Posts Tagged ‘atlas travel blog’

What’s New in Travel

Friday, March 12th, 2010
  • Disney’s volunteer program reached it’s goal of 1 million participants. The “Give A Day, Get a Day” program rewarded volunteers with a 1 day Disney park admission.
  • The Biltmore in Asheville, NC is holding it’s 25th Annual Festival of Flowers April 3rd-May 16, 2010.  The 25th anniversary celebration of Festival of Flowers coincides with the grand opening of Antler Hill Village.  This pedestrian-friendly venue will be open to guests as part of daily admission to Biltmore and expands current offerings to include a new exhibition space, village green with live entertainment, dining, shopping and a new outdoor adventure center.  Biltmore Winery, located in the village area, will also be celebrating its 25th anniversary and will be offering a newly-designed tour and tasting room.  Antler Hill Village will be open to guests during Festival of Flowers and a grand opening celebration is planned for May 20 – 23, 2010
  • Caesar’s Palace Las Vegas to debut new “Garden of Gods” pool oasis on March 19th.  Seven distinctive pools have been added, (Apollo, Bacchus, Neptune, Jupiter, Temple and Venus,) as well as a pool with an 18-foot waterfall (Fortuna,) where guests can play at swim-up blackjack tables.  Also new are 44 private cabanas each with plush furniture, flat-screen tv, Dvd player, I-pod docking stations and attentive cabana servers.
  • Holland America’s Ryndam is the latest ship to undergo signature of excellence enhancements.  The premium ship just completed a 17-day dry dock in Freeport, Bahamas, and now features the new, stylish lounge called Mix, a sophisticated Showroom at Sea with several new productions, the complimentary Italian eatery Canaletto, and a complete new stateroom and bath design.
  • Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations, offers a Future Cruise Credit of $250 per person for guests who book select April through June 2010 sailings now through April 30, 2010.
  • Hawaiian Airlines to add another Airbus A330 in 2011.
  • Cunard announced that the Queen Mary 2 will spend 28 nights cruising Australia as a segment of its world cruise. This will make it the largest ship to cruise the region. In addition to visiting Sydney, Adelaide and Whitsundays, the ship will also stop at Darwin, Melbourne, Cairns and Brisbane.  Three different itineraries will be offered: a 20-night voyage departing Fremantle on February 8, 2012; a 21-night voyage departing Adelaide on February 11, 2012; and a 22-night voyage departing Sydney on February 14, 2012. Cruises will go sometime this summer.
  • Soon you wont have to travel to the South Pacific to have an over-the-water bungalow.  Sandals is sharing new details about the over-the-water suites project at Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Resort.  To further showcase the natural beauty that envelopes guests in the Caribbean, the suites will feature see-through glass floors, over-the-water hammocks, outdoor showers and Jacuzzis, and lit water for night viewing.  All 26 over-the-water suites will also include butler service, courtesy of Sandals Resorts’ exclusive partnership with the Guild of Professional English Butlers.
  • Catch Up on the Latest Travel Industry News

    Friday, March 5th, 2010
  • Crystal Cruises is offering a wellness cruise in on September 5th onboard the Crystal Symphony.   Leading experts and instructors from The Mayo Clinic, Tai Chi Cultural Center, and even the world of professional baseball are on the roster.  Double occupancy promotional cruise fares for the 14-day cruise – including free air from 20 cities and the $1,000 bonus spending credit – start at $5,710 per person.
  • After torrential rains caused extensive damage to the train route to Machu Picchu, Perurail hopes to restart operations on April 1st.
  • Yellowstone National Park turns 138…March 1st, 1872, was the day that the U.S. Congress made Yellowstone America’s 1st national park. 
  • Tauck Tours adds exclusive Ferragamo experience to select Classic Italy departures. Experience includes private wine tasting, tour of Salvatore Ferragamo Museum to be hosted by famed fashion designer’s grandson.
  • Celebrity Eclipse made her debut this past Sunday in Papenburg, Germany. The ship will sail in Europe until November where it will sail out of Miami on Caribbean cruises. The Eclipse is the sister to the Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox.  A new feature onboard will be the iLounge.  The area will have 3 areas – one are will have workstations for passengers to use, another will be a retail store selling Apple products including Mac computers and Ipods, while the 3rd area will have certified staff that will offer tips and advice on how to use Apple products.
  • The National Cherry Blossom Festival, DC’s and the nation’s greatest springtime celebration, is quickly approaching, running over three weekends from March 27 through April 11.  National Park Service predicts Bloom dates of March 31-April 11 with flowers hitting their peak April 3-8.
  • SunFest, South Florida’s largest waterfront music and art festival is scheduled for April 28th-May 2, 2010.  2010 lineup to include Weezer, ZZ Top, Patti LaBell, the Charlie Daniels Band, Sister Hazel, Ben Harper and B-52’s.
  • Louis Cruise Line’s ship, the Majesty, was hit by waves over three stories high in the Mediterranean. Two passengers were killed and 14 injured after the incident.
  • Continental Airlines joins several other airlines in charging additional money for exit row seats.  The cost will vary depending on flight time and date of travel.
  • It may soon cost more to apply for a passport.  The State Department is considering a 35% rate hike to $135 (up from $100) Also, if you currently want to add more pages to your passport book, it’s currently free, but if the new rate passed, you would have to pay an additional $82. Renewals would go up from $75 to $100.
  • Celebrity Cruises offers 7 day Caribbean cruises for as low as $599 pp. While several cruise lines including Carnival and Azamara are rasing rates, we find these cruises to be one of the best values currently available.
  • President Obama signs bill to boost U.S. Tourism.  It is hoped the new law will attract over 1.5 million new visitors to the U.S. 
  • Princess Cruises ordered two new ships – the first ship will debut in the spring of 2013 and the other in 2014.  The ships will be 139,000 tons – the largest ever for Princess Cruises.
  • Experience the Thrill of the Kentucky Derby

    Sunday, February 28th, 2010

    The Kentucky Derby is the World’s most famous horse race, and the first jewel of the Triple Crown. On the first Saturday of every May, America’s best 3-year old Thorough-breeds assemble at historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. For well over a hundred years, the Kentucky Derby has been the opening event that heralds Spring and Kentucky’s social season, for the parties given prior to the Derby are as legendary as the race itself.

    Immediately before the Derby, many events occur daily offering various kinds of entertainment. From the Great Balloon Race, to riverbank picnics enjoyed while the steam boats are racing down the Ohio River, the fantastic fireworks display, Thunder Over Louisville and the Pegasus Parade, the people of Kentucky enjoy entertaining long before the actual day of the This year’s 136th running of the Derby is the perfect time for your trip to Churchill Downs. Your fantastic weekend includes tickets to the Oaks Race on Friday, as well as Derby Tickets for Saturday. Kentucky Derby Packages offer great value.

    Here are our best selling Kentucky Derby packages for 2010. Please keep in mind that these packages do sell out, and prices can increase at any time.

    4 Days/ 3 Nights accommodations at the Hyatt Regency Downtown
    Hotel Information: Urban flair blends seamlessly with southern hospitality – the hotel is right at Fourth Street Live! with enticing dining, shopping and entertainment. The hotel is located 8 miles from the Churchill Downs and 5 miles from Louisville Standiford Airport

    Land Features:

    • Three nights accommodations at the Hyatt Regency Downtown
    • Breakfast Friday, Saturday and Sunday
    • First Floor Grandstand ticket for the Kentucky Derby
    • Roundtrip Derby Day Transfers
    • Roundtrip Airport Transfers from Louisville International Airport
    • Host

    Ticket Upgrades available, call to inquire
    ALL PRICES ARE PER PERSON: 
    Double occ. $2495   Single occ. $3995   Triple $1995    Quad: $1795

    4 Days/ 3 Nights accommodations at the Galt House Hotel
    Hotel Information
    :  The Galt House Hotel is located in downtown Louisville, Ky. on the Ohio River waterfront. The hotel’s two 25-story towers offer area views. A skywalk connects the towers to the Kentucky International Convention Center. Fourth Street Live is four blocks away and offers nightly entertainment. Hotel Features. The Galt House Hotel towers are linked by the Conservatory, a glass-domed space. The Conservatory houses Thelma’s Coffee House and Al J’s Lounge with a tropical aquarium. The Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar serves beverages and lunch. The Fountain Room offers buffet lunch. Café Magnolia is located on the second floor. Rivue, an on-site restaurant with panoramic views on hotel’s 25th floor and specializes in steak and seafood.

    Land Features:

    • Three nights accommodations at the Galt House Hotel
    • Thursday evening welcome reception
    • First Floor Grandstand ticket for the Kentucky Derby Oaks on Friday
      and Kentucky Derby on Saturday
    • Roundtrip Derby Day Transfers
    • Avis 3 day full size car rental

    Ticket Upgrades available, call to inquire
    ALL PRICES ARE PER PERSON: 
    Double occ. $2895   Single occ. $4895   Triple $2995    Quad: $2195

    Same package above with 3 nights at the Marriott Downtown, 15 minutes from the racetrack is $4,295 pp, dbl occ.

    Ticket upgrades are available.  Call 800-846-7914 for details.

    Short on Time? Here’s a Recap of Travel in the News

    Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
  • Virgin America announces bag fee change – the airline has changed its baggage fee to a flat $25 rate (up from $20,) for all checked items (excluding the first and second bag for First Class travelers; and the first bag for Main Cabin Select and Main Cabin Refundable Fare travelers).
  • Princess Cruises 3 day sale begins tomorrow. Offers includes low fares, cash back and FREE upgrades on over 75 sailings.
  • Norwegian cruise line to begin sailing year round out of New Orleans. The NCL Spirit will move there this November. Ports of call will include Costa Maya, Cozumel, Roatan and Belize city.
  • Several trips that include the 2010 Oberammergau Passion Play are now sold out. 
  • Travel & Leisure’s list of the World’s strangest Olympic souvenirs. 
  • NCL Epic returned from a 4 day sea trail February 14th – NCL stated that everything was a success and the ship remains on schedule. The NCL Epic will be the line’s largest and most innovative ship.
  • Travelers seeking a leisurely way to travel through Europe are choosing a river cruise. We have seen a surge in bookings this month. Avalon Waterways, Uniworld river cruises and Viking all have new ships for 2010.
  • PGA National Resort & Spa Named on of the Top 100 Resorts in America and one of Top 10 “Green” Resorts by GOLF Magazine.
  • Tauck Culturious program doing well with repeat passengers. Culturious is a new approach to guided travel that takes small groups of like-minded people on trips where they become completely engaged in the places they’re visiting.
  • Marriott’s newest brand, the “Autograph Collection,” will feature upscale and luxury properties with distinctive personalities. Marriott announced it’s first 7 hotels in the collection: El Monte Sagrado, Taos, New Mexico; the Grand Bohemian Hotel, Asheville, NC; Mansion on Forsyth Park, Savannah, GA; Bohemian Hotel Riverfront, Savannah; Casa Monica Hotel, St. Augustine, Fl; the Grand Bohemian Hotel and the Celebration Hotel, Orlando, Fl.
  • A woman hits the raceway in the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on February 27th! NASCAR fans following Danica Patrick can enter the Win-Ten-Ten sweepstakes. If Danica finishes in the top 10, one lucky winner will receive $10,010.  Click here to enter
  • Travel In the News Today

    Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
  • Blizzards caused one of the biggest travel disruptions in years today! Several major airports closed, and over 4,000 flights have been cancelled, including international incoming and outgoing flights, due to the snow storms in the Eastern United States. Many interstates are also closed due to storms bringing travel to a hault.
  • Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin to join “Walk of Stars” in Las Vegas. The stars will be placed in front of the Flamingo Hotel.
  • Celine Dion commits to a 3 year stint back at the Caesar Palace in Las Vegas beginning on March 15, 2011. Tickets for the first 54 performances will be on sale this Friday at 1 p.m.
  • Contiki tours, the leading operator for travel around for the world for 18 to 35 year olds, announces a last minute Valentines sale of $175 off pp.  Sale begins Feb 11th and runs only for 2 days.
  • ABC’s show “The Bachelor On the Wings of Love” to offer great footage of the romantic island of St. Lucia on their February 15, 2010 episode airing at 8 p.m.
  • New Embassy Suites hotel slated to open in December 2010 across from Denver Convention Center.
  • Surprise – another airline fee.  American Airlines announces if you want to fly standby, it will now cost you $50.  Fee does not apply to first, business class passengers or military personnel, but all others trying to switch flights on their day of travel will now be charged.   Oh yes – and let’s not forget the announcement that a pillow and blanket will now cost $8. 
  • Delta Hiking Fees – Again

    Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

    Beginning on Tuesday, for tickets purchased after January 5, 2010, Delta will be raising prices by $8 for the 1st bag and $7 additional for the 2nd bag. This brings their total fees to $23 for the first bag and $32 for the second bag.  If you don’t pay the fee ahead of time, you will have to pay an extra $2 to $3 per suitcase at the airport, regardless of whether you check your bags at the curb, a kiosk or ticket counter.

    Elite frequent fliers, first class fliers and certain other customers, including active military personnel on deployment, are exempt from the fees.  The domestic bag fee increase applies to travel in coach class within the 50 states, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

    Airlines are nickel and diming customers on so many items now…will it influence what airline you book?

    Update on Airport Check-in and Security

    Sunday, January 24th, 2010

    Just in case you haven’t flown in a while, we want to remind all travelers that the TSA has specific guidelines for carrying on liquids, aerosols, and gels on board flights:

    • Travel-size toiletries (3.4 ounce bottle, 1 quart sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag) that fits comfortably in a one-quart, clear plastic zip-top bag. One zip-top bag is permitted per passenger. Beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area.
    • At the security checkpoint, place the zip-top bag of liquids in a bin or on the conveyor belt for inspection.
    • Passengers carrying on larger amounts of prescription liquid medications, baby formula, and diabetic glucose treatments must declare these at the security checkpoint for additional screening.

    Other useful tips to get through the check points faster:

    Arrive at the airport early. Enhanced security measures may mean longer lines at security checkpoints.

    • Keep in mind that you will be required to remove electronics (laptops, full-size game consoles, DVD players and video cameras)  from your carry on bags and submit them separately for x-ray screening. 
    • Do not wrap gifts as you may be asked to unwrap for inspection.
    • Remove items from your pockets that may set off metal detectors before getting in line. These items include keys, loose change, cell phones, and PDA’s
    • Wear slip-on shoes.  Travelers are required to remove shoes before entering the walk-through metal detector at all U.S. airports and put them through the x-ray machine for inspection. 
    • Have your boarding pass in hand as well as identification until exiting the check point. Acceptable ID includes US passport, US passport card, US Military ID and permanent resident card
    • If traveling with children, take them out of baby carriers and strollers and carry them through the metal detector with you.  If possible, collapse your stroller before you get to the metal detector.

    Security policies apply to all domestic and international flights departing from U.S. airports. We always recommend checking the TSA Web site (www.tsa.gov) for the most up-to-date information about security procedures. If you are departing from a non-U.S. airport, be sure to check that airport’s security policies and pack accordingly.

    One more thing I think is important to mention is Baggage guidelines—Be sure to review your airline’s baggage allowance guidelines. Airline rules for checked baggage allowances vary. Almost all carriers have implemented new fees for luggage so it’s not just the weight you need to consider.  Check the airline’s website so you are not faced with unexpected charges.

    Last Minute Travel Deals

    Friday, January 22nd, 2010

    Should you wait until the last minute to book a trip?If you’re just looking for a last minute weekend getaway – sure, why not? Often unplanned escapes can be the best! 

    Big Savings. You can get away this weekend and save up to 70%! The Last Minute Deals team focuses only on bringing you the best deal available at the last minute so you can get up and go this weekend and save up to 70%. Our flexible packages include a wide range of options and prices. Flight + Hotel packages usually start at less than $200 per person, while Flight + Car packages and Hotel + Car start at less than $150.

    No Compromises. Just because you want to go today doesn’t mean you have to take what you can get. Choose from hundreds of packages to domestic and international destinations. Last Minute Deals include your choice of exact flights, hotels and rental car so you can take the trip you want and still save big. Don’t forget to enter your frequent flier number when booking your trip–you’ll earn miles for every Last Minute Deals flight package.

    Sold From Three Weeks to Three Hours Before Departure. It’s possible to log on to Last Minute Deals at lunchtime and be on your way to Miami, hotel, airfare and optional rental car included by 5pm! But don’t delay. Inventory moves fast at the last minute and prices and availability can change quickly. See a deal you like? Grab it and go! Last Minute Deals cannot be reserved.

    It’s Never Been Easier to Get Up and Go. It’s our mission to make it so easy to get away, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been going somewhere new every weekend! Our travel team researches every destination on the site and writes up whimsical, spontaneous trip ideas so you can see the possibilities and try a new place–even cities you may never have thought about traveling to before. Pick a package, choose your hotel, your flights, your car and go!

    Keep in mind that if you are planning more than a few nights away or booking a cruise or tour, then it is best to plan ahead, as there are several advantages to booking early that a travel agent can discuss with you.

    Celebrity Cruise Deals

    Friday, January 8th, 2010

    See for yourself why Condé Nast Traveler readers have voted five of Celebrity’s vessels among the world’s “Top 10 Large Ships”, with the line’s Constellation, Summit, Infinity, and Millennium ranked as the top four overall. Plus, don’t miss Celebrity cruises brand-new ships, Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Eclipse. Each features a manicured half-acre lawn where you can play bocce ball and croquet, practice your putting, or simply picnic!

    Here are the latest Celebrity Cruise Deals

    Up to $300 FREE Onboard Spending* – Call!

    Call to book an Oceanview or higher category stateroom on a qualifying Celebrity sailing departing 2/28/10 – 12/16/10 and, depending on the length of sailing, we will give you $50, $100, $150, $200, or $300 in FREE Onboard Spending per stateroom. Use it towards a spa treatment, cocktails, shore excursions, or other purchases made on the ship.

    Reduced Deposit!

    Take advantage of the reduced deposit offer when you book a qualifying Celebrity Cruises sailing months in advance. Get your vacation on the calendar – now you can put your stateroom on hold for less up front. This offer is not a discount. Some restrictions apply. Valid only for new individual bookings made between 1/7/10 and 1/31/10 by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time.

    *Onboard spending amount is non-refundable, non-transferable, cannot be used in the casino or applied towards gratuities/service charges, and may not be redeemed for cash; unused portions will become void after cruise is complete. May not be combinable with other offers or promotions. Valid only for new individual bookings made between 1/7/10 and 1/31/10 by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time.

    Argentina Imposes New Fee for Travelers

    Monday, December 28th, 2009

    travelStarting today, the government of Argentina will charge a reciprocity fee to all American, Australians and Canadians who arrive at the Buenos Aires airport. The reciprocal fee will be $131 for Americans, $100 for Australians and $70 for Canadians.  Why the different rates? The fee is equal to what Argentines pay to get to those countries. The fee will be collected upon arrival at the airport and can be paid in Argentinean pesos, US dollars, credit cards or travelers checks.  This fee is good for the life of your passport.

    Argentina is not the first in South America to implement fees. Chile is $131 for travelers arriving by air, Bolivia is $135 for a visa, Paraguay is $65 for a visa and Brazil is $150 for a visa.  Lima and Montevideo are now currently the only ones with “fee-free” entry.