News Update

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  1.  
  2. ’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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  3. 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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  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. 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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  6. Lufthansa

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


    by Ron Bernthal Sitting in Lufthansa

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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. 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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  10. 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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  11. 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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  12.  

Vietnam Tour Destinations

Getting There & AwayPhom Penh can be reached by either domestic flights, international flights or overland and speedboat from neighbouring provinces.

Phnom Penh is a fairly easy city to get around. Though traffic is getting more congested these days, you can still travel the length of the city in less than 40 minutes. Regarding the economical boom these days, the traffic increases significantly.

Phnom Penh International Airport:
On arrival, taxis and motorcycle taxis (motodups) can be hired just outside the arrival lobby. There are no meter taxis (just developing this service). Taxis cost $7.00 for the 20-30 minute ride into the city centre. Cheaper, slower and less comfortable, motorcycle taxis can be hired for $2.00 into town. A usual taxi to the airport from town costs about $5-$7. Allow a minimum of 30-40 minutes to get to the airport, as you might get into some traffic jams during the rush hour.

Port of Phnom Penh:
The ferry port in Phnom Penh is on Sisowath Quay (the riverfront road) at Street 104, just north of the main riverfront park/restaurant area. If you are arriving in Phnom Penh, there are always motor taxis and car taxis waiting for fares. Motorcycle taxis run about R1500-R3000 and car taxis about $3-$5 to downtown hotels.

Cars and Taxis:
More common are un-metered, unmarked taxis, which can be arranged through your hotel or travel agent, and can also be found outside hotels along the Monivong Blvd. near Kampuchea Krom. A car plus driver costs you $20-$30/day. Shorter jaunts, for a minimum of $2-$3. 4WD vehicles will give you a ride for $60/day and up.

Short and long term rental of a wide variety of vehicles:

Motorcycle Taxis (Motodup):
The omnipresent motos are the most common and fastest form of public transportation but are certainly not the safest. They are more prone to accidents and robberies than cars. Motos cost from 1000R-4000R for a trip in town and $6-$10 per day. Prices go surely up at night.

Bicycle Rental:
A few guesthouses, (e.g. Capitol Guesthouse) have bicycles for rent for around $1-1.5/day. Bicycle stores are clustered near the intersection of Streets 182 and 107. They do not rent bikes, but a used bike can be bought for about $30-40 and resold for around $20.

Motorcycle Rental:
Motorcycles (100cc - 125cc) can be rented for $3 - $5/day. Tourists often rent 250cc dirt bikes, even if it’s a bit too much power and weight for the slow city traffic (250cc for $10-13). For in-city driving, a 100cc is recommended. A 250cc is perfect for the poor roads outside Phnom Penh. Chaotic traffic makes cycling in the city challenging in the extreme. Roads outside the city vary dramatically in condition. If you do decide to ride, drive slowly, stay right, wear a helmet and remember that medical services are quite limited.

Buses:
Ho Wah Genting offers bus service to nearby destinations using modern air-conditioned buses. Get off or on at any point along the line. Buses depart every 15 minutes to one hour, daily from 6am-6pm. 1200R-12000R. The station is at the corner of the Central Market. Route #1: Koki, Kien Svay, Neak Luong, And Route #2: Takhmao, Takeo, And Route #4: Kampong Speu, Sihanoukville, And Route #5: Oudong, Kampong Chhnang, Route #6: Raw Kakong, Kampong Cham.
Also near the central market (Southwest corner) you may find the biggest bus station in town. Sorya Bus Company takes you almost everywhere in the country where a paved road is available. The buses are a little bit older than from some other companies, but still featuring air-con and usual seats. The prices are reasonable (approx. $1 for 70-80km).

Cyclos:
The humble cyclo can be a romantic and practical form of transport though not as safe as a car or fast as a motor. Cyclos are easier than motors and during a rain they offer a drier ride. They often charge twice as much as a motos and are notorious for overcharging tourists, but keep in mind that’s physical work.




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