Jetsettersblog

Austin-Lehman Adventures Offers Discounts

BILLINGS, MT,– Recession weary, gas-crunched Americans are telling one active travel company that they want high value and shorter escapes they can get to in a few hours by car or plane. Once they get there they don’t mind expending some energy – as long as it is of the human-powered kind.

Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA) Director Dan Austin says because of these concerns, bookings on their all-inclusive, multisport vacations into Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon are up 15 percent over this time last year.

But even with this increase, the company isn’t taking any chances that the skittish economy will slow their business. While unusual for the 23-year old company to do any discounting, ALA is offering a special savings on one of its most popular US national park family trips.

For active travelers booking its 6-day/5-night Yellowstone/Teton Family - Bull Moose to Bucking Broncos adventure, there’s a 10 percent discount being offered on the July 27 and Aug. 10 departures.

“One of the great values ALA itineraries offer is the diversity of experiences rolled out in just a few days. Folks can put the car keys aside and use their own renewable energy hiking, biking, paddling and horseback riding in destinations that are as remarkable for scenic beauty as anywhere in the world,” Austin says. Visit this link.

He also reports that there is no apparent reduction in shoppers looking to buy. Visits to Austin-Lehman Adventures’ website are up 35 percent over last year.

“Folks are looking for deals. The fact that we set our 2008 travel prices last year, and that we’re not raising them even with increasing costs to us, is just one of many compelling reasons to choose ALA as your vacation partner,” Austin explains. He also notes “a rash of last-minute custom trips” with families and friends requesting private domestic trips tailored just for them.

Austin also reports that more guests than ever are planning to forgo air travel and airport hassles and drive the family car to their trip gateway city. “Distances for many are a lot closer than you might think,” he says. For example in dive time:

• ALA’s Yosemite Adventure is just 3 hrs from San Francisco, 4 hrs from LA

• Jackson Hole, WY is just 6 hrs from Salt Lake City, 8 hrs from Denver

• Crater Lake (Medford, OR) is 4½ hrs from Portland, 7 hrs from Seattle

• The Grand Canyon trips meet in Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ

• The Cascades “Best of the Northwest” trip meets in Seattle

ALA, the multi-sport travel company that specializes in immersive travel experiences, manages all of the arrangements in its selected destinations. Small groups are held at 12 guests (18 on family departures) with a ratio of one guide to every six participants. Rates include first-class accommodations, most meals, expert guides, park entry fees, multisport activities such as hiking, biking, rafting, horseback riding and more, ground transportation and luggage service. Not included is round trip travel to the host city.

To get a copy of the 2008 catalog as well as information on ALA’s 40 unique luxury, multisport, adult and family active adventure travel itineraries please call toll-free 1.800.575.1540, or e-mail info@austinlehman.com  To review current trips, schedules and itineraries you can log onto http://www.austinlehman.com

New Flights to Britain 2008

A number of airlines are launching new routes to Britain from the US in spring 2008. American Airlines is doubling frequency on their route into London Stansted Airport. US Airways, Northwest Airlines, Air France, Continental Airlines and United Airlines are all launching new services into London Heathrow Airport. And Zoom Airlines is launching new seasonal routes to London Gatwick from San Diego and Fort Lauderdale.

The Open Skies agreement enables more airlines to fly into London Heathrow Airport and, at the same time, London’s third and fourth most popular airports – London Stansted and London Luton – are becoming popular with transatlantic services.

American Airlines are flying into London Stansted Airport daily from New York JFK; and this increases to twice daily from August 1, 2008. London Stansted is especially convenient for the city’s financial and business districts, and the East End, with the Stansted Express train service taking just 45 minutes from the airport to Liverpool Street Station.

US Airways begins service from Philadelphia to London Heathrow Airport from March 29, 2008. The airline will operate their flagship international aircraft, the Airbus A330, offering 29 Envoy and 259 economy seats on flights departing daily at 10.45pm, arriving at Heathrow at 11.05am the next day. Return flights depart Heathrow at 12.50pm, arriving in Philadelphia at 4pm the same day. US Airways serves 19 million customers annually at its Philadelphia hub, from where it already operates daily flights to Manchester and Glasgow (seasonal).

Northwest Airlines will launch daily flights from three US cities to London Heathrow Airport in spring 2008. Minneapolis to London commences March 29, 2008; Detroit to London commences May 1, 2008; Seattle to London commences June 1, 2008. In addition to the flights from Detroit to London Heathrow, Northwest will continue to operate daily flights between Detroit and London Gatwick Airport. The new service from Minneapolis to London Heathrow will replace the airline’s current service to London Gatwick. Northwest Airlines operate a new fleet of A330 aircraft and premier World Business class service. Their hubs in Detroit and Minneapolis/St. Paul offer easy connections from across the US.

Air France begins daily service from Los Angeles to London Heathrow Airport from March 30, 2008. The flight departs Los Angeles at 8.25pm, arriving in London at 2.40pm the next day. The return flight departs London at 5pm and arrives back in Los Angeles at 8.15pm. It will be operated with Boeing 777 aircraft.

Air France has a joint venture agreement with US carrier Delta Airlines. Therefore, they also sell tickets on 10 code-share direct flights between the US and Britain commencing March 30, 2008…

Delta Airlines operates:
Daily flights: Atlanta to London Heathrow; Atlanta to Manchester; New York JFK to Manchester; New York JFK to Edinburgh; New York JFK to London Gatwick; Cincinnati to London Gatwick.
Twice-daily flights: New York JFK to London Heathrow; Atlanta to London Gatwick.

United Airlines launches new nonstop service between Denver and London Heathrow on March 30, 2008. Their Denver hub will serve as a gateway to London, and the new route enables their customers to fly nonstop to London Heathrow from any of United’s five hubs. United will operate the flight using a Boeing 777 aircraft configured with 12 “United First Suite” seats, 49 United Business seats and 197 United Economy class seats, including 83 Economy Plus seats.

Zoom Airlines, who already operate low-fare transatlantic flights from New York JFK to London Gatwick, are to launch two new seasonal routes. From June 20, they will fly twice-weekly flights from San Diego to London Gatwick Airport, departing Mondays and Fridays at 4.35pm, and arriving in London at 11.05am the following day; return flights will depart from London at 11.30am on Mondays and Fridays, arriving in San Diego at 2.50pm the same day. From May 22, 2008, the airline will fly twice-weekly flights from Fort Lauderdale to London Gatwick Airport.

Continental Airlines are launching new twice-daily flights from its hubs in Newark (New York) and Houston to London Heathrow Airport from March 29, 2008. London Heathrow will be the eighth UK airport to be served by Continental. Flights from Newark will depart at 9am (arriving in London at 9.15pm the same day) and at 6.40pm (arriving in London at 6.45am the next day). Return flights from London Heathrow depart at 10.25am and 4pm. Flights from Houston will depart at 6.25pm and 10.25pm, arriving in London at 9.35am and 2.05pm respectively; return flights from London to Houston depart at 8.30am and 11.15am.

United Vacations Tax Refunds for City Stays

United Vacations is encouraging travelers to use their tax refunds to purchase that long-awaited, much-needed getaway. With busy schedules and tight budgets travelers are looking for great ideas and big savings on their vacation purchase.

United Vacations Big City Sale offers significant savings on big city getaways to 14 of America’s most popular cities. With this sale clients will receive $75 off the package price for vacations of three nights or more. In addition, some select hotels are offering free nights. And for the customer who loves to rack up their bonus miles, they can receive 1,000 Mileage Plus bonus miles (in addition to those earned from their flight) just for booking online. It’s the perfect solution for the traveler looking for a quick, affordable getaway and some rest and relaxation.

The Sale is valid for vacations purchased by April 30 for travel through Dec. 31. Promotion code CITY must be used at the time of booking. Cities included in the Sale are: Anaheim, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Calif.; Chicago; Clearwater/St. Petersburg/Tampa and Orlando, Fla.; Denver; Las Vegas; Miami; New York City; Phoenix, Ariz. and Reno.

Portland’s Hotel Vintage Plaza Foodie Package

The Hotel Vintage Plaza, one of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants’ 40 boutique properties in the United States, has a “Growing Up Gourmet” package that lets visiting families of all ages enjoy fun-filled gourmet focused activities in the heart of the Portland dining scene.

The welcome begins at check-in with an in-room bottle of Vintage Plaza private label wine – for the adults – and First Blush varietals Merlot and Chardonnay grape juice for the kids. After settling into the room, the whole family can sit back with a beverage, sipping and swirling while relaxing in the leopard print robes provided in both adult and kid sizes. The Growing Up Gourmet package provides a family vacation with a sophisticated twist for families of all sizes.

The package includes a three-course dinner from Chef John Eisenhart at award winning restaurant Pazzo Ristorante, located adjacent to the Hotel Vintage Plaza, with preferred seating on the cook’s line where kids get a behind-the-scenes look at the action. Pazzo features worldly Italian dishes the whole family can enjoy together. Kids will also take home a gourmet goodie bag filled with dried Italian pasta and a kids’ recipe provided by Chef Eisenhart.

Designed for flexibility depending on the family size, the one-night package starts for two people, a grown up and a child, at $299.00 and is an additional $55 per person per evening. The standard room for families of two to four is a deluxe guest room with a pull out sofa or rollaway, and can be upgraded for larger groups. Forty-eight hour advance booking is required for the package.

For more information, call 503-228-1212 or visit www.vintageplaza.com

Hotel Vintage Plaza Gourmet Package

The Hotel Vintage Plaza, a Kimpton property in Portland, Ore., is offering a Growing Up Gourmet package for families. Included are a bottle of Vintage Plaza private label wine for the adults and First Blush varietals Merlot and Chardonnay grape juice for the kids.

Also included is a three-course dinner from Chef John Eisenhart at Pazzo Ristorante with preferred seating on the cook’s line. The package is priced from $299 per night for one adult and one child and $55 for each additional person. Accommodations are in a standard guestroom with a pull-out sofa or rollaway. A 48-hour advance booking is required.

Call 800-263-2305 or visit www.vintageplaza.com

Windstar, Majestic America $100 Shipboard Credit

Sister companies Majestic America Line and Windstar Cruises are offering a $100 shipboard credit for guests using their American Express card. This offer applies to any 2008 cruise aboard any Windstar or Majestic America vessel, including Wind Spirit, Wind Star, Wind Surf, Empress of the North, Queen of the West, Columbia Queen, American Queen and Delta Queen.

This promotion expires on Dec. 31 and is offered to guests making deposits and final payment using an American Express card. This offer applies to previous bookings under deposit if the final payment is made with an American Express card.

For more information, call Windstar at 800-258-7245 or Majestic America at 800-434-1232, or visit www.windstarcruises.com  or www.majesticamericaline.com

Seattle’s Mayflower Hotel Art Package

The Mayflower Park Hotel in Seattle is offering the Brushes and Berets Impressionism Package, which includes accommodations, VIP exhibit tickets for two to the Inspiring Impressionism exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum, taking place from June 19 to Sept. 21, 2008, and complimentary valet parking. The exhibit, Inspiring Impressionists:

The Impressionists and the Art of the Past, will show how artists made oil copies, as well as drawings and sketchbook studies from the Old Masters. Rates for the Mayflower Park Hotel’s Brushes and Berets Impressionism Package start at $225 for a classic guestroom and, $245 for a deluxe room. The package is available from June 19 through Sept. 21, 2008.

For information or reservations, call 800-426-5100, email mayflowerpark@mayflowerpark.com or visit www.mayflowerpark.com

Kimpton Hotels Gives Cash Back

In response to a recent report that five of six major airline carriers will soon begin charging passengers a premium for checking more than one piece of luggage, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announces the “We Got Your Bag” promotion. Beginning May 22 through Sept. 9, 2008, guests need simply to show proof of an additional airline baggage charge upon check in at any one of Kimpton’s 43 hotels in the U.S. and Canada, and a room credit will be issued in that amount, up to $25, offsetting the pass-along cost to air travelers. Some restrictions apply.

“We Got Your Bag” is valid May 22 through September 9, 2008; must show proof of airline charge for second bag at time of check-in; promotion limited to one bag only; valid only with Best Available Rate booking; additional taxes and fees may apply; credit card guarantee required; promotion cannot be combined with other rate/promotional offers; not valid for discounted or negotiated rates, groups or existing reservations; certain restrictions may apply.

For more information, call 800-KIMPTON or visit www.kimptonhotels.com

SORT AIRLINE BAGGAGE RULES

Changes Reflected on Updated Web Chart The US Tour Operators Association has updated its Baggage Allowance Table to reflect new Transportation Security Administration regulations regarding lithium batteries, more relaxed carry-on rules for passengers flying into some UK airports, and more stringent rules on checked baggage for U.S. domestic airlines.

The updated table can be found at this link.

Located in the USTOA web site’s “Smart Travel Planning” section, The Airline Baggage and Security Guideline page provides an online chart with baggage allowances for both checked and carry-on luggage for various parts of the world. The chart has been updated to reflect that:

• As of May 5 most domestic U.S.flights will only allow one free checked piece with maximum linear measurements (height+width+depth) of 62 inches apiece.

As of January 1, 2008 some airports in the UK have relaxed their baggage carry-on rules, and - as in most parts of the world — allow a personal item and an additional small bag.

• Maximum weight for coach class passengers is 50 lb. in the U.S., but may only be 44 lbs. for flights within the European Union and South America.

• Depending on the airline and route, prices for overweight or extra bags range from $25 to $150.

• Carry-on baggage allowances are usually 45 linear inches, with maximum weight varying from 40 to 50 lbs., depending on the airline. Luggage that meets the guidelines To illustrate the various types of luggage and carry ons meeting the above requirements

TravelSmith has prepared a complementary chart: www.travelsmith.com/luggagerules

Packing lists and travel advice are also available at the TravelSmith site or by calling one of TravelSmith’s expert outfitters at 1-800-950-1600.

Security Guidelines A section on the USTOA Airline Baggage Allowance web page lists U.S. Transportation Security Administration guidelines for flights departing the U.S. and general information on flights originating at non-U.S. airports. In general, liquids limited to 3 ounces and packed in a one-quart plastic bag are allowed for most destinations worldwide. To minimize the risk of fire, loose lithium batteries are also no longer allowed in checked luggage and will only be permitted in checked baggage if they are contained in either electronic devices, their original packaging, individual plastic bags or protective travel cases.

For more information, consult this link.

Travelers can also find website links to the U.S. TSA as well as to representative airline sites on the USTOA Baggage Allowance page. “Baggage allowance and security regulations can change without notice, so it’s always best to check with the airline you are flying regarding the latest requirements,” advises Bob Whitley, USTOA president. About USTOA USTOA’s 150 member brands are responsible for the vacations of 11 million people yearly.

To qualify for USTOA membership a company must meet the travel industry’s toughest requirements, including participation in the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program. Among other things, the program requires each USTOA corporate member to set aside $1 million in security to protect consumer payments in case the company goes out of business.

More information on USTOA is available at www.ustoa.com  or www.ustoa.travel  Or phone 1-800-GO-USTOA (468-7862).

Sun Valley Resort Names New Golf Course

Iconic Resort Unveils Eye-Catching Logos, Keeping in Step with Glorious Tradition while Ushering in a New Era at the ‘American Original’

(SUN VALLEY, Idaho) – Close to Sun Valley Resort, the Sawtooth Mountains rise thousands of feet above the headwaters of the Salmon River, like saws set on edge. Just to the east of the Sawtooths above wrinkled, wooded foothills the White Cloud Mountains soar in summits which seem covered in vanilla ice cream.

These majestic peaks and their beauty are the inspiration for and namesakes of the new courses at Sun Valley Golf Resort, which will debut this summer.

The new, championship 9-hole layout – designed by Donald Knott of Knott, Brooks, Linn Golf Course Design Group of California – is named White Clouds Course and complements the original, highly regarded 18-hole course which sits amid towering Cottonwoods in the valley below. Likewise, the new, 18-hole putting course is named the Sawtooths because its layout and mounding resemble the adjacent Sawtooths mountain range.

The original 18-hole course at Sun Valley, which was redesigned by Knott in 1978-79 while with Robert Trent Jones Jr., has been renamed the Trail Creek Course. Trail Creek traverses the course seven times and along with narrow fairways bordered by beautiful Cottonwood trees and out of bounds, are the primary, and formidable, defenses of the course.

The new course names at Sun Valley pay homage to the breathtaking mountains which have silently and elegantly stood sentinel over the area for time immemorial.

“White Clouds is the perfect name for our new 9-hole course because it sits high above the valley with 360 degree panoramic views – one feels among the clouds on it and can literally be so on occasion,” says Sun Valley Resort General Manager Wallace Huffman. “Sun Valley Resort Owner Earl Holding has always prioritized keeping Sun Valley pristine and not overdeveloped. Hence, he could have used this premium, elevated acreage with incredible views to build real estate, which would have been snapped up immediately. Instead, he wanted the course to be here and his vision was impeccable – the vistas, the seamless flow of the course and the hiking trails on the surrounding ridges have conserved the beauty and utility of the area for our guests and generations to come.”

Similarly, the new, 18-hole putting course draws its inspiration from the area’s unspoiled natural beauty and surrounding peaks. Additional inspiration for its name was derived by an experience General Manager Huffman had while at Scotland’s St. Andrews, golf’s hallowed birthplace. The 18-hole putting course there is named the Himalayas, also because of the mounding and design which resembles the namesake. And like at St. Andrews, the new Sun Valley putting course is for everyone – from accomplished golfer to beginner, individual to families.

“People who don’t play golf and shouldn’t play our championship courses can participate in the golf experience via the Sawtooths Putting Course,” says GM Huffman. “Simultaneously, accomplished players will find the challenge to be top-notch as this is a true course and not simply several holes cut into a relatively flat, constricted putting green. I can see people enjoying cocktails and a round of putting before dinner on the Sawtooths.”

The putting course is located by the new golf clubhouse which is currently being constructed and part of the expansive, new 25-acre practice facility which is also scheduled to debut this summer.

Also under construction and set to unveil later this year at Sun Valley is the Symphony Pavilion, which, like the outdoor ice rink, offers spectacular entertainment under the summer stars. Whereas the ice rink is home to legendary outdoor, summer ice shows that feature Olympic medalists and greats such as Scott Hamilton, Nancy Kerrigan, Sasha Cohen and the Canadian team of Jamie Sale and David Pelletier, the Symphony Pavilion shows are performed by top symphony orchestra members from around the country who come to Sun Valley for the season.

Back to the golf, the White Clouds Course rises up more than 350 vertical feet from the first tee to its highest point and ultimately affords 360-degree views. While other courses in the world have such panoramic views from on high, course architect Knott says he’s never seen any as unspoiled or “less impacted” by man-made objects like power lines, development, etc. This is high praise indeed considering Knott, who was the longtime chief architect in the Trent Jones Jr. firm, has designed a multitude of courses around the world.

Trail Creek Course and White Clouds Course couldn’t be more different and therefore more complementary for avid golfers who covet diversity and high quality. Whereas Trail Creek Course sits amid tall trees and tight, enclosed fairways and offers small greens via traditional or “parkland” style routing, White Clouds Course offers long-range sight lines, elevation changes, forced carries and large greens – an Alpine Links design, as Knott refers to it.

In conjunction with naming the resort’s championship layouts, Sun Valley has introduced a pair of eye-catching logos, each of which captures the essence of the resort with the iconic Sun Valley sun, while incorporating the inaugural seasons – 1937 and 2008.

An example of what awaits golfers at White Clouds Course is hole No. 5, which could also be called “685 yards of distant golf future.” One of the longest par 5s in Idaho – and North America for that matter – from the back tees golfer can see the green over native desert sage though pine trees and sitting well down in a little bowl-like area. Then they must conjure a strategy which will take them safely to their destination while negotiating a serpentine-shaped path which wends its way home amid all sorts of peril.

White Clouds Course is full of dramatic views on every hole – no more so than standing on the eighth tee – a par 4 which measures an intimidating 520 yards from the back tee. The distance is made manageable by the added 7 percent carry provided by the elevation, plus an awe-inspiring 160-foot drop from tee to fairway below – creating an illusion of a golf ball being suspended in time.

The resort expects to break ground on another nine holes to complete White Clouds Course in the near future – bringing the total number of holes at Sun Valley Golf Resort to 36.

For more information about Sun Valley Golf Resort, please call 800-894-9941 or visit www.sunvalley.com

About Sun Valley Resort

There can only be one original ski resort and since 1936 Sun Valley has held that distinction. Born out of a desire to bring the mystique of the European ski resorts to America, Sun Valley quickly became a phenomenon without peer on this continent or any other. America’s first destination resort, where the world’s first chairlift was engineered, Sun Valley was built to enchant the nobility and celebrity of the day. Today the patina of old world charm blends beautifully with everything modern, easily accessible with non-stop daily air service.

Long known for the world-class skiing on Bald Mountain’s 9,150-foot summit and the beginner-friendly Dollar Mountain, Sun Valley was originated in 1936 by Union Pacific Railroad. In addition to skiing and golf, Sun Valley is flush with activities including ice skating, horseback riding, hiking/biking, tennis, target shooting at the Gun Club, spa, summer outdoor symphony series, and many others.

It is located in the Northern Rockies region of south central Idaho and is open year-round with four distinctly beautiful seasons. There are more outdoor recreations here than any other destination resort in the U.S. Sun Valley Resort is privately owned by the R. Earl Holding family, owners of Sinclair Oil Corporation. Sister properties include Snowbasin Ski Resort, Grand America Hotel, Little America Hotel and Towers, all SLC, UT., Westgate Hotel, San Diego, CA, Little America Flagstaff, AZ, Little America, WY, and Little America, Cheyenne, WY.