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Articles for ‘International Vacations’ Category

New airplane interiors: What’s inside your next flight

Thursday, October 6th, 2011

Now boarding: Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner.

By Mark Chesnut

In September, All Nippon Airways became the first airline to receive the brand-new, much-delayed Boeing 787 Dreamliner jet. Passengers on the new plane will be among the first to experience the latest features of aircraft interior design, but new features are turning up on other planes as well. Here are a few things you might notice in the cabin on your future flights.

Airbus A380
This massive, double-decker airliner features a host of luxurious amenities, including first class “shower spas” (on Emirates) and first class cabins designed by Poltrona Frau for Singapore Airlines. This year, Korean Air is debuting an actual, physical duty-free shop on its planes. (more…)

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Serene South Pacific sanctuary: Le Meridien Bora Bora

Monday, October 3rd, 2011


Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

By Elina Fuhrman

I was stressed out, fed up and on the edge. I needed to get away, but not merely to unwind. I craved somewhere deserted, someplace where I could think deep “inside,” and that meant without any distractions. When I landed in Bora Bora, on a spontaneous trip across the Pacific, I knew at last I had found a place so special and so secluded not even a New Age guru could give me.

The fact the Le Meridien Bora Bora Resort was accessible only by boat, and surrounded by a stunning lagoon and the beautiful black lava boulders of Mount Otemanu, only added pizzazz to my quest for paradise. (more…)

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3 prime Bangkok hotels for under $100 a night

Thursday, September 15th, 2011

By Vince Font

Rooftop pools. Moody, club-like lighting. Courtyards with private villas. Definitely not the level of amenities to expect at a budget American hotel, but such luxury is standard at some Bangkok hotels for a modest $100 per night. Here are three beautiful, high-quality Bangkok hotels with wow features that you’ll never get used to paying so little for.

For under $100 a night, the posh Dream Hotel Bangkok is no dream.

Dream Hotel Bangkok
Imagine trying to land a five-star boutique hotel a mere stroll away from the nightlife district in any American city for under $100 a night. Not only would you have a tough time, you’d come back empty handed. But believe it or not, this isn’t anything that’s too far out of the ordinary in Bangkok. You’ll even find places that have a dash of eccentricity thrown in, like the Dream Hotel. Its exterior neon façade is just a hint of what you’ll find inside. I’ve heard some people describe this place as “oddly decorated” but if you ask me, there’s nothing odd about eternally retro, inimitably funky design. Think a cool room with plasma TV and free Wi-Fi is all you get for around $60 per night? Think again. This place even has a rooftop pool. If that’s not enough to tickle your fancy, you can try the on-site spa or restaurant. If you’re into saving money, this is one place that’s appropriately named. (more…)

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Orbitz 50 Faves: 50 vacations, 50 lucky winners

Monday, August 22nd, 2011

Play Orbitz 50 Faves on Facebook for the chance to win one of 50 luxury vacations worth up to $15,000.

By Valerie Moloney

It’s time to play for a stay.

Today through Sept. 18, play Orbitz 50 Faves on Facebook for a chance to win one of 50 drool-worthy vacations to luxury resorts around the world worth up to $15,000. Like Orbitz on Facebook to enter the game, and invite your friends to play. The more friends you invite, the sweeter your chances. (more…)

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Posted in Cruise, International Vacations, Romance, Travel News | No Comments »

Honeymoon spots where gay marriage is legal

Friday, August 5th, 2011

From New York to the Canary Islands, we showcase honeymoon spots where gay marriage is legal. Credit: Stagedoorjohnny.

By Matthew Link

In June 2011, gays and lesbians and straights jammed the streets of Manhattan for an impromptu street celebration as New York became the sixth U.S. state (in addition to Washington, D.C.) to fully legalize same-sex marriage. It now stands alongside Massachusetts (passed in 2004), Connecticut (in 2008), Iowa (in 2009), Vermont (in 2009), New Hampshire (in 2010), and Washington D.C. (in 2010) as the natural spots for gays and lesbians to plan their weddings and/or honeymoons.

With so much changing month to month in the gay marriage world, we spotlight which states and countries actually have full gay marriage (as opposed to the 50-plus places that just civil unions or domestic partnerships), and what the gay scene is like in each place for travelers. (more…)

Posted in Gay Travel, International Vacations, Orbitz Travel Insider, Romance, Travel Tips | No Comments »

Le Meridien debuts new lobby concept with artistic bent

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

Grand entrance: The new facade at Le Meridien Barcelona

By Mark Chesnut

Business travelers as well as anyone planning a Europe vacation can get a peek at an artistic new lobby concept unveiled by Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts, when they check into the Le Meridien Barcelona.

The new lobby concept, called Le Meridien Hub, debuted in Barcelona in June and is to be introduced in the coming months at all of the brand’s hotels; the next property slated for the conversion is the Le Meridien Istanbul, in November. (more…)

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Posted in Business Travel, Europe Vacation, International Vacations, Travel News | No Comments »

From Shanghai to Dubai, 3 exotic cruises worth a sail

Thursday, July 21st, 2011

First stop Far East: Royal Caribbean departs on a 5-night cruise from sparkling Shanghai. Credit: SF Brit.

By Kim Windyka

Sure, the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas are all fabulous choices for a cruise getaway, but sometimes you’re in the mood to try something out of the ordinary. And what better way to indulge that interest than by setting out on a one-of-a-kind exotic cruise through Asia, India or Africa? Ports that are off of the beaten path and generally longer itineraries make for an unforgettable experience you’ll be able to savor long after you return home. Take a look at three exotic itineraries that will give you a taste of these unusual and exciting sailings. (more…)

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Airline competition means new options in Australia

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011

Virgin Australia, formerly Virgin Blue, is pumping $35 million into plane and frequent flier revamps.

By Mark Chesnut

As competition heats up between two high-profile airlines in Australia, business travelers — as well as anyone planning an Australia vacation — are the beneficiaries, with a slew of new amenities and travel options.

(more…)

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

Boomtown Central America: Panama City’s hotel scene

Thursday, June 16th, 2011

New heights: The Trump Ocean Club in Panama City.

By Mark Chesnut

His name has already saturated the media quite a bit this year, but the debut of the Donald Trump-branded Trump Ocean Club International Hotel & Tower, Panama is still big news. Considering that it marks The Donald’s first foray south of Mexico — and considering that its architecture is among the most attention-getting in the city — it is perhaps the most visual symbol of how fast Panama City hotels are growing in this Central American hotspot. (more…)

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5 ways to stay in shape while flying

Monday, June 13th, 2011

Space ship: First class on Qantas offers extra room to stretch -- but in-flight exercises work in any seat.

By Mark Chesnut

Air New Zealand’s new in-flight safety video has attracted a lot of attention since its debut this year, thanks to the star turn of fitness guru Richard Simmons. But you don’t need advice from a 1980s celebrity to stay fit while flying. The airlines themselves have been showing passengers how to do it for years — so whether you’re heading out on a long-distance business trip, a Europe vacation or a Hawaii vacation, there are steps you can take to arrive fresher. (more…)

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