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  1.  
  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  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. ’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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  10. 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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  11. Lufthansa

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


    by Ron Bernthal Sitting in Lufthansa

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News

Testimonials

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testimonialsInterested in joining us on a Journey but want to hear a different opinion? Here are some quotes from our past travelers, in their own words. Learn what it's like to meet the people, savour the cuisine and experience the culture with us

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"" Dear Mr.Tony
A huge thank you for the help with organising our recent trip to Vietnam. We had a wonderful time, thoroughly enjoyed every minute and have been singing the praises of the country and Indochina-holidays since we returned. It was the best holiday we have had in years. Everything went so smoothly, Claire was a joy, quietly organised and Nam and Viet both great sources of knowledge and good fun. Nothing was too much trouble for any of them. They were all great ambassadors for Vietnam Royal Tourism."
Carolyn and Tony Herrick., Australian
Submitted 6 January 2009""

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A huge thank you for the help with organising our recent trip to Vietnam. We had a wonderful time, thoroughly enjoyed every minute and have been singing the praises of the country and Vietnam Royal Tourism since we returned. It was the best holiday we have had in years. Everything went so smoothly, Do was a joy, quietly organised and NAm and Viet both great sources of knowledge and good fun. Nothing was too much trouble for any of them. They were all great ambassadors for Vietnam Royal Tourism."
Carolyn and Tony Herrick., Australian
Submitted 16 January 2009

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Just a quick note to say my 10 day highlights of Vietnam was AWESOME... the tour totally exceeded my expectations. The hotels were awesome and Huong, our guide, was fantastic as were the local guides! Loved EVERY minute of it, I can't even find a fault or complaint if I tried! I can't talk highly enough about it ...I really want to say thank you so much for organising it all for me. Definitely recommend to ALL ages and people! "
Natasha Dunn, Australian
Submitted 18 January 2009

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I knew nothing about Vietnam as a holiday destination but I had the holiday of a lifetime. Every day living history was witnessed, transport between events and venues was excellent, the food was wonderful and it was top value for money!"
Geoff Burton, Australian
Submitted 26 January 2009

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Awesome country. Awesome people. Awesome trip. Awesome!"
Arron Dann, New Zealand
Submitted 28 January 2009

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The itinerary was well thought out and I feel I have a real sense of all aspects of life in Vietnam – the history, its political system, food and culture."
Anne McCarthy, Australian
Submitted 06 February 2009

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The Vietnam tour was FANTASTIC....our tour guide, Huong, from Vietnam Royal Tourism was one out of the box !!! It was so good having someone organise internal flights, where to eat, what to expect to pay etc. etc. He was our eyes, ears and tastebuds. The pace of the tour was also great. Do put Vietnam on your agenda before it becomes too commercial. The food, people, countryside, history and shopping are all soooo amazing!"
Ann Hitchings, New Zealand
Submitted 08 February 2009

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Hanh vitality, enthusiasm and general caring and warm personality really made this experience for me so rewarding. Nothing was too much trouble for her. She is a real asset to your organisaton. I wish I had staff like her… I would love to do another tour in the future but don’t know how any tour leader can now measure up to Ms Hanh."
Jill Martin, Australian
Submitted 16 February 2009

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We really enjoyed everything - the sights and sounds, the people (both Vietnamese and fellow-travellers) and May, our tour leader was excellent. Our minds are still buzzing with images and recollections from Vietnam and Cambodia while we get back to 'normality', whatever that it!"
Sandra King, Australian
Submitted 28 January 2009

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Had a fantastic holiday....Nam was great, positive, professional and kept everyone happy. Not easy the age range was 30-80! Fantastic small group, no problems at all.! Going to China for holidays next year and will definitely use you guys, can I have Nam again though?"
Louise Kenna, Australia
Submitted 08 January 2009

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I do want to go on record to say that our trip last November/December to Cambodia and Vietnam was a huge, huge once-in-a-lifetime experience for us two. We have been praising your company every chance we've had since we returned home. Your planning, your timing, your sensitivity, your professionalism were extraordinary! "
Charles & Anne Gilson, UK
Submitted 26 February 2009

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It was great to have a local guide who had amazing knowledge of his country. I really enjoyed hearing Mr Tuan ’s experiences and his running of the tour was superb. I loved the boat ride down the Mekong, and it was amazing to see the giving of the alms by the monks."
T Johnson, Australia
Submitted 06 April 2009

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Our leader Han is a natural treasure. The local restaurants, shopping and history are amazing. Hue’s Saigon Morin was pure bliss – I enjoy the colonial/planter atmosphere - that Vietnam Royal Tourism uses."
Phillip Rankin, New Zealand
Submitted 28 May 2009

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Our trip to Vietnam was an incredible experience. Words cannot fully explain how much we enjoyed the trip. Our tour guide was marvellous. She was not only a great organiser and guide, but a great person who went well outside her responsibilities to ensure that our trip was a memorable one. Next year we are looking to visit Cambodia and I will contact you when we begin planning!"
Peter Laing, Australian
Submitted 18 March 2009

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