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  2. Wildest Dreams

    Trek deep into the heart of Borneo to discover its untamed treasures.


    by Richard Newton In the dark, at 3:30 a.m., we have to remind ourselves this is Borneo. The island

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  3. Emirates Summer Special


    Emirates is reducing first- and business-class fares in the month of July. Available exclusively online, passengers can save up to 30 percent on fares from any of the airline’s four U.S. gateways, New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Houston (IAH) and San Francisco (SFO) to destinations in Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Book by July 31 and travel from Aug. 1–Sept. 30.

     

     



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  4. Adrift in the Desert

    Leave Israel’s bustling cities to wander the ancient caravan routes of Negev.


    by Kim Foley MacKinnon Standing on the edge of the Makhtesh Ramon “crater,” I felt as if I had been transported to another world — the moon, perhaps, or some unnamed planet. It was hard to believe that less than three hours north by car was Tel Aviv, and even closer was Jerusalem. But once again, I was reminded that Israel is a small country, despite its enormous impact on the world. Only about the size of New Jersey, it makes venturing off the beaten path easy.

    My companions and I had left bustling Tel Aviv to explore a small part of the desert that makes up almost two-thirds of the country yet is home to only 10 percent of the population. Few tourists venture here. With the allure of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and the Galilee, perhaps it can be a hard sell. But it’s so worth visiting. Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, was convinced that the desert was the key to Israel’s future, a belief so firm that he spent his last two decades here at Kibbutz Sde Boker; and he and his wife chose to be buried in the place he loved.

    Negev — meaning both “dry” and “south” — encompasses about 4,000 square miles and was once the heart of the ancient Nabatean empire, where the Nabateans plied their trade along the famed Spice Route, moving spices and incense (think frankincense and myrrh) from southern Arabia to the Mediterranean. The archaeological sites of Avdat, Haluza, Mamshit and Shivta, as well as the Negev capital, Be’er Shiva, incorporate a UNESCO World Heritage site. There is still a nomadic Bedouin population that lives in the Negev.

    Makhtesh Ramon, so mesmerizing to gaze at, is one offive so-called craters (actually geologic depressions) in Israel. The largest in the world, formed millennia ago, it is one of the biggest attractions of the Negev; and if you are going to run into tourists, this is the likeliest place. It’s not a crater at all, but a valley that is 25 miles long, 5 miles across at its widest point and about 1,650 feet deep. Fossils, rock formations and volcanic and magmatic phenomenon date back as far as 220 million years. Ocean once covered this area. The crater formed when climatic forces dictated change. As we walked the rim, we saw a rappelling lesson going on nearby, just one of many adventures to be had here.

    The Ben-Gurion gravesite is perched over the Nahal Zin, or Zin Valley, yet one more surreal vista that begs to be explored. We spotted ibex hopping around; apparently they are plentiful but easy to miss, as they blend into the desert landscape. The best way to discover the region is to get out of your car and wander on foot, bike or camel, Bedouin-style. My group booked a Jeep tour to take us deep into the valley, then we ditched our ride to hike, finally arriving at a spring where several of us took the plunge to cool off after a dusty journey. On the return trip, our eagle-eyed guide stopped the Jeep and pulled out a telescope to show us Griffon vultures nesting in the cliffs. We didn’t see another human soul until we were closer to the park entrance and a campground where two groups were setting up for the night. I was envious of the solitude and magnificent night sky they were going to enjoy, but I also knew I had a treat in store. We were spending the night at Carmey Avdat Farm, a winery and zimmer (bed and breakfast).

     

     



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  5. ’Round The World Promo


    In celebration of its 10-year anniversary, SkyTeam alliance is offering a promotion on its ’Round the World fare pass. Discounts are available between 5–30 percent. Book by Sept. 30, travel by June 30, 2011. The ’Round the World fare pass allows customers to travel on only one ticket anywhere SkyTeam’s 13 member airlines fly. Learn more here.

     

     



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  6. Save At 12 London Hotels


    Available between July 23 and Sept. 5, the 12 Radisson Edwardian hotels in London are offering a summer promotion. The offer includes deluxe accommodations, daily breakfast for two, 25 percent off dining at each hotel restaurant, a bottle of Prosecco and strawberries, a picnic blanket, free WiFi and afternoon tea (Radisson Edwardian Hampshire Hotel only). Call 800 333 3333 or click here. Reference offer code SUMMER.

     

     



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  7. Mission Control

    One of the last U.S. cities to slip into recession and one of the first to emerge, Houston has a firm grip on its super-sized economy.


    by Sharon King Hoge Start off with

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  8. Cabin Fever

    Popular wisdom says an aircraft
    by Beth Vrabel Six years ago, Alissa Dorman boarded a plane from her home in the Pacific Northwest for Arizona. It was her family

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  9. Summer In Rome


    Experience Rome with the Hotel Hassler Roma’s Summer in the City package. The promotion includes three-night’s accommodations, daily breakfast buffet, a massage for two at Amorvero Spa, complimentary Prosecco at Amorvero Terrace overlooking the Spanish steps, and one complimentary lunch for two. Through Sept. 9, a minimum stay of three consecutive nights is required. Visit the website.

     

     



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  10. Lufthansa

    Business Class
    Frankfurt (FRA) to Newark (EWR)
    tel 800 645 3880


    by Ron Bernthal Sitting in Lufthansa

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  11. Best Of Waldorf


    The Waldorf Astoria Collection Florida Keys properties are offering the Best Of Waldorf promotion. Through August, rates begin at $179 per night. With a stay of three consecutive nights, guests will receive a free fourth night. The offer is available at Casa Marina Resort and The Reach Resort. Children under the age of 18 will receive complimentary breakfast and a complimentary stay when in the same room as a paying adult.

     

     



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Our Style

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Our StyleOur style for traveller
we're excited by the experience of difference that is at the heart of all great journeys. Different flavors, aromas, stories, religions, languages, lifestyles and landscapes ...
We design our small group journeys or private journeys for people who share our passion for the total experience of traveling in Vietnam- the cuisine, the natural beauty, the history, culture and people. Ourl group travel is different from the rest ... we don't cut corners.
In our ten years of operation we have built a community of travelers from around the world with shared ideals, interests and a hunger for travel beyond the clinches. Whether you're new to us, or one of our past travelers, click through our website to take a look at the diverse and unique journeys of Vietnam

Our Travellers
As a traveller with us, you can expect to be captivated by all the wonders of the Vietnam you journey through. We don't operate sanitized coach tours, but we do run comfortable journeys that allow you to mingle with the locals and sense the pulse of the places you visit. Expect to be active. Expect to savour exotic flavours. Expect to meet real people leading real lives. Expect to be challenged. Expect to come away with a deep understanding of the places you've discovered.
Our travellers are respectful both of the sensitivities of the countries they visit and the interests of their fellow travellers. Travel with us is a people experience. Respect and consideration for your fellow travellers and the people you meet on your journey are important in your travel experience

Small & Private Groups ... Less is More
Small group travel & Private group travel are about access and flexibility. Our tours operate with a maximum of 6 travellers, providing a personal experience with your fellow voyagers, the people you meet along the way and the places you visit. Because our groups are small we're able to accommodate the interests of all our travellers while also allowing plenty of opportunity for independent discovery. We offer the flexibility and atmosphere of independent travel without the hassles.

Great value ... a better experience
Some of the important things about travelling with us are the things you won't see. We carefully research each tour, ensuring our itineraries are well-paced, our hotels are friendly, comfortable and brilliantly located and our transport is interesting and safe. We've assembled a team of professional women and men in our tour leaders and guides who are ideal companions for your voyage into Vietnam, whether it be your first time or your fifth.
We've set out to provide a great experience... and a great value holiday. This means avoiding cutting corners for a few dollars that could well compromise your experience. Have a look at how we do things - and compare us.

Innovative itineraries...
Some travel companies equate travel expertise with a large raft of itineraries. Not us, the tours we'll lead you on represent the very best each country has to offer and suit a variety of interests. Our selection is comprehensive.
Each journey is paced to allow time to develop familiarity with the key places we visit. We usually spent two or three nights in an area, preferring to give you a genuine taste of each destination.
For several trips, we can offer both “standard” and “superior” options. The standard options stay in good value, well located accommodation while the superior options include stays in some of Vietnam’s most historic and atmospheric hotels

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