Archive for April, 2010

Seattle visitors have just a few more weeks to catch the exhibit ‘Unforgettable Rock ‘n’ Roll Photographs’ at the Experience Music Project (EMP). This exhibition, which runs through May 23, 2010, showcases some of the most memorable photos of music icons.

Offering a beach vacation like no other, the African island of Mauritius thrives on tourism, but it’s not a country many Americans visit. Everywhere we went on Mauritius, we were greeted by local folks excited to meet people from the United States.

Overcoming our initial fears, our multi-generational family signed up with Colorado’s Whitewater Encounters for their half-day Salida West Family Raft trip on the Arkansas River, an introductory rafting trip leaving at 8:30 am or 12:30 pm. With a raft and guide to ourselves, we all donned life vests and carried our raft and paddles to the river. Our guide was careful about how he positioned us in the raft, and then we were off! It started slowly, but soon we saw the rapids coming and our guide instructed us to paddle hard. We bounced over the rocks and rounded the first rapid smoothly. Finally I relaxed and looked up. It was a gorgeous, sunny afternoon and we were surrounded by some of Colorado’s tallest mountain peaks.

Marriott made a big deal about San Francisco’s Parc 55 hotel back in 1998 when it reflagged the 1,000-room property as a Renaissance hotel.

Italy is a popular tourist destination for a reason; there is a wealth of history, culture, and attractions to suit the tastes of just about everyone. While any itinerary to Italy is going to be fabulous, it pays to talk with several people who have already been there. If you were to ask me for my two – or ten – cents on planning a great Italy vacation , here’s what I’d share…

Matching arch-rival United Airlines, Eagle will retrofit 25 of its existing CRJ-700s with a first-class cabin and take delivery of 22 new ones with first class already installed. The new cabin, which debuts July 2, will feature nine seats in a 1-2 layout.

Matching the benefit offered to some elite members of other hotel frequent guest programs, gold and platinum members of Marriott Rewards now receive free in-room Internet. But the new perk is limited to Marriott, JW Marriott and Renaissance hotels in the continental United States and Canada.

At the Cape Coast Castle in Ghana they call it “the door of no return” — the final exit for thousands of slaves on their way to America and Europe. While in the castle, you can’t help but feel overwhelmed by the look, smell, and feel of the place. And standing there is a moment we’ll never forget.

Today we’re celebrating Earth Day by kicking off a new weekly series from our new friends, Bernard Pollack and Danielle Nierenberg. They call themselves “BorderJumpers” and they’ll be sharing stories of their travels around the world, starting here today with the continent of Africa.

As parents planning a family vacation, it’s our job to find something that will make everyone happy. We may not be able to keep everyone happy at every moment, but you can bet that we’ll always look for family vacations that offers a “little something for everyone.” Of course, this gets more complicated if you have kids that span a wide age range, travel with multiple generations, or have a group with diverse interests. See these top 10 recommendations from Orbitz moms and dads for great vacations sure to please the whole gang.

By Joanna Citarella Earlier this year I ran the ING Miami Marathon. If you like to run and you’re considering a Miami vacation,  this is a really unique way to see the sights and sounds of the Magic City of Miami. Every January, approximately 15,000 runners of all ages and abilities participate in the ING [read more…]

Those of us in the travel industry know a little secret about a nifty window of travel opportunity that comes in the spring and fall. It’s called “shoulder season,” and it’s one of the best times of the year to score serious travel deals to popular hotels and vacation destinations — up to 30 % less than summertime pricing.

Five major airlines have pledged not to charge for carry-on baggage, Sen. Charles Schumer told CNN. His announcement follows Spirit Airlines’ decision two weeks ago to begin charging up to $45 to stow luggage in overhead bins.

I’ll admit that I ‘d never been to Myrtle Beach until we took our children there for our first family vacation. I was searching for a fun summer beach vacation within driving distance of our Virginia home (flying with toddlers is too much stress for this mother!), and following the advice of a friend, settled on Myrtle Beach.

For the second day in a row, a cloud of volcanic ash spreading over Europe continues to impact travelers around the world.

Despite its nickname, “America’s Last Frontier,” Alaska is the first destination on many cruisers’ wish lists, and with good reason. After all, there aren’t many other vacations that can include a glacier hike, dogsled ride, and rainfores- zip-line adventure all in the span of a few days. An Alaska cruise can absolutely be the trip of a lifetime, but I’d recommend keeping a few things in mind to ensure extra-smooth sailing.

Citing the four-month closure of the main runway at New York’s Kennedy Airport starting March 1, JetBlue Airways and Delta Air Lines requested a waiver of the tarmac-hold rules at JFK until December.

Continental Airlines has announced that it will join other legacy carriers and drop free meals on coach flights. By the fall, free grub in the back of the bus will be gone, except on those few Continental domestic flights that exceed six hours.

Whether you’re planning a visit to Universal Studios, SeaWorld, Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or any other major North American theme park, give this hotel list a whirl and enjoy some stress-free family vacation planning.

By Pete Gruenthal Living in Orlando and having never stayed at New Orleans hotels for anything other than business meetings, I recently jumped at the unique opportunity to experience the 2010 Mardi Gras celebration at Universal’s Orlando Resort. Celebrated every Saturday night and select nights from February 6 – April 17, this is Universal Studio’s [read more…]