Orbitz Blog

Articles for June, 2010

The ultimate trip for ‘Twilight Eclipse’ fans: Forks from Seattle hotels

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

 

Twilight. Credit: ericnvntr

A Twilight-themed cafe in Forks, WA. Credit: ericnvntr.

By Angie Jaime

Attention Twi-hards! As Twilight mania reaches a fever pitch for today’s premier opening of  ’The Twilight Saga: Eclipse‘, this third movie in the series finds the vampire clan back in Forks, Washington. If an Eclipse viewing party just doesn’t cut it, take a trip to these trendy Seattle hotels to fully experience the full Twilight vibe. From there, you can also embark on your own Twilight road-trip across the famously rainy home of Bella, Edward and Jacob.

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Posted in Holidays & Events, Hotels | No Comments »

Top 10 celebrity hotels plus affordable alternatives from Orbitz and OK! Magazine

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

By Nina Kokotas Hahn

The outdoor rooftop lounge at celeb favorite, The Peninsula Chicago.

The rooftop lounge at celeb favorite, The Peninsula Chicago

Today Orbitz and OK! Magazine are excited to reveal the world’s 10 most exclusive celebrity hotels, alongside affordable, alternate hotels featuring many of the same swanky options for less. Whether you’re looking to rub shoulders with A-listers like Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, and Ashton Kutcher, or whether you simply want to live it up like a celebrity on a luxurious vacation, this is definitely the list to get your hands on.

See it now:  Top 10 Celebrity Hotels and Affordable Alternatives from Orbitz and OK! Magazine

Nina Kokotas Hahn is a Writer-Editor at Orbitz Worldwide. Globetrotting since infancy, she’s also the daughter of a travel agent and knows a thing or two about finding great travel deals.

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Posted in All Inclusive Resorts, Hotels, Top 10 Lists | No Comments »

Dollars and sense: New airline fees, new rules

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

Credit: Kossy@FINEDAYS

Credit: Kossy@FINEDAYS.

By Joe Brancatelli

The hard-pressed airline industry, which hasn’t made money since a few weeks after the Wright Brothers’ first flight, continues to juggle its rules and regulations to raise revenue. Here’s what you need to know about now:

  • Alaska Airlines is going to a flat $20 per bag fee for each of the first three checked bags. Previously, the airline charged $15 for the first bag, $25 for the second and $50 for the third.
  • Lufthansa, the gigantic German airline,  has raised its fuel surcharge to $150 each way on flights between the United States and Europe. Surcharges on flights to other destinations are now as much as $216 each way.
  • British Airways, one of the other European behemoths, is actually loosening rules a bit.  It now permits US-bound coach passengers to take two pieces of carry-on luggage. But BA is currently plagued by strikes, so be careful before you book.

Joe Brancatelli is editor and publisher of JoeSentMe.com, a non-commercial Web site for business travelers. Copyright 2009 by Joe Brancatelli. Licensed by contract for Orbitz use.

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Posted in Business Travel, Flights, Travel News | No Comments »

Trump SoHo for chic New York vacations

Monday, June 28th, 2010

By Vince Font

At Quattro Gastronomia Italiana at Trump SoHo New York.

At Quattro Gastronomia Italiana at Trump SoHo New York.

When it comes to New York vacations, if you don’t have an insider to rely on it’s near impossible to know where to situate yourself for that bona-fide experience. Which is probably why Trump SoHo New York was built. Of the many New York hotels, Trump SoHo is like a 46-story beacon that says “Right here, people. This is where it’s at.” (more…)

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Posted in Flights, Food & Wine, Hotels, New York Vacation | No Comments »

A view of Chicago from my new iPhone 4

Friday, June 25th, 2010

By Chris O’Brien

Just got my new iPhone 4 (Will the line at the Michigan Ave. Apple Store ever die down?!), and thought I’d share a few beauty shots of Chicago taken during my morning commute.

So, iPhone fans, do you notice the upgraded camera?


Created with flickr slideshow.

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Posted in Chicago Vacation, Holidays & Events | No Comments »

Tweet and win a 3-night Hawaii vacation!

Friday, June 25th, 2010

 

Oahu. Credit: bryce edwards.

Oahu. Credit: bryce edwards.

Ready to tweet your way to Hawaii? Now is your chance to power up with Twitter and win a 3-night vacation package to the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort in Oahu, Hawaii.

There are two ways to enter the contest, which ends Monday, June 28, 2010:

  1. Follow @Orbitz on Twitter and retweet the contest message. Or
  2. Follow @Orbitz and post a tweet including #OrbitzLuau.

This prize, worth over $4,000, includes:

  • Round-trip Delta Air Lines tickets for two
  • A 3-night stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa
  • A Waikiki Starlight Luau for two

All tweets must be posted by 10 a.m. CT on Monday, June 28, 2010. The winner will be selected at random and announced on Twitter on June 28, 2010.

Ready, set, tweet!

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Posted in Beach Vacation, Freebies & Discounts, Hawaii Vacation | No Comments »

Botswana: An affordable, World Cup alternative

Friday, June 25th, 2010

By Danielle Nierenberg and Bernard Pollack, Borderjumpers

World Cup soccer fans in Cape Town, South Africa. Credit: flowcomm.

World Cup soccer fans in Cape Town, South Africa. Credit: flowcomm.

For those in South Africa for the 2010 World Cup or those headed here for the final games, you may have noticed that prices are at least double what they normally are — whether that’s a hotel room, a tour, a rental car, or basically anything for sale here. (more…)

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Posted in Eco-Tourism, Holidays & Events, International Vacations | No Comments »

Facebook fans share favorite Mexico vacations

Thursday, June 24th, 2010
By Vince Font
Cliff divers at La Quebrada cliffs, Acapulco. Credit: prayitno.

Cliff divers at La Quebrada cliffs, Acapulco. Credit: prayitno.

We asked Orbitz Facebook fans to name their favorite Mexico vacation spots, and these are the hotspots and  Mexico hotels that topped the list.

La Quebrada
If you’ve got a taste for adventure but a lack of appetite for the outright danger that cliff diving presents, you’ll like living vicariously through the cliff divers at La Quebrada cliffs in Acapulco. But bring a friend—you’ll need someone to cling to as you watch the La Quebrada Cliff divers plunge 150 feet into the waters below.

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Posted in Beach Vacation, Mexico Vacation | No Comments »

Europe cruising: A twist on the typical vacation

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

By Kim Windyka

When it comes to Europe vacations, there are countless ways to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the continent. While an old-fashioned backpacking trip can certainly be an adventure, taking a Europe cruise allows you to experience the beauty and excitement of several different countries in one fell swoop — plus, you won’t have to worry about unpacking more than once! Cruise lines offer both Eastern/Western Mediterranean sailings and Northern Europe sailings. (more…)

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Rome’s best gelato shop

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

By Whit Honea

Gelato in Italia. Credit: Salvatore.Freni.

Gelato in Italia. Credit: Salvatore.Freni.

Those on a Europe vacation know that when in Rome, you should do as the Romans do. Luckily, what Romans do is eat some pretty awesome gelato.

Located in the heart of the historic city center, the popular San Crispino Gelateria is considered one of the best gelato shops in Rome. Gelato purists, San Crispino doesn’t bother with fancy toppings and they definitely don’t serve it on cones. But as the lines out the door prove, this is a-ok with the Romans.

In addition to being located next to the Trevi Fountain and right off via Veneto, one of the most affluent shop-filled streets in the world, San Crispino is walking distance to some fantastic Rome hotels, including the Residenza Dominziano, the Canova Tadolini Residenza and the Boutique Hotel Trevi. In addition to being close to popular tourist sites, all three Rome hotels offer the characteristic Italian elegance and ambiance.

Have your gelato and eat it, too, when you stay at select Starwood hotels
For an unbeatable Europe vacation to The Eternal City, book your trip by July 23 and you’ll find big savings at select Starwood hotels on sale throughout Europe. Enjoy luxury at a discount with the 5-star Westin Excelsior and Eden hotels, where you can save up to 40% off your stay with breakfast included.

Whit Honea is a travel writer living in Seattle with his wife and two children. He packs light and travels often to far-away places, exotic lands and more than a few theme parks.

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Posted in Europe Vacation, Food & Wine, Hotels, International Vacations, Travel Deals | No Comments »

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