s Grade 1 Pacific Classic treats guests to a prestigious event with a race between the nation’s top thoroughbreds and $1 million purse. For more information, call 858-755-1141, or visit www.dmtc.com

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

In April 2009, the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park opened Flightline, a new zip-line adventure that transports guests more than 400 feet across the park at speeds up to 60 mph.

The 1.5-hour experience begins at the top of a mountain in Nairobi Village and features a brief training lesson, behind-the-scenes narration and an aerial adventure that soars across the Asian and African field exhibits, and ends at Kilima Point. Participants must be 10 years of age or older and weigh between 75 and 200 pounds; the cost is $70 in addition to regular park admission.

For more information, call 619-231-1515, or visit www.sandiegozoo.org/wap

On May 23, 2009, the San Diego Zoo unveiled a journey through time with the opening of its newest exhibit, The Harry and Grace Steele Elephant Odyssey. Highlighting animals of the past, present and future, the $44 million, seven-acre habitat features Asian elephants, a California condor, sloths, snakes and rodents, as well as life-sized replicas of animal species that dotted the Southern California landscape more than 10,000 years ago.

A herd of eight elephants roam a 2.5-acre exhibit that includes a 120,000-gallon pool, gentle rolling hills and the Conrad Prebys Elephant Management Facility, where visitors can see keepers and veterinarians at work with the animals.

Additional highlights of Elephant Odyssey include a tar pit replication, fossil dig, children’s play area and much more. For more information, call 619-231-1515, or visit www.sandiegozoo.org

On May 29, 2009, SEA LIFE Aquarium in Carlsbad launched a new exhibit, Sharks Revealed.

The new display will replace the Kelp Forrest exhibit and provide an up-close look at the evolution, development and lifestyles of sharks, including how they eat, breathe and sleep. Several unique shark species will roam through the exhibit like the brown banded bamboo shark, white spotted bamboo shark and coral catshark.

Sharks Revealed will also showcase a number of educational displays and interactive opportunities for guests.

For more information, call 760-918-5346, or visit www.sealifeus.com

NEW HOTEL DEVELOPMENTS

In August 2009, Hotel Indigo San Diego, a new alternative to traditional hotels, will open in the East Village neighborhood of downtown San Diego.

Catering to the style-conscious traveler, the hotel will offer personalized service, affordable luxury and intelligent design to create a one-of-a-kind, welcoming environment.

The 12-story, 210-room property will feature open spaces, bold colors, unique textures, natural imagery and spa-inspired touches throughout the property.

In addition, public spaces and guestrooms will undergo seasonal transformations so that aromas, music, artwork, murals and more correlate to match the four seasons.

Hotel Indigo San Diego will also offer a bistro-style Golden Bean restaurant and Phi bar, each offering seasonal gourmet fare for breakfast and dinner.

A 24-hour “Phi”tness Studio, rooftop terrace with a reflection pool and fire pits, business center, 6,200-sq. ft. of meeting space and free wireless internet will round out the amenities.

Hotel Indigo will be San Diego’s first LEED-certified hotel, and green building practices will be seen throughout the property, including green roofs on its 9th and 12th floors.

For more information, visit www.hotelindigo.com

HOTEL RENOVATIONS AND NAME CHANGES

Renovations and upgrades to the historic 1906 Lodge in Coronado were completed in May 2009.

The building was originally built in 1906 as a boarding house, and now serves as a charming 17-room hotel.

Six of the hotel’s guest rooms are located in the mail lodge and feature queen beds, period furniture and original leaded glass windows that provide gorgeous views of Coronado.

Eleven of the hotel’s guest rooms are located in newly built bungalows and feature king beds, spa tubs, private entrances and private balconies or porches. Additional upgrades to the building include renovated common areas like the parlor, dining room and veranda.

The 1906 Lodge also boasts meeting space that can accommodate up to 40 guests.

For more information, call 866-435-1906, or visit http://1906lodge.com

The Holiday Inn San Diego on the Bay recently unveiled a complete brand re-launch featuring a new look and feel throughout the 14-story property.

The hotel’s 600 rooms now feature comfortable beds with crisp linens and a selection of pillows that range from soft to firm.

Guestroom bathrooms have been enhanced with superior showerheads, a curved shower rod for a more spacious feel and premium bath products. Enhanced lighting and landscaping designs offer a warm arrival experience, while just inside the lobby, new stylish touches, signature sounds, scents and an efficient guest check-in round out the welcome experience.

For more information, call 619-232-3861, or visit www.hisandiegoonthebay.com

In May 2009, Pala Casino Spa and Resort in San Diego’s North County completed a $100 million expansion, which includes major improvements to the dining and gaming areas and a new parking garage.

Pala Casino’s buffet area was expanded to 20,000-sq. ft. and renamed Choices, providing guests a world-class, interactive dining experience featuring eight live-action cooking stations, seating for more than 625 guests, an area for private parties and great views of the neighboring scenic mountains.

Pala Casino also opened two new restaurants — Amigos, an authentic Mexican eatery with quick-style service, and Sushi Sake, a Japanese restaurant. Within Pala’s casino area, a Poker Room with 15 tables, private cage windows and tableside dining was also added. Additionally, the casino’s private High Limit Area features three redesigned, Feng Shui-inspired rooms.

For more information, call 877-946-7252, or visit www.palacasino.com

Continue reading UPCOMING MAJOR EVENTS in San Diego…

James Pribram, local surfers and Surfrider help lift surfing ban

Foundation’s Lake Michigan Chapter Co-Chair Vince Deur in celebrating their victory yesterday as The Chicago Parks District officially announced that surfing is no longer illegal. For decades, Chicago has banned all flotation devices from their beaches since a deadly tragedy occurred with three girls on an inflatable raft.

The CPD agreed to open two city public beaches for the Summer, Montrose & 57th St, and in the Fall two other beaches will be added for off-season surfing: Rainbow & Osterman In early summer of 2008, Pribram, Deur, Surfer & Attorney Todd Haugh and local Kitesurfer Mike Urban had a surf summit with officials at the Chicago Parks District to make their case for surfing in Chicago and tried to reverse a city-wide ban on floatation devices, a law that ultimately put Chicago surfer Jack Flynn behind bars overnight when he attempted surfing a cold and stormy December day.

To further protest the law, Pribram joined local surfers David Vanderveen, Jack Flynn, Vince Deur, Jim Hoop and Ryan Gerard last month for a “paddle out” in front of Chicago’s legendary ‘Miracle Mile’. After almost two hours of stand-up paddling, Chicago police boats arrived, but the surfers were long gone.

“While our little stand up paddle-out was just a small step owards taking a stand for change, I look forward to sharing the importance of keeping surfing clean, legal and a choice for all local surfers and future surfers,” said Pribram. Deur added, ”

We are very pleased with the decision of the Parks istrict to allow surfing in the city of Chicago…it’s a great opportunity to prove ourselves to the CPD and the community that we are respectful stewards of the beaches…”

James Pribram is best known for his philanthropic and environmental endeavors through his Eco-Warrior project. Through the project, Pribram works with developers and government officials to solve a variety of environmental problems that endanger the ocean.

www.surfrider.org

As A Tie-In With Silver Dollar City’s Festivities

BRANSON, MO – If you’re seeking a fun family-friendly getaway this summer, you should check out Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa in Branson, Missouri. Featuring an array of recreational offerings that can please virtually everyone in the family, the resort is offering a new “KidsFest Package” as a tie-in with Silver Dollar City’s popular “National KidsFest.”

In addition to deluxe accommodations for two nights at the AAA Four-Diamond resort, the package includes: a $50 Food Credit toward any of the resort’s food services, to be used during your stay;

one set of Two-Day Passes to Silver Dollar City for two adults and one child, for use during your stay (additional tickets may be purchased separately);

use of outdoor and indoor pools, hot tub, fitness facilities, playground and nature trail; and free indoor parking.

The package is from $550 per room, and is available through August 9, 2009. Tax and gratuity are additional, and the package is based on availability.

Silver Dollar City’s “National KidsFest” runs through August 9, 2009, and will feature special performances that will appeal to the entire family. Summer 2009 offerings include performances by illusionist Peter Gossamer, drum and dance performances by Swedish super group Jeerk, and a special VeggieTales show.

Featuring a beautiful Ozark mountaintop setting overlooking scenic Table Rock Lake, Chateau on the Lake Resort offers a diversity of recreational options. This includes a marina, which offers more water sports activities than any other resort in the Midwest. Offerings include an array of watercraft rentals, which includes ski boats, fishing boats, waverunners, catamarans, paddleboats, sea kayaks, and canoes. Parasailing, guided fishing excursions, scuba diving, and snorkeling are among the many other available options.

Table Rock Lake features 850 miles of pristine shoreline and 80 miles of crystal blue water, making it a very appealing vacation destination.

“It’s beautiful at Chateau on the Lake in the summer,” said Stephen Marshall, vice president and general manager of the resort.

“Add to that the diversity of recreational options at the resort, and in Branson, and guests are in for a wonderful vacation.”

For reservations or additional information, call 1-888-333-LAKE (5253) or (417) 334-1161, or visit www.ChateauOnTheLake.com .

In addition to the marina, recreational options at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa include the $6 million, 14,000-square-foot Spa Chateau.

The full-service spa features 10 luxurious treatment rooms; customized body treatments; a soothing Infinity Tub that is filled from the ceiling; a Roman Bath situated beneath a waterfall overlooking Table Rock Lake;

a lake-view Movement Therapy Studio for Yoga; and a unique Barber Spa.

Additional recreational offerings at the resort include a 24-hour fitness center, two lighted tennis courts, a year-round indoor pool, an outdoor (seasonal) pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, nature and biking trails,

The Sassafras Movie Theater, Crawdaddies Kids Club (for children ages 4-12), and full-service concierge. Golf at six area courses, which includes two of Missouri’s finest, also is available to guests.

Widely regarded as the “Live Music Show Capital of America,”

Branson features more than 100 live shows per day, and a variety of impressive attractions.

Among the newest offerings is the Titanic: The World’s Largest Interactive Titanic Museum & Exhibition.

The new $420-million Branson Landing in historic downtown features festivals, musical events, a variety of new waterfront dining options, and more than 400,000 sq. ft. of national brand-name shops, galleries and specialty gift shops. Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater Complex is among the many other offerings in Branson

Dining options at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa include the award-winning Chateau Grille, the 9th Street Italian Deli, the Atrium Café & Wine Bar, and The Sweet Shoppe.

The resort’s 301 beautifully-appointed guest rooms and suites boast cherry wood beds, down comforters, tiled stone baths, dual-line telephones with data port, WiFi access (at a nominal fee), iron and ironing board, coffee maker, in-room safes, and in-room movies and music (at a nominal fee). Select pet-friendly rooms for pets less than 25 pounds are also available.

Additional features at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa include an impressive 10-story sky-lit atrium that provides breathtaking vistas of the lake, lush gardens, and surrounding mountains, and which features meandering streams brimming with colorful Koi fish, as well as a charming library lounge with a great stone fireplace.

Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa is owned and managed by Springfield, Missouri-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts.

For more information or reservations, call 1-888-333-LAKE (5253) or (417) 334-1161, or visit www.ChateauOnTheLake.com

WATER’S EDGE RESORT & SPA CONNECTICUT’S ONLY PRIVATE BEACH RESORT INVITES TRAVELERS TO TAKE THE TRAIN TO THE SOUND’

Luxury resort and spa teams-up with Amtrak to offer two-night package featuring roundtrip transportation from New York’s Penn Station and Boston’s South Station –

WESTBROOK, CONNECTICUT – The 170 room Water’s Edge Resort & Spa, situated on the Long Island Sound along the magnificent Connecticut shoreline, has partnered with Amtrak to offer a two-night package featuring roundtrip tickets for two aboard Amtrak just in time for the summer season.

The value-added package was created specifically for summer revelers from the New York City and Boston areas desiring a reprieve from the crowded beaches of popular summer resort areas such as the Hamptons and Cape Cod.

The private escape features luxury accommodations at the famed turn-of-the-century style New England estate, nestled within 25 acres that include manicured grounds leading to a private white sand beach; making it the only resort in the state to house a private beach.

Most of the spacious guestrooms and suites offer spectacular views of the Long Island Sound along with high-end, in-room amenities and elegant décor.

The resort offers a full-service spa featuring ten tranquil treatment rooms, award-winning restaurants with sea views, lounges, a fitness center, and indoor and outdoor pools. Just a two-hour Train ride from Penn Station or Boston’s South Station, Water’s Edge Resort & Spa provides an elegant, affordable and accessible retreat.

Water’s Edge Resort & Spa ‘Train to the Sound’ – Two night Package

Roundtrip Penn Station
Friday – Sunday
$799.00++
Sunday – Thursday
$659.00++

Roundtrip South Station Boston
Friday – Sunday
$799.00++
Sunday – Thursday
$659.00++

Two roundtrip tickets Amtrak (coach)– Penn Station or Boston’s South Station

A third night can be added to either package for a cost of $99.00++ guestroom only

Ground transportation for two from Old Saybrook Train Station in Old Saybrook, Connecticut to the resort

Two-night accommodations (standard guestroom)

Breakfast Buffet for two days

Three Course Dinner for two on your second night stay

Complimentary activities

Private sandy beach access (includes lounge chairs)

Beach discovery walks

Water aerobics

Kayaking rental available

Fitness Center

Guests may also add a la carte spa services. The Spa at Water’s Edge Resort specializes in marine therapies and treatments.

It is an elegant sanctuary of ten treatment rooms and a relaxation suite.

The extensive menu consists of services ranging from massages to body treatments, facials and products by natural skincare line Pevonia Botanica.

Dining options for package holders include dinner for two at the award-winning Restaurant at Water’s Edge, named the best brunch in Connecticut by Connecticut Magazine.

Guests may also choose from two additional restaurant and lounges offering Italian to Continental cuisine along with an extensive wine list from leading international and local vintners.

A history steeped in tradition and entertainment, Water’s Edge Resort & Spa was built in 1946 as Bill Hahn’s, a quaint and stately New England seaside resort where visitors from the tri-state area were treated to relaxing accommodations, exceptional cuisine and live entertainment. The entertainment roster headlined today’s legendary performers such as: Woody Allen, Barbara Streisand and Art Carney to name a few.

Bill Hahn, known as Bill the innkeeper and Mr. Showman during this period, turned the hotel’s main dining room into a “Broadway” stage establishing the resort as one of the most sought after entertainment venues in the northeast.

In 1981, businessman and local resident, Michael Dattilo purchased Water’s Edge Resort & Spa restoring it to its original grandeur and maintaining the rich tradition of service excellence and extraordinary entertainment in the memory of Mr. Hahn.

Mr. Dattilo renamed the inn The Water’s Edge Resort & Spa.

Over the years the resort and spa has flourished and expanded to include villas and condos for a total of 170 guestrooms and suites, three restaurants, including an award-winning restaurant, 12 spacious meeting and social function rooms, outdoor garden terraces, full-service spa with ten treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor pool and Onsite retail shopping outlets, i.e., Salon Massimo, Southern Exposure, Azul, Medical Esthetics, Michele A Bridal Boutique.

Variety is the spice of life and the new menu at Shoal Bay Resort & Spa’s iconic Promenade Dining Room will leave you spoilt for choice with four irresistible buffets to choose from every night of the week!

The exciting new menu offers the very best in fresh local produce as well as absolute value for money. There’s something for everyone, choose from over 25 dishes and as many courses as you like including tea and coffee. The new look buffets consist of:-

Seafood & Salads
Home Cooked Favourites
Chefs Theme of the Day
Decadent Desserts

The popular seafood & salads buffet showcases the freshest catch of the day including sumptuous local prawns and complimented with creative salads. Feel like something warm and hearty on a cool night and you don’t feel like cooking? Then sit back and let our renowned Chefs prepare your favourite roast meats, fresh crumbed fish and delicious roast vegetables from the “Home Cooked Favourite” buffet.

Escape in international flavours as Chef prepares his theme buffet of the day – a culinary experience not to be missed:
Monday ~ Arabian Nights
Tuesday ~ Flavours of the World
Wednesday ~ Chinese

Thursday ~ Thai
Friday ~ Deluxe Seafood
Saturday ~ Italian
Sunday ~ Carvery & Grill

Just when you thought you couldn’t fit another thing in your drawn to the decadent desserts buffet and just have to try them all. You’ll find a wonderful selection of individual desserts such as sticky date puddings, strawberry shortcake with mousse, mini lemon meringue pies, crème caramels and also gourmet gateau including baked cheese cake, pecan pies and many more. Believe it or not there’s still the Australian cheese platter to be sampled.

Enjoy this amazing array of local cuisine at affordable prices from just AUD$32 per adult, children at half price and seniors discount is also available. The staff at the Promenade Dining Room pride themselves of quality food, fantastic value for money and their friendly service.

The Promenade Dining Room is the original dining room of the Shoal Bay Country Club since 1934. Rekindle the spirit of this local dining icon and revisit an old favourite with breathtaking views across Shoal Bay to the Tomaree Headlands.

Bookings for The Promenade Dining Room’s exciting new four nightly buffets can be made by calling 1800 18 18 10.

Shoal Bay Resort & Spa, your unique local dining experience.

About Shoal Bay Resort & Spa

Shoal Bay Resort & Spa is the ultimate beachfront resort for couples and families alike. Including 200 luxurious self-contained beachfront, waterview, pool view and executive style apartments, 4 restaurants, 5 bars, the iconic Country Club Hotel and the exclusive Aqua Spa.

Shoal Bay Resort & Spa overlooks the pristine white sandy beaches to Port Stephens volcanic Tomaree headland. Shoal Bay boasts walking and cycling tracks, flat water beaches perfect for families as well as three pristine unspoilt National Park surf beaches.

For the more energetic a paved pathway to the top of Tomaree affords unparalleled views of Port Stephens, all within sight and a 10 minute stroll of the resort. Port Stephens is the largest Marine Park in NSW with over 160 resident dolphins and 7000 Humpback Whales passing within sight on migration each year.

Dining options range from the award winning Catch at Shoal Bay, the casual alfresco dining of Sandyfoot Café, the iconic Promenade Dining Room and the family friendly Mermaids Bar & Grill. The legendary Country Club Hotel still remains one of the most popular watering holes on the East Coast of Australia.

Aqua Spa includes the unique thalassotherapy mineral spa pools, twelve treatments rooms, group room and an extensive menu of treatments from hydrotherapy to massage.

For further information please call T: 1800 18 18 10 or visit www.shoalbayresort.com

Organized by the Caribbean Caucus of National Olympic Committees, the first-ever Caribbean Games will be held in Trinidad & Tobago from July 12-19, 2009.

Considered to be the most important sporting event in the region, the seven-day meet is seen as a platform to showcase elite athletes from the Caribbean in addition to motivating young sportsmen and women who aspire for greatness.

Competitors from various Caribbean countries will be participating in seven events that include soccer, basketball, track & field, boxing, tennis, volleyball and netball. Qualifying standards are determined by international and regional athletic federations.

For more information on Caribbean Games 2009 visit www.CaribbeanGames2009.com

LOS ANGELES – It’s never been a better time to visit Los Angeles than now through the end of summer with the unveiling of LA Inc.

The Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau’s new “Top 100 Vacation Deals.”

The sizzling summer offers are available through August 31, 2009.
For a complete listing of hotel offers, visit this  link

Stay in the middle of the action and save up to 40 percent with a Hollywood Getaway at Sportsmen’s Lodge Hotel or Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa.

Choose from online exclusive getaway packages including two nights of accommodations, a seven-day unlimited ticket to enjoy all the new entertainment at Universal Studios Hollywood, complimentary breakfast for two, complimentary parking and roundtrip transportation between your hotel and Universal Studios Hollywood.

Wind down with a midweek or weekend stay at a choice of 16 Westside hotels.

Escape to The Sofitel Los Angeles, where visitors who book a guestroom by July 5, 2009 get their fourth night free, in addition to a sumptuous picnic basket. If performing arts or a studio tour is on your travel itinerary, visit Inter Continental Los Angeles Century City, where guests who stay a minimum of two nights receive breakfast for two, complimentary parking and a tour of Sony Studios or two tickets to Grauman’s Chinese Theater.

Rates start at $269.

In Beverly Hills, The Residence Inn treats travelers to an American Express gift card valued at $50, complimentary AMC movie tickets for two, free WiFi and complimentary breakfast for two starting at $229. At the Holiday Inn Century City, travelers who book two nights obtain the third night free.

For the ultimate ocean-side retreat, take advantage of beachside getaways at Hotel Casa Del Mar with rates starting at $395 per night based on space availability, Le Margot, A JW Marriott Beach Hotel & Spa highlighting two Swedish massages with guestroom rates starting at $459 based on space availability, or Shutters On the Beach which offers a $50 hotel credit and guestroom rates starting at $525 per night based on space availability.

Discover culture in the heart of downtown Los Angeles with Millennium Biltmore Hotel’s “I Love (Downtown LA)! Package for two which highlights a one night stay priced from $179 per night based on space availability, breakfast and tickets to the Museum of Contemporary Art, tickets to the Grammy Museum and vouchers to visit the ESPN Zone.

Other attractive downtown hotel deals include Wilshire Grand Los Angeles’ “Beat the Heat,” whereby the guestroom rate is based on the high temperature of the day of your stay with a $20 room upgrade and 20 percent off hotel dining.

At the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, guests relax in a deluxe guestroom, savor a three-course pre-fixe dinner for two at LA Prime Restaurant and obtain complimentary overnight parking.

In addition to these exclusive packages, travelers can obtain up to 50 percent off on LA’s top cultural, dining, entertainment and other top attractions.

Head to Hollywood for a night at the theatre with 35%-50% off theatre tickets to Dirty Dancing at the Pantages Theater, Hollywood. While in the area, enjoy $5 off regular Adult/Child admission to Madame Tussaud’s Hollywood Wax Museum, or treat yourself to a complimentary dessert with the purchase of an entrée when dining at the renowned Geisha House on Hollywood Boulevard.

While in downtown, embark on a larger-than-life feature film adventure with $2 off Adult admission and $1 off Children’s admission to an IMAX movie at the California Science Center IMAX Theater, or enjoy $3 off admission to the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live. Stop for lunch at Zucca Ristorante, an upscale Italian establishment, currently offering a $19 lunch special and $5 parking for guests of the restaurant.

Chill out on the Westside with a complimentary appetizer while dining at Crustacean, one of Beverly Hill’s finest eateries, or experience 2-for-1 general admission to the Skirball Cultural Center.

Soak in the sun at the city’s top seaside eateries with offers including 15% off the total bill at I Cugini’s in Santa Monica, or a complimentary dessert with the purchase of an entrée at Geoffrey’s Malibu.

Take in the sites and sounds of the Santa Monica Pier boardwalk with 15% off an unlimited-ride wristband at the popular weekend beachside destination, Pacific Park.

The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau is a private, non-profit business association whose primary mission is to market and promote Los Angeles as the premier site for leisure travel, meetings and conventions. Though not part of city Government, LA INC. is recognized as the city’s official tourism marketing organization.

For more information about “Los Angeles Top 100 Vacation Deals,” visit the official visitors information website of Los Angeles at www.discoverLosAngeles.com

It’s official, summer is here! VisitBritain, the national tourist office for England, Scotland and Wales highlights summer events happening around the U.K. Travellers can enjoy a myriad of activities from bog snorkelling to jazz festivals. There’s something for everyone this summer, and to top it off, Britain’s on sale!

VisitBritain and Virgin Atlantic Airways have launched an exclusive partnership to offer trans-Atlantic travelers irresistible value packages for their summer vacation in Britain. Consumers can explore fabulous deals and more at the website www.getmorebritain.com where savvy travelers can take advantage of the strong dollar which makes Britain more affordable than a year ago.

The ‘Get More Britain For Your Buck’ campaign extends now through Fall 2009.

Highlights of festivals and events happening around the UK, include:

ENGLAND

Goodwood Festival of Speed (July 3-5) - A world famous car event for racing aficionados, celebrating everything about car performance in Chichester, West Sussex. www.goodwood.co.uk

Glyndebourne Opera Festival, East Sussex (until August 30) - The country’s most exclusive opera festival. www.glyndebourne.com

The Festival of History (July 25 – 26) - A two-day event taking place on the grounds of 18th-century Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire, celebrates 2,000 years of English history with more than 1,000 costumed interpreters re-enacting historical events. There will be over 50 shows a day during the festival. www.festivalofhistory.org.uk

Glastonberry Music Festival (June 24-28) - Also known as Glasto, is the largest Greenfield music and performing arts festival in the world, famous for its contemporary music, but also dance, comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret and many other arts. Now part of the Cultural Olympiad preceding London 2012, the four-day event takes place in South West England at Worthy Farm, located six miles east of the town of Glastonbury. www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

14th Leeds Shakespeare Festival (July – August 2009) - Two of Shakespeare’s most popular plays will be performed in the idyllic setting of Leeds, the only English city outside London with its own repertory theatre, opera house and ballet companies. http://www.visitleeds.co.uk

Manchester Pride (August 21-31) - One of UK’s premier gay event, features a flamboyant celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life through a series of more than 40 events covering art, film, debate and entertainment, as well as other fantastic parties. www.manchesterpride.com

The Cotswold Show & Country Fair (July 4-5) - Features a full two-day program of action-packed, family fun at Cirencester Park. www.cotswoldshow.co.uk

Henry VIII 500 years celebrations (around Britain, 2009) - Highlights of the calendar include the opening of the Tudor Garden at Hampton Court Palace this month and a jousting tournament at Eltham Palace. Henry’s many women also get a look in August when their portraits will be displayed at a fascinating exhibition hosted at Hampton Court. www.visitlondon.com

LONDON

The British Music Experience at the O2 in London – An exciting, new permanent interactive exhibition dedicated to the history of popular music in Britain. www.britishmusicexperience.com

BBC Proms, London (July 17 – Sept 12) - Represents a massive showcase of live music and performances at the Royal Albert Hall, including a string of 76 concerts with world class orchestral music and solo performances in the heart of London. www.bbc.co.uk/proms/2009

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (April 23 – Oct 10) - London’s iconic venue that boasts some of the finest history known to theatre, features performances throughout the summer. www.shakespeares-globe.org

Regents Park Open Air Theatre (May 25 – Sept 12) - Allows you to enjoy exciting new shows while making the most of the weather. www.openairtheatre.org

The National Theatre Goes Outdoors - The area outside the theatre, beside the Thames on London’s South Bank, will be used as a stage for theatre, circus, dance, music and spectacle. www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

SCOTLAND

Homecoming Scotland (throughout 2009) - A year-long celebration filled with events focusing on whisky, golf, and ancestry poet Robert Burns. August highlights include the piping music festival in Glasgow, Piping Live and the iconic Military Tattoo music and military theatre event in Edinburgh. www.homecomingscotland.com

16th Annual Scottish Traditional Boat Festival (July 2-5) - In Portsoy Harbour in Aberdeenshire, celebrates all aspects of Scottish maritime heritage. www.visitscotland.com

The Highland Games (around Scotland, Summer 2009) - A unique mix of sporting, cultural and social events, including field and track events, piping, Highland dancing competitions, and ‘heavy events’ like the tug-o-war, the hammer throw and tossing the caber. One of the largest Highland games in history, The Gathering (July 25-26) will be hosted at famed Edinburgh locations like Holyrood Park, Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. www.visitscotland.com

Whole in One Golf Exhibition (Rozelle Estate, Ayrshire, June 8-August 31) - Charts the history of open golf, incorporating a wealth of unusual and rarely seen exhibits. Scotland is widely acknowledged as the ‘Home of Golf’ and boasts some of the best, most challenging and most beautiful courses in the world. www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk

Return to the Ridings (June 1 – August - The annual Border Common Ridings are a stunning mounting spectacle packed with heart stirring music. Each participating town has its own distinctive history and ceremony providing a unique Return to the Ridings experience. www.visitscotland.com

T in the Park (July 9 - 12) - Scotland’s biggest outdoor music festival held in Balado, Kinross will feature over 170 artists playing across 11 stages and will welcome 80,000 music fans this year. www.tinthepark.com

WALES

Cardiff International Food & Drink Festival (July 10 – 12) - Highlights food from around Wales, France, Germany and Italy, along professionals demonstrating seasonal recipes. Enjoy the walkabout street and bandstand entertainment as you relax with a drink and world-class cuisine. www.cardiff-festival.com

National Eisteddfod (August 1-8) - The largest and oldest celebration of Welsh culture dating from 1176, invites visitors to meet bards dressed in druidical robes and green-clad elves dancing to trumpeters. www.eisteddfod.org.uk

Brecon Jazz Festival (August 7-9) - A world-famous jazz event, features more than 90 concerts in the picturesque market town of Brecon. www.breconjazz.org

Bryn Terfel Faenol Festival (Faenol Estate, August 28 - 31) - Will host three star-studded concerts with the mountains of Snowdonia as their backdrop.

The World Bog Snorkelling Championship (August 31) - The unusual event held annually in UK’s smallest town - Llanwrtyd Wells in Mid Wales, involves contestants battling through a peat bog using a mask and snorkel. www.worldbogsnork.com

Are you ready for an adventure? Then it’s time to experience the unique Australian Surfing Lifestyle and become a surfer for a day! Imagine visiting the beautiful Gold Coast beaches voted amongst the best in the world and splashing into the waves for a thrilling learn to surf lesson.

The Gold Coast has fantastic weather and crystal clear blue oceans set along 40 kilometers of white sandy beaches and you will be a part of the beach culture and our surfing crew!

Your heart will be racing as we suit up in all the surf gear and grab your surfboard ready for the waves! This is the most fun you can have on holiday!

The surfing & bodyboard program is designed for all fitness levels and conducted in waste deep water. Safe soft surfboards are used for beginners and with instruction from our friendly staff you will progress to standing up and riding waves in your first session.

The tour operates all year round with surf rash-shirts used in summer and wetsuits provided in winter.

After surfing, the local thing to do is chill out and relax in the picturesque beachfront coastal nature with a light lunch included.

Photo’s of your adventure are taken so you can remember the day you were a part of the Australian Surfing lifestyle and surfed the perfect the waves.

Based in Surfers Paradise, the surf school holds an exclusive permit for the Gold Coast Beaches to conduct surfing lessons by professional surfing instructors who are also qualified lifeguards.

Australian Surfer International is the original Gold Coast Surfing School providing learn to surf lessons, surfing half day tours and study abroad programs (NEW 2010.) We cater for tour groups, FIT individuals, conference delegates, sporting teams, schools, universities and study abroad students. Our Company is insured ($20,000,000 Public Liability Cover) and accredited with Surfing Australia and the local City Council. We can provide tour guides in many languages and offer a true Aussie Surfing Lifestyle Experience where you will hang out with local surfers.

For those looking to keep track of all things WA while on the move, Tourism WA has created a new podcast channel in iTunes, delivering the latest audio and video podcasts direct to your desktop or mobile mp3 device.

Podcasts currently playing on the channel include:

• Explore El Questro Wilderness Park in the Kimberley with local guide Chilli Chilcott

• Hear what it’s like to swim with the world’s largest fish – the whale shark – which visit Ningaloo Reef each year

• Walk through the Valley of the Giants, the ancient forests in Australia’s South West

• Find out what Perth’s best beaches have to offer