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Archive for the ‘US Travel’ CategoryMaui: Island of Natural WondersSaturday, March 20th, 2010
Browse through our Hawaii tour and vacation packages. United States ToursTuesday, March 16th, 2010
Tour Destinations: | Alaska Tours | Atlas Cruises & Tours | Hawaii Tours | National Parks Tours | Fall Foliage Tours | Family Vacations Tour Operators that offer tours of the United States: | Brendan Tours | Contiki Tours | Cosmos Tours | Globus Tours | Insight Tours | Monograms Independent Vacations | Tauck Tours | Trafalgar Tours | Hawaii Tourism: Information on Tsunami WarningsSaturday, February 27th, 2010As many of you may have heard, there are Tsunami warnings for Hawaii after the earthquake in Chile. The Hawaii Tourism Association established a global information center. For more information, click here or Follow them on twitter National Park Vacations on the RiseWednesday, February 24th, 2010 According to the National Park Service, trips to National Parks are on the rise. “National Parks are idyllic vacation ‘hot spots’ perfect for relaxation and introspection, wild life exploration or adventure, depending on the traveler,” said Scott Nisbet, president and CEO for the Globus family of brands. A wide range of experiences can be had at National Parks including everything from snorkeling, rafting and hiking to learning about the environment, geology and wild life. They also provide a perfect retreat for those hoping to reconnect with themselves or nature. “Our National Park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunities,” said Nisbet. “With a wide range of National Park destinations, hotels and price points, coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling, we create experiences for travelers they couldn’t produce on their own.” Together, Globus, Cosmos and Monograms offer travelers more than 35 National Park-focused tours and packaged vacations from which to choose an ideal getaway. The most popular National Park-focused escapes for 2010 are:
Specialty sites: National Parks | Alaska | Canada National Parks Vacation SweepstakesTuesday, February 2nd, 2010
Participating is easy – just share with the world one, or all, of your favorite spots in America’s national parks. Anytime during the month of February, visit http://thisisyourland.nationalparks.org to explore America’s 392 national parks online, and then mark your spot by sharing your favorite moments, stories and experiences. Individuals that add their spot to at least one park will be entered to win a three night trip for two, including lodging and airfare, to their choice of the following destinations located in, or within close proximity to, some of America’s most beloved parks:
The grand prize winner will also receive a $300 resort credit to use towards meals and/or activities (cannot be used towards lodging, retail, fuel, or any non-ARAMARK managed operations), and an official ”America’s Best Idea” book signed by filmmakers Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan. In addition, twenty runner-up winners will receive an “America’s Best Idea” poster signed by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan, and a limited edition National Park Foundation “America’s Best Idea” t-shirt. Individuals can add one new spot to http://thisisyourland.nationalparks.org each day to increase their chances of winning. The National Park Foundation and ARAMARK Parks and Destinations will announce the winners in March. For more information and complete contest rules visit: www.nationalparks.org/thisisyourlandsweeps View our great selection of National park vacations. Disney Hotel Hawaii: Have You Heard?Friday, January 22nd, 2010Disney is expanding their resort operations to Hawaii with a new hotel currently under construction. The first section is expected to open in the fall of 2011. Disney has announced the name of the hotel will be Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina having selected a Hawaiian name to show their commitment to honoring Hawaiian culture and traditions throughout the resort.
The property will sit on 21 acres of oceanfront land in the Ko Olina Resort and Marina development, about 30 minutes from Waikiki. Ko Olina was a sacred place of renewal for Kamehameha the Great and his wife, Ka`ahumanu. Known for its sandy beaches, majestic seascapes and snorkeling, Ko Olina is home to many islanders who make their living from the rich agricultural tradition and fishing in the area. The 360 hotel rooms and 481 time-share villas will include an 18,000 square foot spa, 2 restaurants, kids’ club, designated area for meetings and banquets, as well as a wedding lawn. Disney is, of course, synonymous with family entertainment. We don’t have all the details at this time, but we know the children’s programs will engage children in fun-filled Hawaiian-themed activities like creating crafts from local materials and interacting with touch tables that will offer children a more in depth look into Hawaii. There will be several pools, waterslides, a sparkling inland saltwater lagoon for snorkeling, and a river running through a specially designed volcanic outcropping for tubing. The resort is sure to have extra touches that will make this resort uniquely Disney. I find this resort to be an interesting move, as Disney recently dropped their Hawaii tours from their Adventures by Disney family tour product. There’s also a lot of competition in Hawaii with upscale resorts that offer family programs, and Disney is usually quite expensive. Will travelers be willing to spend more to stay at a Disney resort? Time will tell. Things to See and Do in KauaiTuesday, December 22nd, 2009
You could say Kauai is on any list of the world’s most beautiful and spectacular islands as it is made up of lush tropical greenery and sparkling beaches. Formed some six million years ago, Kauai is the oldest island in Hawaii. South of the island is Poipu which is the perfect resort area. The accommodations range from ultra-luxury hotels to cozy bed-and-breakfasts. Here you will find gourmet restaurants and specialty shopping. Wailua Falls is the must-see waterfall to visit on the garden island of Kauai, mainly, because it is the most easily accessible waterfall. The falls was made famous when it was the opening scene of the popular show, Fantasy Island. Click here to save money on popular tours such as the Waimea Canyon Tour or the Grand Deluxe Airline tour of this amazing island. Written by: Angie S angie@atlastravelweb.com Discover the Sights, Sounds and Flavors of SeattleTuesday, November 3rd, 2009
In the US the Pike Place Market of Seattle is the best! This is the place with the “flying fish” which is a show by itself. Two of the fishmongers at this one particular vendor (very clever owner!) throw giant fish at each other while one is actually standing in the inevitable crowd. It’s the best show in town! I would love to live there just so I could shop at the market. There are so many tempting goodies and gorgeous fresh flower with the most vibrant colors I have ever seen. It’s like a dream. There was a brief scene in the movie Sleepless in Seattle where Tom Hanks meets his date at the market and also an outdoor shot with Rob Reiner. Seattle is a great destination for a long weekend and also a great place to begin an Alaska Cruise adventure. Click here for a Seattle Citypass Card to save up to 51% off regular admission to Seattle’s six most popular attractions. Written by: Laura U
laura@atlastravelweb.com Experience SavannahWednesday, October 21st, 2009
Any one who likes history or architecture or any kind of Southern charm should see Savannah. Charleston is only one hour north and is beautiful in a different way with all the colorful homes along the Battery and plantations like Middleton Place (thousands of azalea plants). There are many tours to Savannah and Charleston including Cosmos, Globus, Collette, Gutsy Women, Tauck and Mayflower. It’s a terrific getaway! Click here for pictures of Savannah Contributed by Laura Unger, VP Travel Consultant Things to See & Do in MauiThursday, October 8th, 2009
Maui is second most visited island. The most popular area is along Kaanapali, which is on the western shore of the island. Kaanapali is considered to have one of Maui’s best beaches. Home to 36 holes of championship golf, Ka’anapali offers golfers both spectacular views , as well as a challenge. So if golf is your passion, then you’re in one of the best spots on Maui. In Lahaina, on a specially built, open-air luau grounds next to the ocean, the Old Lahaina Luau is one of the finest luaus in the world, offering excellent Hawaiian food and entertainment. Hana is Hawaii’s very own Garden of Eden with its unspoiled tropics with shimmering waterfalls, beautiful flowers and breathtaking cliffs. |
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Maui…close your eyes and picture this. A towering waterfall cascading down a lush canyon wall. A white sand beach with the sparkling blue Pacific beyond. A giant humpback whale breaching near a catamaran’s bow. A serene sunrise over a volcano’s immense crater. A fire-red sunset glowing over an ancient tropical island…memories that will last a lifetime.
Travel the United States on an escorted or a city stay pre-planned vacation, and experience the cultural diversity in any one of our vibrantly animated cities saturated with distinct character and a unique charm. Start on the Western frontier visiting the historic California landmarks of San Diego and Los Angeles en route to San Francisco where the iconic Golden Gate Bridge awaits. Perhaps you crave an outdoor adventure in the Old West, exploring national landmarks such as Mount Rushmore in South Dakota or the Grand Canyon and its immense glory in Arizona. Moving east, you will encounter the smooth texture of a jazz infused Chicago nightlife and the cultural seeds of today’s modern United States in the cities of Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington DC. New York needs no introduction as the cultural, financial, and media capital of the United States—a must-see for any traveler exploring the states.
Considered “America’s best idea,” National Parks around the world provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see. An American invention, they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real, life-altering experiences. And, it’s this transparent beauty, exploration and enrichment combined with the accessibility of North American National Parks that make them a popular vacation choice.
In February, PBS is airing a documentary by Ken Burn’s called “America’s Best Idea: The National Parks.” In celebration, the National Parks Foundation and ARAMARK Parks and Destinations are giving away a free trip to one of America’s most popular national parks.
Kauai – “The Garden Isle”
One of our favorite cities in the US is Seattle. The views of Mt Rainier are spectacular as there is no real mountain range, just this one giant snow capped mountain in the distance. We did get to travel up the mountain and it was an invigorating summer hike. There is a wonderful island offering Indian folklore shows and a very fresh salmon dinner at a place called Tillicum Island. It’s a short very pleasant ferry ride away. Actually, though, as my husband and I are “foodies”, our favorite pastime when traveling is to look at local farmers markets etc. 
Savannah at Christmas is spectacular, but it’s a gem any time of year. Savannah is a series of beautiful squares with statues, Spanish moss on the aged trees and stately mansions surrounding each square. Along the Savannah River, there is the original Factor’s Walk where paper mills used to operate. Beneath the Walk is River Street which runs along the Savannah River and has shops and restaurants galore.
Maui
