National Express Dot2Dot is cutting its prices during October by 20%, making the door-to-door executive class airport shuttle service less expensive than the Heathrow Express.

The 20% price cut will be valid on all bookings made in October for travel until 24th December 2008. Under the new pricing, a one way ticket between central London to Heathrow will cost from just £16, compared with £16.50 for the Heathrow Express standard class.

The price offer coincides with the launch of free WiFi across Dot2Dot’s new fleet, making it the only service to offer free WiFi between central London and Heathrow.

The price cuts will mean that even more travellers will now be able to experience Dot2Dot’s door-to-door service; each shuttle boasts air conditioning, leather seats through out, table-seating configurations with free Wifi across the new fleet and the same legroom as British Airways first class.

Dot2Dot also offers services between Heathrow and London’s Kings Cross and Liverpool Street stations, making the journey across London to Heathrow more reliable, comfortable and affordable for travellers using the National Express East Coast and East Anglia train lines.

www.dot2.com

10/1/2008 9:28:13 AM UTC    Comments 

Delta Air Lines is to offer its Shuttle customers the option of traveling in First or Economy class beginning 1 December 2008 as the airline reconfigures its MD-88 Shuttle fleet to offer two classes of service. In the new configuration, Delta Shuttle will offer 14 seats in First Class and 128 seats in Economy with the airline’s open-seating policy remaining in place for each class of service.

SkyMiles Medallion members will be eligible for complimentary upgrades on Delta Shuttle flights; First Class seats also will be available for sale via normal ticketing channels.

www.delta.com

9/30/2008 9:37:57 AM UTC    Comments 

Air New Zealand is to double the number of available Pacific Premium Economy seats on its fleet of eight Boeing 777-200ER aircraft in line with growing demand.

Expected to be reconfigured by June 2009, each aircraft will have an additional 18 Pacific Premium Economy seats added taking the total available to 36.

It is the third Premium Economy capacity increase in two years, with Air New Zealand twice increasing the number of seats available on its Boeing 747-400 aircraft, now up to 39 Pacific Premium Economy seats.

Pacific Premium Economy seating is situated in its own dedicated cabin on the 777 and, when the additional seats are installed, will feature 41 inch seat pitch, nine inches of seat recline and business class style food and beverage service and amenities.

"Pacific Premium Economy is a particularly popular class of travel on our Auckland - London services and with our decision to operate the 777 on the Auckland-Los Angeles-London route from later this month we need to boost capacity on this aircraft to meet demand," said Air New Zealand Group General Manager International Airline Mr Ed Sims .

www.airnewzealand.co.uk

9/30/2008 9:32:00 AM UTC    Comments 

Christmas Day is traditionally the one day of the year where the whole family gets together to exchange presents, to catch up on gossip and most importantly to sit down and eat together. You plan the perfect meal: a succulent turkey, crispy roast potatoes and beautiful Christmas pudding but how often does this turn out as you imagine? The turkey’s not big enough, you’ve forgotten to buy the goose fat to roast the potatoes etc. etc - so many things to go wrong and no time to put them right!

The Christmas Dinner Company offers the perfect solution with an all-in-one luxury Christmas dinner package which includes all the essential ingredients fresh, chilled and direct to your door: all sauces made, vegetables peeled and chopped and all the little finishing touches that turn a meal into a banquet.

Delivered fresh to your doorstep on 23rd December, The Christmas Dinner Company package only includes the finest ingredients from leading quality and organic brands. You will receive the ‘Rolls Royce’ of turkeys - a Kelly Bronze, organic stuffing and sausages and traditional bread sauce, to fully prepared and peeled vegetables.

For dessert there is a scrumptious Christmas pudding, a miniature bottle of vodka for flambéing, as well as traditional brandy butter made with fine French brandy and star-topped mini mince pies.

To complete the stress free experience, you will also receive detailed step-by-step cooking instructions, a time-plan to help organise your Christmas day and not forgetting the correct size turkey roasting tin. There are delicious recipe ideas for any leftovers and a heavy cotton quality apron to get you in the Christmas cooking spirit! And because all the trimmings are included, there won’t be any last minute panic shopping for the chipolata sausages and the cranberry sauce.

The Christmas Dinner Company offers packages for 6-8 people at £395 and 10 – 12 people at £595.

www.thechristmasdinnercompany.co.uk

9/30/2008 8:43:08 AM UTC    Comments 

Following the success of their main Israel brochure, EL AL's tour operator Superstar Holidays has announced its winter programme to Eilat on Israel's Red Sea coast.

Flights will be with EL AL's subsidiary Sun D'Or from Stansted commencing 27th October and extending through to the end of May 2009.

Eilat is the ideal choice for a winter break for families, individuals and couples a like offering non-stop sunshine and a good choice of hotels, many of which offer spa packages. It is well known for its excellent entertainment and nightlife, as well as being a tax-free haven, perfect for a shopping trip.

From Eilat, holidaymakers can visit Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, across the border in Jordan, as well as take a range of Superstar Holidays excursion including a Taste of Israel Tour taking in many of the well-known historical and religious sites including Jerusalem, Massada and the Dead Sea.

Superstar Holidays also offer a range of activities including a dive programme for all levels of experience, as well as snorkeling, swimming with dolphins and other water sports activities.

Prices including flights and transfers start from £599.00 per person at the Dan Panorama on a half board basis.

For reservations, please call 020 7121 1500 or 0161 834 6553

9/29/2008 12:56:07 PM UTC    Comments 

EL AL Airlines, the national carrier of Israel's has confirmed its collaboration with the Israel Cancer Association (ICA) in the fight against cancer. During September-October 2008 on all EL AL flights to Israel and across all of EL AL's international routes, passengers will be able to buy limited edition, signed prints by famous Israeli artists. Each print will cost $180 (less than half the normal market price). Every dollar raised will be donated to cancer research and for the care of Israeli cancer patients. All original works of art can be viewed by passengers in the EL AL web site and some of them are presented at the EL AL King David Lounge at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.

www.elal.co.uk

9/29/2008 12:49:59 PM UTC    Comments 

A Japanese businessman who trained for a 10-day flight aboard the International Space Station is suing the US-based space-tour operator, Space Adventures, to get back the US$25 million he paid for the flight. News.com. au has reported that Daisuke Enomoto, 37, completed his training and planned to fly to the station aboard a Russian Soyuz capsule in September 2006. However he was pulled from the three-member crew a month before liftoff, to be replaced by Dallas businesswoman Anousheh Ansari. Enomoto alleges that Ansari was chosen to replace him because she was an investor in Space Adventures. The tour operator however, has argues that Enomoto does not qualify for a refund as he was “medically disqualified”.

9/29/2008 12:48:18 PM UTC    Comments 

Controversial gourmet Gordon Ramsay is set to open his first hotel. The GBP4 million (US$7.4 million) York & Albany will open in London’s Regent’s Park this week, with the ten-room townhouse hotel owned by Gordon Ramsay Holdings, and the restaurant being run by Ramsay’s culinary right-hand woman, Angela Hartnett. “We're niche, stylish, British, real and much better value. We’re not hoteliers on a grand scale but we believe we can compete on a smaller level,” Hartnett said.

9/29/2008 12:44:00 PM UTC    Comments 

Swissôtel Le Plaza Basel in Switzerland is now giving guests the opportunity join guided tours on two wheeled Segway Personal Transporters (PTs), the first, self-balancing electric vehicles ever developed. The hotel has employed 7 Segway PTs for guests to hop on and zoom around Basel for up to 2.5 hours, at a speed of up to 15km per hour.

www.swissotel.com

9/29/2008 12:38:24 PM UTC    Comments 

Police in Brazil have caught up with a driver who managed to accumulate US$1.9 million in speeding fines. The BBC reported that Sao Paolo police who pulled over ArmandoClemente da Silva were shocked to discover he had clocked up nearly 1,000 violations. Da Silva, 36, racked up the fines for speeding and running red lights over a seven-year period. His car has now been impounded and Brazilian media report that it will be returned in the unlikely event that Silva pays off his fines within 90 days. The 12 year-old car is thought to be worth US$6,500.

9/29/2008 12:37:05 PM UTC    Comments 

AirAsia is adding four additional daily direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. These additional services will commence on 1 December, and take AirAsia’s total daily services on the route to six. Tony Fernandes, AirAsia’s CEO, said: “We are building the world’s biggest hub. These additional flights further demonstrate our commitment to making air-travel convenient and affordable for everyone.”

www.airasia.com

9/29/2008 12:35:43 PM UTC    Comments 

Customs officials at Frankfurt Airport in Germany have arrested a 29-year-old man after finding more than €8.7m in cash inside his luggage. The haul, in €50 and €100 notes, was discovered during a routine check and was the largest ever sum seized by customs from an individual in Germany, with the passenger now being investigated on suspicion of money laundering.

Reports don’t say whether he’d had to pay for excess baggage.

9/29/2008 12:34:43 PM UTC    Comments 

Tim Clark, the president of Emirates, has declared his support of plans for a new airport in the Thames estuary so that Britain can compete with foreign rivals threatening to eclipse Heathrow. Mr Clark said building the new international hub at sea would enable both Heathrow and Gatwick to close, providing land for development and bringing environmental benefits across southeast England.

9/29/2008 12:31:44 PM UTC    Comments 

An Argentine tourist got the city name right, but the continent wrong when she booked a vacation to Australia, and found herself in easternmost Canada.

Monique Rozanes Torres Aguero of Buenos Aires had wanted to travel to Sydney, Australia, but ended up instead in the former coal and steel mill town of Sydney, Nova Scotia.

The mix-up, due to inattention while booking flights online, became evident when she boarded a small propeller plane in Halifax that would take her on the last leg of her journey. 

But rather than make a fuss, Ms Torres decided to stay and make the best of her trip.

"When things happen, you let them happen," she said through an interpreter.

Apparently, it is not the first time Canada has welcomed tourists intended for Australia.

In 2002, two Britons also mistakenly landed in Canada's sleepy Sydney, instead of Australia's bustling metropolis, a Cape Breton tourism spokeswoman said.

9/28/2008 10:39:57 AM UTC    Comments 

Emirates Airline has launched a new offer in partnership with the Atlantis, a luxury resort and water park recently opened on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah.

Passengers flying Emirates Airline’s First Class or Business Class to or via Dubai over the coming months will receive a complimentary stay in this special hotel and enjoy its incredible world of aquatic wonders. The offer includes unlimited access during their stay at Atlantis to the amazing water playground Aquaventure, featuring thrilling water rides as well as The Lost Chambers, a maze of underground tunnels offering fascinating underwater views.

Passengers flying Emirates Business Class to or via Dubai during the offer period will enjoy a complimentary one-night stay at Atlantis, while eligible Emirates First Class passengers will enjoy not one, but two nights’ complimentary stay.

This unprecedented opportunity is offered to customers on a bed and breakfast basis, based on single or double room occupancy and is valid for new bookings made on qualifying Emirates flights between 4th October and 24th December 2008, excluding 18th November – 23rd November 2008 inclusive. The accommodation must be pre-booked via Emirates and confirmed before arrival in Dubai. Terms and conditions apply.

www.emirates.com

9/28/2008 10:28:59 AM UTC    Comments 

Ibis, the economy hotels brand of the Accor group, has opened its fifth hotel in Thailand with the sixth to open in just a few days.

The 213-room ibis Sathorn (Bangkok) is located in Soi Ngam Duphli, just off Sathorn Road in downtown Bangkok. The 260-rooms Ibis Bophut on the Island of Samui will open on October 1, 2008.

Both the Ibis Sathorn and Ibis Bophut provide all the quality and services of the worldwide ibis standard, including a well-designed en-suite bedroom, fully-equipped with flat screen TV and wireless and broadband internet connection.

To celebrate their openings both hotels are now offering special packages:

Ibis Sathorn: 1,707 Baht (£27.50) nett per night inclusive of breakfast for two until October 31, 2008.

Ibis Bophut: 1,840 Baht (£29.50) nett per night inclusive of breakfast for two, for Standard Room, valid from October 1 to December 20, 2008.

www.accor.com

9/28/2008 10:24:08 AM UTC    Comments 

Star-studded St Moritz is made available to skiers at down to earth prices with specialist operator flexiski.

But if you really want to match the style of top celebrities seen on the Swiss resort’s slopes, like Kate Moss, George Clooney, Hugh Grant and Rupert Everett, flexiski can also offer packages with an A-list price tag.

With a ‘save or splurge’ offer, flexiski is able to book trips to this most chic of winter destinations with a bill that will make your bank manager either smile or wince.

While the rich and famous are partying at the renowned Kings Club, flexiski clients can enjoy a four-night break at the three-star Hotel Hauser from just £380 per person, including breakfast (based on sharing a double room). The hotel is in the centre of St Moritz – home to a host of glamorous events, including the Cartier snow Polo World Cup and the White Turf Racing Festival – and many of the double rooms on the south side overlook the main square.

However, for those with taste for the high life, head for the exclusive Badrutt’s Palace for a no-expense spared five-star treat in March from £1,690 per person, based on two adults sharing a deluxe junior suite and including breakfast. Badrutt’s Palace offers spectacular views of the Alps and St Moritz Lake. A historic symbol of St Moritz, the palace has been a favourite with celebrities and royalty since it opened in 1896.

Eating out in St Moritz can also be a budget experience or you can opt for two-star Michelin restaurants. Among the restaurants offering outstanding cuisine with an appetising price tag is La Marmite. Located at the top of the funicular (Corviglia Bergstation) it’s a great lunch stop with prices from £15 or you can opt for the extensive selection of caviar available with canapés.

The Chesa Chantarella offers an exclusive mountain dining experience, serving excellent Swiss cuisine prepared from ingredients from the Upper Engadine’s top producers. A carriage ride from this characteristic restaurant down to the valley makes a romantic end to an evening. Alternatively, thrill-seekers can take a sleigh ride instead.  

www.flexiski.com

9/28/2008 9:44:45 AM UTC    Comments 

Following the success of Virgin’s Upper Class Wing and private security channel at Heathrow Terminal 3, the airline has introduced a new 40-minute minimum check in time for its Upper Class passengers offering them the fastest journey through an airport in the UK – quicker than T5.

This means Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class passengers can now arrive at the airport and check in 40 minutes before the flight departs, pass through the airline’s private security corridor and go straight to the gate in time for their flight.

To make the airport experience even more seamless for its passengers Virgin Atlantic has launched a brand new interactive T3 microsite which offers comprehensive information, virtual tours and check in demos for all passengers who are travelling in and out of its facilities at Heathrow.

www.virginatlantic-t3.com  

9/26/2008 7:56:59 AM UTC    Comments 

The US Department of Homeland Security has unveiled new ‘Future Attribute Screening Technology’ which it claims could be used to spot terrorists. The ‘physiological screener’ scans passengers as they walk past, measuring pulse, body temperature, breathing rate and other indicators which the DHS said could show anxiety.

“We’re picking up things with sensors that can’t necessarily be detected by the human eye,” said a spokesman, who added that it would probably be some years before the system is ready to be used at airports.

9/26/2008 7:47:17 AM UTC    Comments 

Dubai-based airline Emirates is reducing fares by up to 20 per cent on routes from six UK departure points to Australasia, China, Europe, the Far East, the Middle East, Indian Ocean, Indian Subcontinent and South Africa.

www.emirates.com

9/26/2008 7:41:35 AM UTC    Comments 

Nine airlines have joined forces with Boeing and biofuel specialist Universal Oil Products to accelerate the development of sustainable aviation fuels. The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group, which includes Air France, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Cargolux, Gulf Air, Japan Airlines, KLM, SAS and Virgin Atlantic, has drawn up a charter aimed at the development, certification and use of biofuels in conditions ‘respectful of the environment and of economic and social development’.

9/26/2008 7:38:59 AM UTC    Comments 

Ryanair considers setting up a transatlantic off-shoot.
The Irish budget carrier believes the turmoil in the sector which has led to multiple airline casualties following soaring fuel prices strengthens its hand in winning European approval in its bid for Aer Lingus. If successful, Ryanair would use some of the 15 long haul aircraft the Irish flag carrier has on order for the new low cost transatlantic service, telegraph.co.uk reported.

The new arm is also to negotiate with leasing companies about the potential for acquiring new generation Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Routes to New York from Stansted, Prestwick and Birmingham have been identified as part of the plans. The strategy was described as being at an advanced stage, although it could take a few years before the new carrier takes off.

Ryanair first raised the prospect of running low fare flights across the North Atlantic more than a year ago.

www.ryanair.com

9/26/2008 7:36:27 AM UTC    Comments 

If you believe what you read, the financial storm clouds will continue to build across the City of London and much of Europe and North America for some time to come. Yet despite all the doom and gloom we should never forget that travel and tourism is a truly global industry.

Competing on a global playing field means that there are still many areas of the pitch where economies, if not booming, are certainly not in the downward spiral that the UK economy appears to be in. Markets such as the Gulf, Brazil, Australia, China and many, many others. That's an awful lot of people who will continue to want to travel the world.

In the current stormy climate the biggest danger for airlines, tour operators, and even the banks, is the question of consumer confidence. Older frequent flyers will remember all too well the demise of the once all conquering Pan Am in the late 1980s. The lack of market confidence - as frequent flyers rushed to cash in their free mileage - helped push the airline over the edge and into bankruptcy.

After the recent demise of MaxJet, Silverjet, Zoom, XL and many others, one cannot blame any frequent traveller from being a little bit more cautious as to who they make their forward travel plans with in terms of transport and accommodation. This could hurt the little guys badly, but it will do a power of good for the big established brands.

Perhaps it is appropriate at a time that we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of Dad's Army that we decide what economic camp we sit in. Are you a follower of the Private Frazer school of thought that "We're all doomed"? Or are you in the Corporal Jones camp, as TravelPlus is, in which case: "Don't Panic!"

And remember, even the storm clouds must have silver lining in them for somebody.

Simon Ward

9/23/2008 1:26:29 PM UTC    Comments 

You don’t have to star in ‘Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory’ to thoroughly over-indulge yourself during National Chocolate Week...

In celebration of National Chocolate Week (13 – 19 October 2008), Linthwaite House, a boutique hotel in the heart of the Lake District, will be offering guests a ‘Chocolate Indulgence’ experience.

Set on a gentle hillside with stunning views over the surrounding fells and Lake Windermere, Linthwaite is guaranteeing to have chocolate lovers swooning with warm ‘Chocolat’ aromas and tasty treats as soon as they walk in the door.

Offering freshly baked chocolate biscuits and the promise of a selection of steaming hot chocolate drinks on arrival, guests can leisurely relax in the knowledge that there is some seriously luxurious chocolate moments to be had.

From sunrise with ‘pain au chocolat’ to bedtime and pillow chocolates, there will be something to tantalise even the most discerning connoisseurs.

With much chocolate to be devoured throughout the week, the more fit and figure conscious might like to build up an appetite and burn off a few calories by exploring the many famous walking trails, outdoor activities and attractions that are easily accessed from the hotel. Whether burning up a hill on a mountain bike, horse-riding across the fells or wandering into Bowness village for a spot of shopping, rest assured that any cravings will be well satiated on your return.

A stay at Linthwaite House starts from £135/person/night including a four course gourmet dinner, full English breakfast, free wireless, service charges and VAT.

www.linthwaite.com

9/21/2008 5:04:53 PM UTC    Comments 

TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel community has announced the top 10 wine destinations in the world, according to TripAdvisor editors and traveller popularity.

1. Geaux Bordeaux: Bordeaux, France
Perhaps the world’s most famous wine destination, the Bordeaux region of France has long been renowned for its vineyards that produce everything from delicious table wines to the most expensive bottles in the world. In Bordeaux, the French passion for food and wine unite for a sensational wine-tasting experience.

2. Golden Grapes: Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley has long been synonymous with superb wine and striking scenery, both of which draw millions of wine lovers to the region each year. Home to nearly 400 unique wineries, the valley has a Mediterranean climate that is ideal for growing a variety of grapes, from Cabernet Sauvignon to Zinfandel.

3. Keen on Chianti: Tuscany, Italy
Famed for its reds like Chianti and Montalcino, the Tuscany region of Italy is a delight for the senses. Celebrated not only for its vineyards and its cuisine, its sheer natural and historic beauty make it one of the world’s most sought-after destinations and a magical place to taste the local “vino.”

4. A Bit of the Bubbly: Champagne-Ardenne, France
The Champagne province is famous for the beloved sparkling white wine that shares its name. Its neatly-tended vineyards amongst a picturesque natural landscape, rich history, and unique culture make this region as vibrant as its effervescent wine.

5. Raising the Barossa: Barossa Valley, Australia
This scenic region in Southern Australia is highly regarded for its Shiraz and its other robust varieties of red wine. Characterized by its visibly rich German heritage, along with its rolling, vine-covered hills, Barossa Valley is a uniquely beautiful destination for sightseers and wine connoisseurs alike.

6. Spanish Inbibation: La Rioja, Spain
Spain’s most famous wine destination, Rioja is divided into three regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Baja. Most recognized for its outstanding reds, the region’s wines are particularly distinctive because of the oak aging and delicious vanilla flavors.

7. To the Moon: Sonoma Valley, California
Nicknamed the “Valley of the Moon” by legendary writer and one time Sonoma local Jack London, the Valley features amazing vineyards, with particularly remarkable whites, as well as beautiful scenery and charming towns.

8. Grand Central: Valle Central, Chile
Just outside the Chilean capital of Santiago, the gorgeous Valle Central set among the Andes Mountains and Pacific Ocean is internationally acclaimed. Wine enthusiasts will be particularly fond of the Maipo Valley’s cabernets, and the Curicó’s chardonnays.

9. Great Escape: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Home to one of South Africa’s most visited wine routes, Stellenbosch is the heart of the Cape Winelands region, with more than 100 wine cellars to visit surrounding the culturally rich center town of Stellenbosch.

10. Blanc Stare: Marlborough, New Zealand
Located on the southern island of New Zealand, Marlborough is widely regarded as the country’s birthplace of winemaking. Famous for its white wine varietals, the region is best known for its delectable Sauvignon Blancs.

“In addition to supplying some of the finest wines to the world, these destinations offer visitors outstanding hotels, restaurants and wine tours,” said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor.

www.tripadvisor.com

9/21/2008 4:39:07 PM UTC    Comments 

British Airways is increasing the frequency of services from London City airport to both Glasgow and Frankfurt from this October. The airline will also start services from the Docklands-based airport to both Geneva and Lyon for the winter from 15 December.

Glasgow services will increase to five daily with the introduction of a 06:50 departure from London City and a return service from Glasgow at 20:10. Frankfurt services will increase from three to four flights a day.

Luke Hayhoe, commercial manager with BA subsidiary CityFlyer, said: “We have responded to our business customers and introduced additional flights on key business routes. Passengers flying to Glasgow particularly will now be able to spend a full business day in the city and return home at night.”

The schedule increases at London City follow a reduction in services from Gatwick and Heathrow to Glasgow and Frankfurt revealed when the airline's winter schedule was announced last month.

www.ba.com

9/21/2008 4:33:01 PM UTC    Comments 

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has announced that it will manage the new Fairmont Battery Wharf located on Boston's vibrant waterfront, adjacent to the city's historic North End.

It is scheduled to open in December 2008 and will become the brand's second hotel in Boston.

The contemporary hotel will feature 150 elegantly appointed guestrooms, including Fairmont Gold, the brand's exclusive lifestyle offering featuring warm and personalized service with amenities such as private reception and a comfortable guest lounge. Guestrooms will be spacious with a large work area, marble baths and all of the technology features consistent with five-diamond standards. The décor will be residential in style and inspired by the property's harbor side location.

Recent international announcements have included Fairmont Hyderabad, India, Fairmont Roco Ki, Dominican Republic, Fairmont Haitang Bay Resort, Sanya, China, Fairmont Marrakech, Morocco, and Fairmont Manila, Philippines.

www.fairmonthotels.com

9/21/2008 4:27:15 PM UTC    Comments 

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is rolling out a new promotion rewarding members of its Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) program staying at participating hotels between 01 Oct - 31 Dec.

The ‘SPG You Choose’ promo aims to cater for a “wide variety of travellers - frequent, occasional, business and leisure” - offering four reward types. Members will have the choice of Free Nights, Elite Status, Bonus Starpoints and Gift Cards so they can choose a specific earning option and reward, based on how often they travel and their individual travel needs. The promo is available at more than 890 hotels.

www.spg.com/choose

9/19/2008 8:05:01 AM UTC    Comments 

With airline fuel prices on the slide Air Canada has acted quickly, dropping its fee of CAD$25 that was introduced earlier this year for a second piece of luggage.

9/19/2008 7:59:46 AM UTC    Comments 

There is a hotel in Marmaris, Turkey, that now only employs women, after the manager found that male staff were spending too much time trying to seduce older female British guests.

Manager Pelin Yucel said she was sick of sacking waiters at her 27-room Image Hotel after finding them in “compromising positions” with Shirley Valentine-type tourists.

“The last straw was when I caught my bartender coming out of a toilet with a woman guest. She was embarrassed but he was beaming all over his face.” Pelin said she also always hesitated to contact her night receptionist “because he was always in bed with one of the customers.”

9/19/2008 7:56:17 AM UTC    Comments 

For a chance to witness Ricky Hatton take on Paulie Malignaggi for the IBF Light-Welterweight Championship Belt in November, American Sky has put together some fantastic deals from Dublin. Prices start from as little as €1,338 per person including flights from Dublin, four nights at New York New York Hotel and entry tickets to the MGM Grand main event evening on November 22.

With numerous flight and accommodation options, boxing enthusiasts are encouraged to enjoy everything that Las Vegas has to offer. From the Strip, where visitors will find the infamous casinos, high-flying rides and amusement parks galore, to a range of outdoor activities in the surrounding rough-and-rugged desert landscape; there is plenty to keep holidaymakers busy.

All packages are subject to limited availability and sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

www.americansky.ie  

9/19/2008 7:45:47 AM UTC    Comments