Top 10 European Fall Walking Tours from Classic Journeys

Quebec & Charlevoix Departs Sept. 12 from Quebec City 6 days/5 nights
North America's European heritage is on brilliant display from the cobblestone streets of Lower Town Quebec to the arts-and-crafts villages of Charlevoix. On foot, we take in Montmorency Falls and a national park that's home to peregrine falcons and caribou herds, plus a whale-watching cruise on Saguenay Fjord.


Prague to Budapest Departs Sept. 5 from Prague 8 days/7 nights
Bookended by two imperial capitals, this time-traveling trip boasts castles and cathedral spires along with remarkably preserved medieval villages. In the rolling countryside of the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary, we enjoy farmland walks and winery visits, capped by a delightful cruise on the Danube.

Bordeaux & the Dordogne Valley Departs Sept. 5 & Oct. 10 from Bordeaux 7 days/6 nights
Vintage reds complement a week of scenic walking through river valleys, vineyards, and villages that double as world heritage sites. Following ancient footpaths, we explore medieval castles, view prehistoric cave art and hunt for truffles with a leading expert. Our most popular trip debut ever!

A Week in Provence Departs Sept. 5 & Oct. 3 from Avignon 7 days/6 nights
Scented fields of lavender and thyme share the spotlight with a soaring Roman aqueduct and towering hilltowns. Together, we walk the crest of the Dentelles de Montmirail, shop village markets, sip pastis under the plane trees, and savor al fresco piqueniques of local wine, baguettes and goat cheese.

Amalfi Coast & Capri Departs Sept. 5 & Oct. 3 from Naples 7 days/6 nights
Skimming over the Bay of Naples by hydrofoil to Capri, we enjoy two full days of coastal walks, ancient Roman villas and modern shopping. Back on the mainland, a morning rim walk on Mount Vesuvius precedes our arrival in Positano, where we enjoy a private tasting at a limoncello factory and a personal guided tour of nearby Pompeii.

Southern Tuscany to Rome Departs Sept. 12 & Oct. 3 from Cortona 7 days/6 nights
Samplings of olive oil and local wines take center stage during a week that showcases medieval Siena, rustic Umbria and an insider's glimpse of Rome. On rural walks, we take in landmarks in the life of St. Francis of Assisi, photogenic hilltowns, and Etruscan tombs...accompanied by unforgettable meals, from cheese-tastings and impromptu picnics to unique ristorantes.

Italian Lake Retreats Departs Sept. 5 & Oct. 3 from Bellagio 7 days/6 nights
A sparkling trio of lakes – Como, Maggiore and Orta – are the focus of a memorable week in the mountains of northern Italy. On shore, we ramble country roads and bridle paths, pausing to sample local wines and cheeses along the way. Private motor launches carry us over the water to explore an island monastery, jewel-like palaces and spectacular gardens.

Sicily - Island in the Sun Departs Sept. 12 & Oct. 10 from Palermo 7 days/6 nights
Two nights in the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento place us squarely in the center of Greek antiquity, including wildflower walks with views of the sea. A ferry ride to Lipari, largest of the Aeolian Islands, leads to memorable stops at vineyards and olive plantations. From Taormina, clinging to the cliffs above the Ionian Sea, we head out for a one-of-a-kind picnic on the slopes of Mt. Etna.

Taste of Tuscany Culinary Tour Departs Oct. 10 from Florence 7 days/6 nights
Lovers of Italian cuisine never had it so good! In professional kitchens and private cucinas, we pick up countless tips on preparing Tuscan classics. Outdoors, we enjoy countryside walks, winetastings, and samplings of the region's legendary olive oil...with plenty of time to explore the Renaissance splendors of Florence and the streets of Cortona made famous by Francis Mayes.

Southern Spain's Andalucia Departs Sept. 12 & Oct. 17 from Seville 7 days/6 nights
It's all about the Moors on this weeklong visit to the cultural centers of Seville and Ronda, Granada and Jaen, where we soak up the art, architecture and antiquities they left behind. On scenic nature walks, we explore one of Los Pueblos Blancos (White Villages) and amble among the pillars of El Torcal National Park, with time carved out for olive mills and vineyard visits.

Beatrix Potter Exhibition at Mottisfont Abbey

Learned life lessons from Peter Rabbit?  Had a framed picture of Jemima Puddle-Duck on the wall as a child?  No childhood has escaped the whimsical influence of the works of Beatrix Potter. Her anthropomorphic characters are in countless tales read to kiddies of any era at bedtime.

From now through September 20, 2010, Mottisfont Abbey, a National Trust property in Hampshire, is hosting an exhibition dedicated to the creative author.  Her original water colors and greeting cards will be on display, featuring some of her most popular characters.  Be sure to go this summer; they can only be shown ONCE EVERY TEN YEARS as the paintings are that fragile.  The exhibit – like entry to each of the Trust’s over 300 properties – is free for members of The Royal Oak Foundation, the Trust’s U.S. affiliate.

As an added bonus, Mottisfont recreated Mr. McGregor’s Garden full of authentic vegetables with which Beatrix herself would have been familiar.  Families can try their hand at farming by sowing heirloom seeds.  The property’s popular “Scarecrow Trail” around the grounds of Mottisfont features imaginative recreations of Peter Rabbit and friends, and there will be Potter-related dishes on offer in the Kitchen Café including Peter Rabbit Salad as well as recipes from the books themselves like Blackberry Bread and Muffins.

Deals in Vancouver: A Fish Tale At Sunset Inn & Suites

There’s something fishy at The Sunset Inn & Suites, Vancouver’s elegant all-suite downtown hotel. They’ve hooked up with A Kettle of Fish, the neighbourhood seafood restaurant serving the finest and freshest catch available. Book a spacious suite and receive two $40.00 gift certificates for dinner.

A Kettle of Fish, at the corner of Pacific and Hornby Street, is a short walk from the Sunset Inn & Suites. They have been impressing Vancouverites for over 30 years with the freshest Ocean Wise seafood available, including salmon, halibut, cod, sablefish, crab, lobster and mussels. From fish and chips to lobster casserole, and steak, pasta, and chicken for those not in a fishy mood, each dish is prepared with imagination and served with care.

The Sunset Inn & Suites are located near the heart of downtown Vancouver. It is a short stroll to world famous Stanley Park, an evergreen sanctuary of 1,000 acres, the 14-mile Seawall for walking and cycling and the beaches at English Bay. Robson Street boutiques, the ferry to Granville Island,the business district, and Yaletown and the nightlife are just a few short blocks away.

The Sunset Inn & Suites is a relaxing and beautiful oasis tucked away on the edge of the vibrant West End. The fully equipped fifty suites feature king-size beds with plush pillow-tops, wood floors in the living rooms and dining areas, designer floor rugs and signature wall coverings. Private balconies, self-serve laundry facilities, and free local phone calls make this downtown getaway a home away from home. Complimentary amenities include gated parking for a vehicle during your stay (a rarity for a downtown hotel), daily continental breakfast, high-speed wireless Internet, and fitness facility (with treadmill, stationary bike, elliptical, and free weights). These residential-style accommodations are also perfect for extended stays.

Sunset Inn & Suites’ exceptional staff, distinguished style, quality and attention to individual guest needs, cleanliness, comfort, security, and safety have earned the AAA 3 Diamond Rating & 3.5 Star Canada Select Hotel Ranking. The hotel consistently ranks at the top of independent hotel review sites such as Tripadvisor.

“The Suite Seafood Dinner Package for 2” start at $210.00. The Sunset Inn & Suites staff will be happy to make your reservations for dinner. For more information about business, leisure or extended stays and the Suite Dinner Package, please call the toll-free reservation line at 1-800-786-1997, or go to website or email.

National Parks Celebrate National S'mores Day on August 10

Nothing says summer like enjoying s’mores and other toasty treats by the campfire. With National S’mores day coming up on August 10, 2010 and August deemed National S’mores month, travelers and campers alike are in search for the best place to toast their favorite campfire treat.


National parks are undoubtedly the perfect family-friendly destination to camp and relax by the fire. Two favorites, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado, are celebrating with special S’mores offerings throughout August and beyond .

· Shenandoah National Park Lodging, 90 miles outside of Washington, D.C., is hosting the Backyard Barbecue & S’mores Festival on Saturday on August 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Skyland Resort. Guests can enjoy barbecue pork, chicken and ribs, along with S’mores makings for kids of all ages. Located on mile 41.7 on Skyline Drive, the festival will also feature entertainment by country artist Glen Shelton. For more information visit http://www.visitshenandoah.com/ or call 800-778-2872.

· Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado, home to the largest cliff dwelling in North America, is offering the Complete Camper package for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors. The packages includes S’mores fix’ns and an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. Priced at $89 for a dry campsite and $115 for a base campsite, the package includes two seats on the new Far View Explorer Tour , a driver-guided adventure that takes guests to the popular Far View archaeological sites. For more information on the Morefield Campground or the Complete Camper Package, please visit http://www.visitmesaverde.com/ or call 866-292-8295.

Baby On Board? Watch Out for Summer Weather

According to government statistics, more than 30 children die of hyperthermia (exposure to extreme heat) each year. Often these deaths are a result of distracted parents and caregivers forgetting they have a child in the backseat.

Most parents don't realize that on a 75 degree day, the interior of a vehicle can reach over 100 degrees in about a half hour. Studies show that the interior temperature will continue to increase about 45 degrees every hour. To prevent summer tragedies, child safety engineers at General Motors have been working with Safe Kids to come up with tips for parents.

Tip #1;
Common sense! Never leave your child alone in a vehicle; small children cannot roll down windows, unlock doors or unbuckle themselves.

Tip #2:
Make the backseat a very important place!  As a reminder your child is in the backseat, place your cell phone, PDA, purse or briefcase on the floor in front of your child's car seat.

FamilyTravelForum.com shares this video safety message from GM to help parents protect young children from being left behind --even if they're resting quietly -- in a car's scorching backseat on hot summer road trips.

Two Years Until London 2012 Olympic Games

Tuesday July 27^th marks the two year countdown to one of the world’s biggest events: The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. With just two years to go until the Opening Ceremony, London – and indeed all of the UK – already has their game face on as they prepares to welcome the world.

Travellers visiting London before the Games will also benefit from the close proximity to other legendary locations, which will host Olympic events. Before the Games kick off, why not check out some of these places in person and then sit back and relish in the fact that you have been there and done that for yourself, when the eyes of the world turn to Britain in the summer of 2012.

VisitBritain, the national tourist board for England, Scotland and Wales, has pulled together this list of top Olympic hotspots to visit right now.

10 Places to Visit Now

1. Olympic Park – View Tube

London, England

Watch the Olympic Park rise from the ground in front of your eyes. The View Tube is a community venue located on The Greenway, right next to the Olympic Park.  It includes a café, education, arts and information spaces with a panoramic view over the Olympic Park and Stratford City. 

2. Horse Guards Parade

London, England

Located directly across from Buckingham Palace is the Horse Guards Parade, a parade ground that is used daily as the starting point for the Changing of the Guard. In 2012, this historic area will be transformed into London’s own beach, as the site of the Beach Volleyball events.  This is sure to be an unbelievable site to see!

3. Dorney Lake

Windsor, England

Dorney Lake, located just 30 minutes by train from London, is a world-class rowing and canoeing center that will host the Rowing, Flatwater Canoe/Kayak, and Paralympic Rowing events in the 2012 games. Dorney Lake is owned by world-famous Eton College – where Princes William and Harry both studied. Windsor Castle, an official residence of Her Majesty The Queen, is also nearby.

4. Hyde Park

London, England

Hyde Park, one of London’s Royal Parks, will host the Triathlon in 2012.  This 350-acre park is one of the most well known parks in London, and is home to the Diana Fountain Memorial, in tribute to the late Princess of Wales.  It’s also a wonderful spot for a picnic on a sunny afternoon.

5. North Greenwich Arena,

London, England    

The North Greenwich Arena is a major music and entertainment venue and will host the ever popular, Basketball and Gymnastics events.  Also known as The O₂, in recent years, it has hosted some of the biggest concerts in Europe. In fact, Michael Jackson was slated to play his final ‘This is it’ concert series here, before his untimely death last year. Before the Games kick off, you won’t want to miss the British Music Experience – the UK’s most amazing interactive museum of popular music.

6. Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour

England’s South Coast

Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour will be the venues for the Olympic and Paralympic Sailing competitions and offer some of the best natural sailing waters in Britain. Unrivalled coastal views will be sure to inspire, as this world-class facility sits within England’s Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site – the only one on the UK mainland.

7. Greenwich Park

London, England

At the east of London is Greenwich Park, which will host the Equestrian, Modern Pentathlon and Paralympic Equestrian events.  This park is the oldest Royal Park in London, and has close historical ties to the monarchy of King Henry VIII.  The park is situated on a hill and offers spectacular views of the River Thames and the entire Olympic Park.

8. Regent’s Park

London, England

Visitors to London can take a stroll or bike through Regent’s Park, which will host the Road Cycling events in 2012.  Another Royal Park, it is also home to the London Zoo – the world’s oldest.

9. Trafalgar Square

London, England

In the centre of London is Trafalgar Square – one of the most famous squares in the UK and the world. During the Games, this historic gathering spot will be home to one of the cities ‘live sites’ –an outdoor venue where fans without tickets can watch Olympic events on huge screens and share in the excitement. See it in its original state first and then watch it be transformed in 2012!

10. Wimbledon

London, England

The home of the All England Lawn Tennis Club and the setting for the internationally renowned Wimbledon Championships since 1877, this venue will host the Tennis in 2012.

Located in south-west London, visitors to Wimbledon can enjoy a guided tour of the historic grounds and even have a chance of seeing John McEnroe’s ghost in The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum’s interactive exhibition.

Tips for U.S. Travellers

For those planning to visit London before, during, or after the Olympic Games, VisitBritain offers travel cards, tickets to the city’s top attractions, and tour suggestions at www.visitbritainshop.us.  In time for the two year countdown, VisitBritain is also offering a brand new Olympic-themed walking tour, where you will have views of the 2012 Olympic Stadium and other venues. You’ll also learn about London’s innovative plans for the Olympic Site, after the Games come to an end.

INTERCONTINENTAL BOSTON LAUNCHES NEW ‘WILD AT HEART’ PRIVATE TOUR ZOO PACKAGE

Committed to the arts, and to the environment, the 424-room luxury InterContinental Boston launches its fifth art exhibition since opening in 2006. ‘Wild at Heart,’ an indoor/outdoor animal sculpture exhibition by Essex, Mass.-based artist, Chris Williams, features large-scale bronze and steel sculptures of numerous wild critters from tree frogs to giraffes and octopi to owls. In conjunction, InterContinental Boston is offering a ‘Wild at Heart’ package starting from only $399.00 per night (valid through November 2010) that includes a private behind-the-scenes tour and admission to Boston’s Franklin Park Zoo and a small one-of-a-kind animal sculpture by Chris Williams with 10% of the proceeds of each package sold donated to National Geographic. The exhibit will be on display at InterContinental Boston through mid-December 2010.


Of the sculptures, a majestic eagle landing at its tree nest graces the Atlantic St. entrance of the InterContinental Boston. The lobby is home to an octopus and seascape with sea anemones and an array of coral, an owl perched in a tree and a tree frog amidst a bamboo habitat. In Sushi-Teq, the hotel’s popular sushi and tequila restaurant/bar, hangs an octopus with its hand-blown glass head illuminated and the private dining room in Miel “Brasserie Provençale” is home to a bee. The InterContinental Boston’s two acre waterfront promenade graces an austere vulture peering towards the water which is also situated on Boston’s Harbor Walk and a gentle 14’ giraffe adjacent to Miel’s outdoor terrace.

“As one of the leading and newer contemporary hotels on Boston’s burgeoning waterfront, we are committed supporters of the arts and are thrilled to present the incredible work by local Massachusetts sculptor Chris Williams,” says Tim Kirwan, general manager, InterContinental Boston. “His animal sculptures bring a majestic and whimsical element to our expansive lobby and a not-to-be-missed visual component to the Atlantic Ave and waterfront sides of our hotel. And, with proceeds from our ‘Wild at Heart’ package benefiting National Geographic, we support their efforts in protecting and sustaining wild animals such as these and our planet.”

InterContinental Boston’s ‘Wild at Heart’ Package

Through the ‘Wild at Heart” package, InterContinental Boston donates 10% of the proceeds of each package sold to National Geographic. The National Geographic society has funded more than 9,200 research, conservation and exploration projects, and supported geography education-based programs and public events that bring stories from the field to audiences worldwide. As one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations, National Geographic was founded in 1888 with a mission to increase and diffuse geographic knowledge. Today the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. The ‘Wild at Heart’ package includes:

· Deluxe accommodations at the InterContinental Boston
· Private behind-the-scenes tour and admission to Boston’s Franklin Park Zoo
· A small one-of-a-kind animal sculpture by Chris Williams
· A copy of National Geographic’s The 100 Best Vacations To Enrich Your Life
· Overnight parking
· Late check-out (2 p.m.)
· 10% of the proceeds of each package will be donated to National Geographic

Franklin Park Zoo is a 72-acre site nestled within Boston’s historic Franklin Park. Here, guests can experience the most innovative and intimate indoor gorilla exhibit in the world. Visitors to the signature Tropical Forest can stand face-to-face with the Zoo’s seven western lowland gorillas at one of five glass viewing stations in the state-of-the-art indoor exhibit. While at Franklin Park Zoo, there is also the African lion in the Kalahari Kingdom, the tigers in the Tiger Tales exhibit, the Masai giraffe and Grevy’s zebra on the Giraffe Savannah, and the many other remarkable species that call the Zoo home. Not to be missed is the new Aussie Aviary – an interactive exhibit featuring hundreds of brightly-colored budgies (small parakeets). For additional information visit http://www.franklinparkzoo.org/.

InterContinental Boston’s ‘Wild at Heart’ package starts from $399.00 and is based on double occupancy and is subject to availability and will be available through November 2010. To book, call the InterContinental Boston directly at 877-747-BOSTON and mention ‘Wild.’ The package is also bookable via the GDS: Apollo/Galileo - IC34449, Sabre - IC27993, Worldspan - ICBOSHA and Amadeus - ICBOSICA.

SKIP YOUR FAMILY’S STAYCATION PLANS AND ENJOY A LAST-MINUTE SUMMER DEAL AT HILTON CANCUN GOLF & SPA RESORT

There is no need to plan a staycation for what’s left of the summer; with Hilton Cancun’s last-minute summer rates, family vacations are more affordable than ever. Hilton Cancun Golf & Spa Resort is currently offering a special $99 summer rate. When booked seven days prior to arrival, the price drops down to $89. What’s more, kids eat free from the kids' menu in all five delectable restaurants when dining with an adult.


Book now and stay in one of the all ocean-view guestrooms, relax by one of the resort’s seven pools and take a walk to remember on Cancun’s world-renowned beaches. Little ones can have their fun too at the resort’s Kids Club, which offers daily recreational activities.

For reservations, visit http://www.hiltoncancun.com/ or call 1-877-GO-HILTON.

*This offer is subject to availability. Certain restrictions may apply. No minimum length of stay is required.

*The $99 rate is a starting rate, is subject to availability and does not include taxes, service charges or gratuities. The rate is based on single or double occupancy and cannot be combined with any other offers. Other restrictions may apply.
*The advance purchase $89 rate is a starting rate. Rates are per room, per night, based on double occupancy and do not include taxes, service charges and/or resort fees. The offer is subject to availability and seasonal variations. The lowest rate is available with a seven-day advanced purchase. Certain length of stay requirements, day of week restrictions and blackout dates may apply and vary. Advance purchase rates are nonrefundable, and full payment in advance is required. Other restrictions apply.

Pirates Storm National Lighthouse Day at the Cape May Lighthouse

The Cape May Lighthouse, an aid to navigation since 1859 and one of the oldest continually operating lighthouses in the United States, will be hosting a celebration in honor of National Lighthouse Day on Saturday, Aug. 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy family friendly activities including a pirate invasion and a crafts show on the grounds of the Cape May Lighthouse, located in Cape May Point State Park, Lower Township.


Avast ye mateys! Don an eye-patch and watch two buccaneers compete in a sword fight at 11 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Hands-on, kid friendly activities include arts and crafts projects, pirate-hat making and storytelling. Meet the Cape May Lighthouse Keepers, get your free sample of Rita's water ice and browse the dozen crafts vendors who are setting up shop on the grounds and selling one-of-a-kind handmade goods including nautical merchandise. Meet representatives from the Cape May County Zoo and learn about wild animals or visit with the MUA and learn to "go green."

Admission to the activities on the grounds is free. Admission to climb the lighthouse is $7 for adults and $3 for children (ages 3-12). Food will be available for purchase.

In 1857, the Army Corps of Engineers began construction of the Cape May Lighthouse and the beacon was first lit on October 31, 1859. Because of limited federal funds, the Coast Guard began to lease lighthouses around the country to groups willing to maintain and restore the structures. In 1983, the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC), Victorian Cape May's leader in historic preservation, expressed interest in restoring the Cape May Lighthouse to its original condition. In December 1986, the Coast Guard leased the tower to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Division of Parks and Forestry. MAC, in turn, subleased the Lighthouse from the State of New Jersey, with the mission of restoring, maintaining, and opening the structure to the public. MAC opened the ground floor to the public on July 18, 1987, and the full tower on May 28, 1988. With an annual visitation of nearly 1000,000 people a year, the Cape May Lighthouse is one of the most popular attractions on the Jersey Cape.

Congress designated National Lighthouse Day on Aug. 7, 1989, marking the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Lighthouse Act and the commissioning of the first Federal lighthouse in the United States. The purpose was to provide recognition for the important role that lighthouses played in the history of this country, and the values of safety, heroism, and American ingenuity that they represent, as well as honoring and encouraging continued restoration efforts for existing lighthouses, many of which had fallen into disrepair.

In today's high tech world, it's easy to forget the wholesomeness and serenity of lighthouses. The history they provide gives us the opportunity to step back in time and learn more about our country. The contributions they made to our society, from protecting our coasts to guiding our sailors, should continue to be appreciated and remembered.

The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Cape May's heritage. MAC also fosters the performing arts and membership is open to all. For information about MAC's year-round schedule of tours, festivals and special events, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278, or visit MAC's website at http://www.capemaymac.org/. For information about restaurants, accommodations and shopping, call the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May at 609-884-5508.

BUY SIX NIGHTS, GET FIVE FREE! HURTIGRUTEN UNVEILS UNPRECENDENTED OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY COMPLETE 12-DAY NORWAY SAILING BY OFFERING SOUTHBOUND ROUTE FOR FREE

The Norwegian fjords, a highlight of Hurtigruten's Coastal Voyage, have had awards and honors bestowed on them over the years, most recently by National Geographic Traveler which named it the world’s most celebrated and iconic travel destinations.  And Hurtigruten is making it easier to take in these Norway treats (and many others) this fall, offering its 12-day roundtrip Norwegian Coastal Voyage for the price of the seven-day northbound portion - five nights free with the purchase of six.  The special, amounting to a 30% discount,  must be booked by Sept. 30 and is available for cabins on select sailings -- 22 to be exact -- that depart between Oct. 5 and Dec. 31, 2010.  Solo travelers get the same opportunity as there are no single supplement charges for singles cabins during this time period.  The voyage takes in Norway's scenic 1,250-mile west coast between the charming Hanseatic port of Bergen and the near-Russian border town of Kirkenes.  Further savings are offered to AARP members -- on board cabin credit of up to $100 -- and a 10% fare savings for passengers who sailed on any Hurtigruten ship in the past three years.  As comparison, regular 12-day fares range from $2,190 to $3,057 per person, double.

Besides seeing many of the celebrated fjords, Hurtigruten guests enjoy a charming portfolio of 34 ports, including Trondheim, one of the country’s oldest cities and a thriving university town; Tromso, Europe's largest town above the Arctic circle; the Lofoten archipelago, with peaked mountains and villages filled with rust-red fishermen’s cabins; and Alesund, destroyed by fire in 1904 and completely rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style.  Those ports that are visited late at night on the northbound leg are visited during the day on the southbound journey - so guests have the opportunity to easily explore every one of them.

Shore excursions range from touring to active explorations: the North Cape, sitting 1,000 feet above the churning Barents Sea and offering a top-of-the-world vista; a visit to the Norway-Russia border station near Kirkenes; a "Taste of Vesterålen" - visits to Harstad, Trondeneshalvoya Peninsula, Hinnoya Island and Sortland; dog-sledding from November on; and a Lofotr Viking Feast with traditional foods, singing and dancing; to name a few.  Pre-booking excursions before departure saves guests 5% off the excursion price.

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen as well as year round along Norway's coast.  Additional information on all of these adventures, as well as brochures and reservations, can be obtained from travel agents or Hurtigruten's visitor-friendly web site, www.hurtigruten.us; or by phone: (800) 323-7436; fax (888)-524-2145; for brochures (800) 582-0835.

Calling Young Bloggers to the 2010 FTF Teen Travel Writing Scholarship

One Week Left to Submit Travel Blogs to the 2010 FTF Teen Travel Writing Scholarship

There is one week left for teens to submit their travel blogs for the 4^th annual FTF Teen Travel Writing Scholarship, closing Sunday, August 1, 2010. This popular merit scholarship, hosted by Family Travel Forum in association with the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), encourages teens to share their travel experiences in words and images.

In addition to recognition by the leading family travel media company and professional journalists, teen bloggers will win cash awards of up to $1,000 and a two-night family stay at any Homewood Suites Hotel. State-of-the-art photography equipment will be awarded by SATW to the two blog entries that receive the Best Photography and Best Video Honors, and 25 Honorable Mention nominees will receive two passes to any Ripley's Believe It Or Not! museum or aquarium and a "Rand McNally Road Atlas."

All winning stories will be posted on Family Travel Forum's www.travelBIGO.com site for those who dream of travel Before I Get Old.

The FTF Teen Travel Writing Scholarship contest is open to teens ages 13 to 18 who are enrolled in a junior high, high school or homeschool program in the United States, Canada or American schools abroad. Young travelers are asked to submit a maximum 600-word essay with photo or video on any type of trip and any aspect of a trip they have taken in the last three years. 

For more information about the 2010 FTF Teen Travel Writing Scholarship and other FTF sponsored scholarships, visit scholarship.familytravelforum.com

THE ATHENAEUM HOTEL ENTICES FAMILIES DURING “KIDS WEEK”, WHEN KIDS 5-16 GO FREE TO LONDON PLAYS

The Athenaeum, London’s family-owned five-star hotel, is enticing U.S. families to stay and play during Kids Week, August 13 to 27, when children aged 5-16 can go free to any participating London play when accompanied by an adult paying full price. Since it is available from August 7 until September 5, 2010, the Athenaeum’s “Family Fun” package provides plenty of added value for families fitting in a trip to London before school starts.

The “Family Fun Package” offers room rates guaranteed in dollars, beginning at $450 for a Deluxe Room, $799 for a Suite, with a three-night minimum. A second room or suite of the same type is offered at a 50 percent discount. Also included:

·        Daily full English Breakfast for two

·        Complimentary meals for children under 12

·        Picnic lunch for the family

·        Free Babysitting (three hours)

·        Complimentary transfer from any London airport

·        Complimentary snacks and soft drinks from the mini bar

·        Complimentary Wi-Fi

The Athenaeum’s Kids’ Concierge can arrange tickets to London’s most popular shows and family-friendly attractions. New this summer, the Evergreen Tea, inspired by the hotel’s iconic Living Wall at The Athenaeum, adds to the hotel’s traditional Afternoon Tea with floral-inspired cakes and pastries. 

The Athenaeum has quickly become Mayfair’s newest icon thanks to its unique Vertical Garden designed by renowned Architectural Botanist Patrick Blanc and its recent stylish and extensive renovation. Guest rooms, including the new Rooftop Suite on the 10^th floor, with floor to ceiling windows overlooking Green Park, offer some of the city’s most spectacular views, spanning from St. Paul’s Cathedral to the London Eye and beyond.

For reservations: www.athenaeumhotel.com  or info@athenaeumhotel.com

THE RIDE: A NEW WAY OF EXPERIENCING NEW YORK ROLLS INTO TOWN THIS FALL

A major new entertainment experience gets rolling this fall in New York City with the launch of THE RIDE, a multi-media, multi-discipline production that moves guests through midtown Manhattan on custom-built vehicles, while an ever-changing show featuring actors, performers, and everyday citizens unfolds on the streets before them.

                                                                                                                       

With an on-sale date in early August and a September launch, THE RIDE will operate year-round from its home base at the New York Marriott Marquis in the heart of Times Square.

THE RIDE draws on a variety of creative talents from New York City who provide a delightfully wry, satirical, and ultimately loving look at the city in all its fabulous, unvarnished glory.  The production and artistic team includes writers and producers whose credits include television (“Late Night with David Letterman,” “The Colbert Report” and “Saturday Night Live”), and major live entertainment events. Created by Brooklyn-based director, designer and entertainment entrepreneur Michael Counts, THE RIDE features a script by award-winning writer and producer John Bobey, who serves as chief writer and director (“Late Night with David Letterman,” Comedy Central’s “Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn” and “Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher,” and “Saturday Night Live”), and writers Kim Gamble (Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report” and “Tough Crowd”) and Jack Helmuth (feature film “May the Best Man Win”).

THE RIDE’s specially designed, custom-made vehicles are the tallest allowed by federal law.  Equipped with stadium-style seating that orients riders sideways to look through massive windows, the vehicles encourage audiences to view city streets and building façades as if they were the most expensive and authentic sets ever built.  On-board hosts entertain riders as they travel through the streets of midtown Manhattan, commenting on New York’s history, its iconic sites and structures, while also incorporating actors and performers along the route who interact with the vehicle and its passengers.

                                                                                                                                

“Finally, a game-changer has arrived in New York entertainment,” says THE RIDE President and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Danforth.  “This is a completely immersive, completely original experience that puts a spin on the way people experience New York by turning the city into an ever-evolving performance.”  Danforth says riders on test versions of THE RIDE were thrilled by the concept that everything and everyone in New York is potentially part of the show.

CREATIVE ASPECTS OF THE RIDE

Performers on THE RIDE vehicles, and those posted along its 4.2-mile route, are drawn from the worlds of stand-up and improvisational comedy, ensuring a unique experience on every trip, and guaranteeing entertainment even when traffic, weather, visiting dignitaries, or other unexpected things tie up city traffic. 

Nothing in New York is spared from THE RIDE’s comedic send-ups, from traffic and tiny apartments to Wall Street executives and the food-cart vendors who feed them.  Surprise guests and characters show up unexpectedly along the route.  Iconic New York sites east and west are featured too – from the Chrysler Building and Grand Central Terminal to Times Square and Columbus Circle.

“THE RIDE is about experiencing the fabric of New York – honestly and unflinchingly – through the eyes of talented and truly funny people who love the city and its history, and who have chosen to be life-long residents here,” says company founder Michael Counts.

THE VEHICLES

THE RIDE vehicles provide entertainment on their own – inside and out.  Measuring more than 13 feet high, 45 feet long, and eight feet wide, the custom-built vehicles encompass millions of dollars of custom seating, audio, video, and wireless technology that together provide mind-boggling environments to enhance both the external vistas and the content of each performance.  Powerful directional speakers and exterior lighting allows on-board performers to make everyone on the street part of the experience. 

                                                                                                             

“The fun and magic of THE RIDE is the interaction between the riders and people on the street,” says writer/director John Bobey.  “Our passengers can be seen by everyone outside and vice versa.  People smile, wave, blow kisses, and, well…other things happen too.”

Engineers from LDV Bus Converter Company who designed and built THE RIDE vehicles say they met the challenge by reshaping and “amping up” rock-star-size tour buses, developing custom fiberglass molds so unique, three are now patented. 

“Bringing Michael Counts’ vision to life was an awesome challenge that inspired the whole team here at LDV – we took these enormous vehicles and made them bigger,” says engineer Jason Gulky.  “Once they were in the studio, we stripped them down to their skeletal structures, raised their roofs more than a foot, installed hundreds of feet of tubing to accommodate miles of wire, and rebuilt the interior to accommodate three rows of stadium-style seating, nine tons of HVAC capacity, and hundreds of thousands of dollars of audio, video and wireless equipment.”

Sound designer Brett Jarvis, of Jarvis Sound and Music Design, says the biggest challenge in outfitting the vehicles with crystalline sound and audio was “cramming an IMAX theater’s worth of equipment into a rolling room the size of a small studio apartment.”  With more than 3,000 LED lights and a surround-sound system that can emulate everything from an A-train rumble to Studio 54, Jarvis says the vehicles give riders “a wonderful sensory overload, not unlike sitting on the Jumbotron at Madison Square Garden.”

Above and beyond the technical wizardry designed to wow riders and spectators alike, CEO

Jonathan Danforth says THE RIDE’s unique perspective on New York – and the people who make it come alive – will indelibly bond riders with the world’s greatest city.

LAUNCH SCHEDULE

Individual and group tickets for THE RIDE go on sale in early August, and will be available three ways: online at experiencetheride.com; by phone at (866) 299-9682; and in person at THE RIDE Box office located at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel, 1535 Broadway between 45^th and 46^th Streets.

Rehearsals of THE RIDE take place in August and September, with media previews planned in September.  (For reservations, see the MEDIA CONTACTS section below.) 

                                                                                                                     

THE RIDE is supported by a comprehensive media and promotional campaign, including paid and collaborative advertising, promotions with major media sponsors, national publicity, and an aggressive social media/word-of-mouth campaign designed to reach target audiences.

THE RIDE PARTNER

The New York Marriott Marquis, located on Broadway between 45^th and 46^th Streets in the heart of Times Square, is the home of THE RIDE.  In addition to being the starting and ending points for THE RIDE, Marriott Marquis has an on-site box office at the Broadway Baby NY Gift Shop.

Parasail, Jet Ski and Save this Summer at Lake Tahoe's Zephyr Cove Resort

With its crystal clear blue alpine water and stunning mountain scenery, Lake Tahoe has long been a favorite of travelers for outdoor adventure and lakeside R&R.  Zephyr Cover Resort, a collection of rustic lakefront studios and cabins situated in a wooded area of the South Lake Tahoe shoreline, is the perfect hideaway for an adventurous summer retreat.

This summer at Zephyr Cove Resort, travelers can save nearly twenty percent while taking in all that Lake Tahoe has to offer with The Wet Fun in the Sun package. Starting at $564*, the package includes two nights’ accommodations in a studio cabin or lodge room, tickets for two on the M.S. Dixie II Emerald Bay Sightseeing Cruise, and a double jet ski rental for one hour and a tandem parasailing flight.  The package is available through September 10 for stays Sunday through Thursday.  Up to two additional nights can be added at a discounted rate of $159 per night.

For more information on Zephyr Cove Resort and Lake Tahoe Cruises, or to book the package, visit www.zephyrcove.com or call (866) 761-6240 using promo code: WETFUNSUN.  Please contact me directly for hi-res images or if you are interested in a visit to Zephyr Cove Resort.

*All reservation must be booked by 9/10/10. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Valid on new reservations only. Cancellation policy applies to re-booked reservations. Black out dates apply. Wave runner and Parasailing reservation must be made directly with the marina office 72 hours in advance to guarantee space. Wave Runner is available only before 11 A.M. Parasailing is subject to a 350 or 400 lb weight limit, depending upon conditions. In the event the marina is closed due to unsafe lake conditions, a substitute voucher will be issued for a future date.

THE BRAZILIAN COURT CHALLENGES GUESTS TO MAKE A DEAL

The Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club -- an icon of Palm Beach society with its Mediterranean style and 80 exquisitely redesigned suites -- announces Let’s Make A Deal, allowing guests to call in and negotiate their own price now through Sept. 30, 2010*.

Let’s Make a Deal, a fantastic opportunity to let out the negotiator within, is the perfect way for travelers to stretch their vacation dollar and still enjoy an upscale getaway in stylish and sophisticated Palm Beach. Guests can simply call reservations at (561) 366-4336 to say they wish to play Let’s Make A Deal and an agent will help to create a desirable room rate. This allows guests to enjoy the luxury suites featuring hand-forged, English, oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, Provence-style wood shutters and king- sized beds topped with imported linens and 1000-thread-count sheets at a price that may never be available again.

Located in the heart of what is known as “America’s Riviera,” The Brazilian Court, a member of Leading Hotels of the World and Historic Hotels of America, is just steps from the sapphire Atlantic Ocean and Worth Avenue, and boasts a reputation as a 2008 and 2010 Conde Nast Traveler Gold List recipient, as well as one of Travel + Leisure’s 2010 “World’s Best Hotels,” achieving a ranking of No. 1 in South Florida and No. 3 in the state. The Frederic Fekkai salon and exquisite cuisine by Chef Daniel Boulud at Café Boulud are accompanied by custom-designed suites featuring details such as mahogany crown molding, Provence-style wood shutters, king-sized beds topped with imported linens and Ultra Air Jet baths with customized hydro-thermo massage menus. Private terraces featured in most rooms open up to guests’ very own secret garden, offering the perfect respite as the day wans on the golden shoreline of Palm Beach.

To experience the Brazilian Court Hotel and Beach Club, visit www.thebraziliancourt.com or call (561) 655-7740.

OC Fair in Costa Mesa: Mecca for Fried Foodies

Chocolate--Covered Bacon, Fried Twinkies & Garlic Bacon Fries Return to Fair Tables

Waiting inside the 2010 OC Fair gates is a food lover's playground filled with deep-fried, sugar-coated, jumbo-sized, BBQ'd and other exciting gastronomical adventures. From the traditional funnel cakes, jumbo hot dogs and roasted corn to the latest deep-fried explorations, foodies of all sorts can find something to excite their taste buds and fill their belly at the 2010 OC Fair in Orange County's Costa Mesa. 

This year, the Fair takes place from July 16-August 15 every Wednesday through Sunday..

New for 2010, the Heart Attack Cafe has filled their menu with a selection of tasty, creative and, of course, deep-fried dishes that will make anyone's heart race. Chocolate-covered bacon returns after a resounding welcome last year along with other new decadent deep-fried items: deep-fried butter, cheese crisps (deep-fried cheese quesadilla), and garlic bacon fries (potatoes fried in bacon drippings and smothered with garlic butter and topped with bacon bits.)

Unofficial Fair Fry King Chicken Charlie returns with a new item, the deep-fried Klondike Bar, as well as his famous Krispy Kreme Chicken Sandwich and a long list of other innovative deep-fried items: Twinkies, Oreos, S'mores, frogs' legs and more.

For the more health-conscious Fairgoer, there is a variety of healthier options. In addition to the fresh sushi options at Longfin, also featured is made-fresh-daily hummus and tabouli, fresh ceviche, grilled turkey legs, corn-on-the-cob, salads, fruit and more.

For those with seemingly bottomless stomachs, the Fair offers foot-long corndogs, jumbo sausage sandwiches, gigantic turkey legs, colossal curly fry cones, or the new 11-inch-wide Belly Buster Burger.

And for those indecisive eaters like your kids, the Fair is hosting $1 Food Tastings on Fridays from noon-4 p.m. where everyone can get a taste of everything the Fair has to offer for just a buck each.

The 2010 OC Fair, themed "The Beat Goes On" brings 23 days of food, rides, exhibits, animals, music and fun, as well as the popular Super Pass, Pacific Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series, Action Sports Arena and the new-for-2010 The Hangar.

The OC Fair & Event Center is located off the 405 and 55 freeways at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa, Orange County, about a 90-minute drive south of Los Angeles. For more information, please visit ocfair.com.

Baby Butterflies Swarm Springfield, Missouri in July

The second annual Friends of the Garden Butterfly Festival is set for the dates July 24-25 in Springfield, Missouri.  It will take place in the botanical gardens and arboretum at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, where your family and the butterflies will find clusters of white, blue, pink or purple flowers, their favorite type of habitat.

The free event, a favorite of children and adults, celebrates all things butterfly-related. It will be open to the public from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. July 24 and 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. July 25.

At the nearby butterfly garden, families will be able to view and identify host plants, such as carrots, dill, fennel, parsley, snapdragons, violets, false indigo, grasses and other annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs and container plants, that attract egg-laying adult butterflies.

“Host plants, together with nectar plants such as cosmos, asters and black-eyed Susans, can attract an amazing variety of butterflies to the home landscape,” said Friends of the Garden member Cindy Willis. “It will be a great two days to chase a butterfly or two and pick up some ideas to try at home.”

Children’s activities include crafts and a caterpillar petting zoo. Vendors will set up shop selling a variety of plants and garden-related merchandise and workshops will be held on both July 24 and July 25.

The $3 admission fee to the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, located on the north side of the park, will be waived the two days of the Festival. Hours are 9 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

For those who need a little help getting around the 114-acre park and arboretum at 2400 S. Scenic Ave., free transportation via a canopy-covered tram is available. The tram is sponsored in partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board.

The 500-member Friends of the Garden volunteer organization helped raise funds to build the $4.3 million Botanical Center, planned to open in October 2010. The group is now devoted to maintaining the current 22 gardens and adding 23 more. For more information and donations, visit www.Friendsofthegarden.org.

For more information about Springfield and area hotels, visit www.SpringfieldAdventures.com or call the Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-678-8767.

Cold Water, Hot Sand, Urban Beach Opens in Copenhagen

A new, artificially created, 4,000-square-meter sand beach in Østerbro in Copenhagen, Denmark has opened for the summer season.

It already seems to be setting the standard for urban beach development projects.

In addition to Copenhagen's sandy beach and chilly, gentle surf, locals can enjoy a 130-meter-long pier that enables children and adults to admire the view without having to jump in!

Here's a fun video about it from the Copenhagen Tourist office, but since they used the Beach Boys as background music, we're not sure if you'll be able to view it from YouTube!

Enjoy -