Jetsettersblog

AARP Services Inc. and Grandtravel have announced a new relationship that will provide AARP members with vacations, discounts and experiences that enrich the special bond between grandparents and their grandchildren. Grandtravel is a premier provider of luxury vacations for grandparents and grandchildren and is committed to enriching multigenerational bonds through hands-on adventures.

Under the agreement, AARP members will receive a $200 per person discount off Grandtravel ’s escorted tour vacations, which, in 2009, include trips to Alaska, Italy, London/Paris, New Zealand and Washington, D.C./Williamsburg. Grandtravel offers smaller, intimate group travel experiences. Activity directors, who are certified teachers, accompany each group, enhancing the educational component for children.

For more information, call 800-247-7651 or visit www.grandtrvl.com/aarp

Choice Hotels International, Inc. has announced a new, permanent U.S. Armed Services program as part of its Choice Privileges rewards program. Effective immediately, active duty or reserve military members, retired military, National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, and eligible spouses and dependents can join the Choice Privileges rewards program at the Elite Gold level, a level that normally requires stays totaling 10 hotel nights per year. As part of the new program, members receive a 10 percent point bonus on qualifying stays at more than 5,000 locations across the 10 Choice Hotels brands, Elite customer service and reservations phone numbers, and Elite member offers.

For more information, visit www.choiceprivileges.com/armedservices

Breckenridge Resort Chamber
CONTACT: Carly Grimes
TEL: 970-453-5064
E-MAIL: cgrimes@gobreck.com
WEB: http://www.gobreck.com

Celebrate winter during the 19th Annual Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships

BRECKENRIDGE, Colo.—Experience the visual grace of the creation and exhibition of fleeting art. The Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships return to Breckenridge for the 19th year from January 20-25, 2009 at the Riverwalk Center, located in the heart of Breckenridge between Main Street and Park Avenue.

For the 2009 event, 16 teams from around the globe have been invited to compete from nine countries including Bulgaria, Canada, China, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the USA. Snow Sculpting is attended annually by more than 30,000 people of all ages from across America and the world and has been named by USA Today as “one of the top 10 ways to celebrate winter.”

Each year, four-person teams are assigned 12-foot-tall, 20-ton blocks of machine-made snow. These teams work within a five-day period to create sensational sculptures. From these blocks of snow, the teams often create enormous pieces of whimsy, although some deliver powerful political or social commentary. Some sculptures are even interactive and allow spectators to experience the tactile as well as visual grace of the fleeting exhibit.

The finished pieces are achieved after a total of 65 intense hours of work without the use of power tools, internal support structures or colorants – just the ingenuity of man and a medium that lends itself, if only temporarily, to the persuasion of chisels, saws, chicken wire and even carrot scrapers.

When the sculptures are finished, a panel of well-known artists and patrons of the arts serve as judges and present awards to the first, second and third place sculptures. Awards are also given for People’s Choice, Kids’ Choice and Artists’ Choice. There are no cash prizes; the artists instead revel in the reward of hard work, forged friendships, freedom of artistic expression and the satisfaction of long hours of preparation that lead to the event.

Those coming to Breckenridge during Snow Sculpture week should be sure to check-out Breckenridge’s world-class ski resort. Book three nights of lodging and three days of adult lift tickets and receive FREE an additional night of lodging and an additional day of adult skiing. Participation may vary. Package valid January 11 through March 14, 2009.

Call Breckenridge Central Reservations at 877-593-5260 or visit www.gobreck.com for more information on the Budweiser Select International Snow Sculpture Championships and January lodging packages. Editor’s Note:

Southwest Ed-Ventures
CONTACT: Janet Ross
TEL: 800-525-4456
jross@fourcornersschool.org
www.sw-adventures.org

MONTICELLO, Utah—Join Utah-based Southwest Ed-Ventures on a six day, five night solstice learning adventure with “Archaeoastronomy—Winter Solstice on Cedar Mesa” December 15th-20th, 2008. Beginning and ending in Cortez, Co, participants will learn about Archaeoastronomy; techniques developed by prehistoric cultures to determine the summer and winter solstices and equinoxes.

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see prehistoric solstice sites in action. Participants will learn through hands on exploration and outdoor classroom activities to better understand how the ancient Puebloan people determined the significant dates of the solstices. Enjoy hikes to seldom seen ruins and real solstice sites. Go behind the scenes at Edge of the Cedars Museum to view collections and a replica of a solstice site. Learn about and observe some unusual shadow and sunlight interactions that prehistoric farmers relied on for ceremonies. Let our experts guide you through this unique and unforgettable winter solstice experience.

This program requires good health and fitness adequate for hikes up to three miles round trip. Daily activities require willingness to hike in cold weather; temperatures vary from 15 to 45 degrees farenheight. Cost is $837 per person ($812 for members of Four Corners School of Outdoor Education) with a single supplement fee of $120. If you request a roommate every effort will be made to find you one. If none are available you will be charged the single supplement fee. Price includes all meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6, transportation to/from Cortez, Co, five night lodging in Blanding, Ut, expert staff and guides, and entrance fees. Airfare and personal items are not included. This trip is co-sponsored by Elderhostel and Edge of the Cedars State Park.

Southwest Ed-Ventures is the earned income program of Four Corners School of Outdoor Education (FCS) and helps fund its conservation education activities. It is this non-profit’s purpose to create lifelong learning experiences on the Colorado Plateau (consisting of Southern Utah, Southwest Colorado, Northwest New Mexico, and Northern Arizona) through education, service, conservation, and adventure programs.

 The vision of FCS is to build a diverse community of people committed to conserving the natural and cultural treasures of this bioregion.

To learn more about Southwest Ed-Ventures visit them on the web at www.sw-adventures.org

Clients will save up to 35 percent when they book a 2009 winter getaway with Spirit Vacations to a Couples Resort in Jamaica. Clients enjoy free value-added inclusions such as off-site excursions, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat tours and more. Sample deals to the all-inclusive Couples Resorts with Spirit Vacations include Couples Tower Isle, where guests receive 35 percent off all-inclusive rates in a deluxe garden room on Monday departures, March 16 through 30. A three-night stay is priced at $991 from Fort Lauderdale; $1,009 from Orlando or Tampa; and $1,048 from Atlanta, Atlantic City, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Myrtle Beach, New York/LaGuardia or Washington, D.C./Reagan National.

Couples Negril guests will get 25 percent off in a deluxe garden room on Monday departures, Jan. 5 through Feb. 9 and Feb 23 through March 30, on three-night stays of $1,016 from Ft. Lauderdale; $1,034 from Orlando or Tampa; $1,073 from Atlanta, Atlantic City, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Myrtle Beach, New York/LaGuardia or Washington, D.C./Reagan National.

At Couples Sans Souci, guests will receive 25 percent off an ocean suite on Monday departures, Jan. 5 through Feb. 9 and Feb. 23 through March 30, on three-night stays: $1,046 from Ft. Lauderdale; $1,064 from Orlando or Tampa; $1,099 from Atlanta, Atlantic City, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Myrtle Beach, New York/LaGuardia or Washington, D.C./Reagan National. At Couples Swept Away, guests will receive 20 percent off a garden suite on Monday departures, Jan. 5 through Feb. 9 and Feb. 23 through March 30, on three-night stays: $1,098 from Ft. Lauderdale; $1,116 from Orlando or Tampa; $1,155 from Atlanta, Atlantic City, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Myrtle Beach, New York/LaGuardia or Washington, D.C./Reagan National.

Spirit Vacations offers complete vacation packages to destinations throughout the Caribbean, Latin America, Central and South America, Mexico and the United States.

Delta Air Lines customers flying business class between the U.S. and London’s Heathrow Airport will enjoy the comfort of a 180-degree full flat bed on every flight beginning summer 2009. Delta customers also will have the convenience of a third daily nonstop flight between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and London-Heathrow, operated by joint venture partner Air France. The service will complement Delta’s two existing flights between New York and Heathrow and one flight between Atlanta and Heathrow and will give customers the scheduling flexibility of a morning, early evening or late evening departure. “The introduction of full-flat service onboard the Delta 767 fleet will enhance our position in the highly competitive U.S.-to-Heathrow market,” said Glen Hauenstein, Delta’s executive vice president-network planning and revenue management.

Effective summer 2009, Delta’s flights between the United States and Heathrow will be upgraded to feature Boeing 767-400ER aircraft with 40 new 180-degree full flat beds in the aircraft’s BusinessElite cabin. The seats, designed by Thompson Aerospace and engineered and manufactured by Contour Premium Aircraft Seating, recline to 77-inch-long beds in a one-two-one configuration giving every BusinessElite customer direct aisle access.

Delta is reconfiguring seven of its 767-400 aircraft with the full-flat beds.

In total, Delta and Air France plan to offer customers four daily nonstop flights between the United States and London-Heathrow next summer – one from Atlanta and three from New York-JFK. Delta also currently offers service between London’s Gatwick Airport and Atlanta twice daily and between London-Gatwick and Cincinnati once daily. Air France has announced that it intends to discontinue service between Los Angeles and Heathrow as it adds the new nonstop Heathrow flight from New York.

American Express Travel is partnering with Royal Caribbean International for the unveiling of the final “neighborhood” aboard RCI’s Oasis of the Seas, which the cruise line will launch in November 2009. The cruise ship’s design features “neighborhoods,” which will provide an array of experiences to cater to guests’ personal style, preferences or moods. The unveiling of the final neighborhood, available exclusively to American Express cardmembers, customers and travel agents, will take place Oct. 21 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time, via a live WebEx webcast.

The webcast will be co-hosted by Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, and Lynne Biggar, senior vice president and general manager of the American Express Consumer Travel Network. Oasis of the Seas’ neighborhoods already announced include Central Park, Boardwalk, Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, and the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center.

 For more information, call 800-297-2977 or visit www.americanexpress.com/travel

Omni Hotels’ international culinary series, Flavors of the World, has debuted this season at the Omni La Mansion del Rio in San Antonio, with “Savor the Flavors of France.” The program runs through Dec. 31 at the property’s Las Canarias restaurant, where special French menus and a value-added accommodation package will supplement Executive Chef John Brand’s new cuisine. It is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A traditional French breakfast menu consists of croissant, fresh seasonal fruits, French butter and a selection of Bonne Maman jams. Lunch items include Poêlée de St. Jacques Provençale (sautéed sea scallops in chive oil) and Potage of St. Germain (split pea soup), as well as traditional sandwiches like Croque Monsieur (ham and brie). Dinner entrees include Entrecôte au poivre et sa sauce Robert (ribeye steak with a Maille mustard sauce) and Pavé de saumon rôti a la fleur de sel (salmon filet).

A re-invented dessert menu features Tarte Tatin, Valrhona Mousse au Chocolat and cinnamon and Navan Crème Brulée. French wines and champagne are also available, ranging from Burgundy to Beaujolais, in addition to French cocktails with special recipes featuring Grand Marnier and Grey Goose vodka. While the French menu will only be available at Las Canarias, the wine list at the neighboring Watermark Hotel & Spa’s Pesca on the River will feature some of the French wines throughout the duration of the program. To celebrate, the hotel is offering a French Toast Culinary package.

The package includes a French meat and cheese plate with two Brut champagne bottles upon arrival; a two-hour culinary class, including wine pairing; dinner; a wine tote; and French toast breakfast for two on Sunday. Nightly package room rates start at $349 double, through Dec. 31.

 For more information, call 800-843-6664 or visit www.omnihotels.com

 

The 15th Annual Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival will take place Nov. 5-9 in Harlingen, Texas. The event will include guided field trips, educational seminars, workshops and the opportunity to interact with ornithology experts.

The 21 field trips and nine seminars will conclude with two international bird watching options: a 14-day birding trip to the tropics of Ecuador and a five-day birding trip to a biosphere reserve in Mexico. In addition to guided field trips, the festival will include a series of seminars and activities for children. A large trade show will host representatives from major optics companies, nature artists, and field guides and birding literature.

For more information, call 800-531-7346, email info@rgvbirdfest.com or visit www.rgvbirdfest.com

Alden-Houston Calling All Goblins, Ghosts and Ghouls

The chills and thrills of “All Hollow’s Eve” will be in full force when Alden-Houston hosts its second annual haunted Halloween Soiree and costume contest on Friday, October 31st. Arrive in costume and pay no cover for a howling good time.

HOUSTON, TX, — The chills and thrills of “All Hollow’s Eve” will be in full force when Alden-Houston hosts its second annual haunted Halloween Soiree and costume contest on Friday, October 31st. Arrive in costume and pay no cover for a howling good time that will feature tunes spun by “Deejay Hannibal Hector,” haunted flicks on big screens, and costume contest with prizes. The party starts at 8 p.m. on Alden’s second-story Veranda and continues until 2 a.m. at the hotel’s stylish a+ bar and grille.

“Last year’s party was a screaming success. The costumes were so creative; from a cockroach, bumble bee and bee catcher, to a basket of laundry, Santa’s sexy elves, and plenty of Draculas,” said Susan Ward Freeman, the hotel’s general manager. “This year we expect costumes to be equally impressive.”

At 10:00 pm no tricks, just treats for best-dressed; celebrity judges will award the coolest, most creative or sexiest costume with:

• An overnight stay at downtown’s Alden-Houston Hotel
• A $250 gift certificate to {intimacy} lingerie boutique in The Galleria
• A $50 gift certificate to m2m Fashion

A special Halloween room rate is available at $155 for Friday night, or treat yourself to a fun weekend getaway for just $250 for both Friday and Saturday nights.

Alden-Houston’s Halloween bash is co-sponsored by 002 Houston Magazine and Emerging Leaders. For more information call 832-200-8843 or log on to http://www.aldenhotel.com     RSVP to info@aldenhotels.com

As a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Inc., Alden-Houston is known for its’ five-star accommodations, world-class service and exquisite dining. Located in the heart of downtown Houston, Alden-Houston combines classic architecture with cutting-edge, contemporary design. Alden-Houston welcomes you to indulge in the award-winning restaurant, *17, and the stylish lounge, a+. *17’s New American Cuisine is certain to please all discerning palates, and the elegant, yet casual atmosphere of a+ invites you to relax and unwind. For more information, visit http://www.aldenhotels.com