Visit to Portovenere, Italy

A Tour of Sorrento

Sailing from Venezia

14-Day Miami to Los Angeles Hosted Cruise

We hope to see you aboard Crystal Symphony on a:

Trans-Canal Enchantment.

Departing the Port of Miami on November 6, 2011

Arriving at Port of Los Angeles on November 20, 2011

Crossing the Panama Canal with visits to George Town, Grand Cayman; Cartagena, Colombia; Huatulco, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas in Mexico; and San Diego, California.

Value

2-for-1 Fares - $1,000 per couple "All-Inclusive, as You Wish" spending credits - Free Air - Pay in full 6 months prior to sailing and save an additional 2.5%.

For additional details click here.

Contact me to make your reservation today!

Join us on a 12 Night Caribbean Voyage on Azamara Journey

Departing from the Port of Miami on December 11, 2010
Returning to the Port of Miami on December 23, 2010
Cruising the Eastern Caribbean with visits to seven islands.

For additional information click here.

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II christens Cunard liner bearing her name

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II christens Cunard liner bearing her name | ExpertCruiser.com: "Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II has christened Cunard’s newest liner, the magnificent Queen Elizabeth. British monarchs have launched seven merchant ships bearing royal names since the Queen Mary in 1934.

The newest vessel is the third named Queen Elizabeth and interestingly, Queen Elizabeth has witnessed all three christenings with the first being 72 years ago when her mother launched the first Queen Elizabeth. Her first christening was the iconic ‘QE2’ which was retired from the Cunard fleet several years ago."

Luxury line Seabourn's newest ship to arrive ahead of schedule

Luxury line Seabourn's newest ship to arrive ahead of schedule - USATODAY.com: "The luxury line says the 450-passenger vessel, currently under construction at the T. Mariotti yard in Italy, will be ready for delivery by late May instead of early June, allowing the company to add two new 'pre-inaugural' cruises to its 2011 season:

-- A three-night round-trip voyage from Monte Carlo kicking off on June 9 that includes calls at Livorno and Corsica's Bonifacio. Fares start at $1,299 per person."

Boeing: Space tourism flights possible by 2015

Boeing: Space tourism flights possible by 2015 - USATODAY.com: "Boeing says it's ready to jump into the space-tourism market, announcing on Wednesday that will enter into a partnership to sell seats on rocket trips to the International Space Station.

'Now Boeing just has to build a spaceship,' The Associated Press writes.

Boeing's just-announced partnership is with the space-tourism company Space Adventures. The Washington Post explains, saying the agreement is for the companies 'to establish a space taxi system that will launch its passengers into low Earth orbit. Boeing has been developing a capsule and has years of experience building rockets, while Space Adventures has organized seven trips to the space station aboard the Russian spacecraft Soyuz. The obstacles remain high, but the two companies say they think they can begin their service by the end of 2015.'"

The Middle East, India and Africa all in one cruise? That's the plan at Oceania

The Middle East, India and Africa all in one cruise? That's the plan at Oceania - USATODAY.com: "Always wanted to visit the Middle East, India and Africa? Now you can do it all in one trip.

Oceania Cruises on Wednesday announced plans for an ambitious, 30-day voyage from Dubai to Cape Town that includes stops across all three regions.

Kicking off on Nov. 22, 2011, the unusual itinerary on the 684-passenger Oceania Nautica will begin with calls in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates and Muscat, Oman before stops in four Indian ports: Mumbai, Goa, Mangalore and Cochin.

From India, the ship will continue on across the Indian Ocean to the Maldives and the Seychelles Islands before a visit to Madagascar. Stops in Africa include Richard's Bay and Durban in South Africa."

Airbus Wants to Build Invisible Passenger Planes

FOXNews.com - Airbus Wants to Build Invisible Passenger Planes: "Aircraft manufacturer Airbus has theorized a see-through passenger plane for the future, one with a completely transparent fuselage. In this concept craft, the push of a button by the captain would a send an electrical pulse through a high-tech ceramic skin -- making the main body of the plane see-through.

The extraordinary design would allow travelers to look down on cities and landscapes thousands of feet below or gaze up at the heavens, giving them the sensation of floating unassisted through the sky."

When dining in Paris, don't be full of yourself

When dining in Paris, don't be full of yourself - Travel - MiamiHerald.com: "The French have spent centuries honing their food to a high and honest art. Eating and drinking well is their passion; Parisians, in particular, always seem to be on a restless quest to find the best fare their budgets and taste buds will allow. For eating in France is much, much more than simply sating primeval hunger. It's in the flavors, the rituals, the sensuality of le repas Francais that you can really ``get'' what makes the French tick -- and what really ticks them off about us."

Istanbul's best Turkish restaurants

Istanbul's best Turkish restaurants - CNN.com: "What happened to the national cuisines of the Ottoman Empire's various ethnic groups? And at the Topkapi Palace, surely the chefs rose above kebabs and mezes to keep the sultan well fed?
Only recently have a few restaurants begun to answer those questions. Through research in Ottoman archives and out in the provinces, chefs and restaurant owners have salvaged dishes that seemed lost to history and resurrected ancient Ottoman, regional, and home cooking.

Today, they have pioneered a string of genuine Turkish restaurants. Here are six of the best such locales."

Sailing the Galapagos Islands in style

Sailing the Galapagos Islands in style - CNN.com: "(CNN) -- With its Giant Tortoises, fearless Sea Lions, colorful crabs and endless other vivid and unusual species, the Galapagos Islands maintain an almost mythical status among the world's must-see natural wonders.
And if you're fortunate enough to find yourself in this remote archipelago in the east Pacific, then experiencing it from the deck of a yacht is almost certainly the best way to go."

Reposition yourself for great cruise deals

Reposition yourself for great cruise deals - Travel - Cruise Travel - msnbc.com: "Budget-minded travelers who are ready for a voyage on the high seas can book a cruise without sinking their savings accounts. It's reposition season, which means for the next few months, you can find deals for as little as $35 per day.
Repositioning refers to the bi-annual migration that the cruise lines undertake to get their ships where they want them to be for the next sailing season. In the fall, that typically means transitioning from New England and Europe to the Caribbean and from Alaska to the Mexican Riviera and beyond. Come spring, the routes are reversed."

Ancient city rises amid Egypt's luxury resorts

Ancient city rises amid Egypt's luxury resorts - USATODAY.com: "MARINA, Egypt — Today, it's a sprawl of luxury vacation homes where Egypt's wealthy play on the white beaches of the Mediterranean coast. But 2,000 years ago, this was a thriving Greco-Roman port city, boasting villas of merchants grown rich on the wheat and olive trade.
The ancient city, known as Leukaspis or Antiphrae, was hidden for centuries after it was nearly wiped out by a fourth century tsunami that devastated the region."

How to Take a Bicycling Vacation

FOXNews.com - How to Take a Bicycling Vacation: "Even experienced bicyclists learn the hard way that it’s important to check what time the sun sets."

Guide to Cruise Ship Shore Excursions: Days in Port, Make the Most of Them

Guide to Cruise Ship Shore Excursions: Days in Port, Make the Most of Them - ABC News: "The benefits of booking ship-sponsored tours are many. You can skip the hassle of arranging your own onshore activities, you'll know the tour provider is licensed and reputable and the ship won't depart until all of its tour buses have returned, even the tardy ones. You may also meet other shipmates whose company you'll enjoy back on the ship.

But ship tours are not always the way to go. The pleasurability and efficiency of tour operators varies from ship to ship, and some tour offerings are simply duds. All too often, shore excursions translate into time-consuming bus rides with drop-offs at shopping centers proffering souvenirs you can live without."

A Paris Show That's as Good as (Incan) Gold

A Paris Show That's as Good as (Incan) Gold - NYTimes.com: "The Inca Gold exhibition at the Pinacotheque (28, place de la Madeleine; 33-1-42-68-02-01; pinacotheque.com) brings together 253 rare pieces that offer a glimpse into the origins and mysteries of the Inca empire. On loan from Peruvian museums, they together conjure up the flamboyance and glory of the most remarkable of the pre-Colombian civilizations.

When the Incas established themselves in the Cuzco region of the Andes around the 13th or 14th century, they built on the remains of numerous preceding cultures. The show includes fine gold and silver pieces from these pre-Incan societies, illustrating the continuity of traditions that came to their finest flowering in the century of Incan dominance that ended in 1533, when the Spanish conquistadors put to death the Inca leader Atahualpa."

In Andalucia, passion plays out on city streets

In Andalucia, passion plays out on city streets - Travel - Destination Travel - Europe - msnbc.com: "Travel in Andalucia is like this. There's always something going on. We were in Cordoba for the Festival of the Crosses, where each neighborhood parties around its own towering cross that is made of red carnations. Church bells ring not only a call to prayer, but also a call to fiesta. Locals enthusiastically use this special day on the church calendar as a springboard for a community party."

A sneak peek at Royal Caribbean's next ship, Allure of the Seas

A sneak peek at Royal Caribbean's next ship, Allure of the Seas - USATODAY.com: "While similar to Oasis, Allure will have a number of new features, including the first GUESS store at sea, a Mexican restaurant called Rita's Cantina and the line's first churrascaria restaurant (pictures of several of these areas as they look now are included in our online Photo Tour). Allure also will have a number of new entertainment options, including a production of the Broadway musical Chicago and Dreamwork character-infused ice shows, AquaTheater shows and parades."

In Istanbul, 8,000 Years of History

In Istanbul, 8,000 Years of History - NYTimes.com: "From the moment you enter the “Legendary Istanbul” exhibition at the Sakip Sabanci Museum, you are plunged into a dark and moody prehistoric forest, and, sitting on a tree stump, you watch as the Sea of Marmara forms."

Oman to invest $20 billion in rugged beauty to lure upscale tourists

Oman to invest $20 billion in rugged beauty to lure upscale tourists - CNN.com: "Oman's natural beauty remains relatively untouched compared to the Gulf's developed urban centers. Don't visit expecting Dubai's skyscrapers and shopping malls. Oman touts the quiet grandeur of its mountains, deserts and beaches, according to Sultan Bin Hamdoon Al Harthi, head of the Muscat Municipality."

Royal Caribbean CEO: New record-size cruise ship nearly ready

Royal Caribbean CEO: New record-size cruise ship nearly ready - USATODAY.com: "Will Royal Caribbean's much-awaited new ship, Allure of the Seas, be ready for its late November unveiling? It's looking more and more like a sure thing.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Chairman and CEO Richard Fain -- just back from touring the 5,400-passenger vessel at the shipyard in Finland where it is under construction -- writes on his blog this week that he doesn't think he's ever seen a ship at this stage of construction so ready."

David InterContinental in Israel Hotels

David InterContinental in Israel Hotels on Concierge.com: "The splashiest luxury hotel in Tel Aviv, which opened in 1998, lies a bit outside the city center and is a favorite of corporate travelers because of its massive conference facilities and elaborate business center. Still, it managed to lure Madonna when she came to visit Israel in the fall of 2004. Perhaps what caught her eye was the hotel's large outdoor pool deck (which morphs into a hip lounge on balmy summer nights) or the location (just across from the beach). Its 555 units include just about every imaginable room configuration, from standard rooms to apartmentlike royal and presidential suites."

Is it possible to lose weight on a cruise?

Is it possible to lose weight on a cruise? - CNN.com: "While many people go on cruises to relax and enjoy the overwhelming number of food choices, experts say it is possible to enjoy what's on the menu without adding pounds -- if you have a plan."

Amazing airline meals, if you splurge

Amazing airline meals, if you splurge - CNN.com: "(CNN) -- The caviar and smoked salmon were superb, the chilled champagne flowed freely and the service was impeccable as Jake and Linda Richter gazed at each other across a table covered with white linen and set with fine china."

Top 10 Celebrity Beaches

Top 10 Celebrity Beaches: "For people who like to bask in the sun and have some fun in the water, a beach is the ideal destination for a short holiday. Different beaches around the world have unique characteristics that attract tourist and earn them patrons. Today, well be dishing out the news on the best beach destinations where you can catch a glimpse of your favorite movie star–six pack abs and all–taking a dip in the water. Start packing your bags and don’t forget your camera because here are the top ten celebrity beach spots of the season."

Charleston is the ultimate cruise port

Charleston is the ultimate cruise port | ExpertCruiser.com: "Charleston is the ultimate cruise port as it has it all – beauty, history, and southern hospitality. Now that Carnival offers year-round cruising from the city it will introduce many travelers to the wonders of Charleston."

"Charleston is a city meant to meander around and get lost and it’s worth spending a few extra days to explore before or after a cruise. Oak-ringed parks with beautiful gardens and memorial plaques and statues are everywhere and are inviting to relax in on a hot day. The city’s historic homes and churches are a highlight of any walk and are perfectly preserved making it easy to imagine what life was like here 150 years ago. St. John’s Lutheran Church dates back to 1817, and St. Philip’s Church whose steeple was once used as a lighthouse. A walk along the waterfront will carry you past grand mansions to White Point Gardens where townspeople watched the first shots fired on nearby Fort Sumter in 1861."

Holiday Inn, other IHG chains offer to pay airline checked-bag fees

Hoping to cash in on a common traveler complaint, Holiday Inn, InterContinental and other IHG-brand hotels are offering to pay the checked-baggage fees charged by many U.S. airlines.

For stays between Sept. 1 and Dec. 30, 2010, InterContinental Hotels Group just announced that it will pay the fees - up to $850 worth - on any airline to any destination.

Rumor: Disney Cruise Line to visit Hawaii

Rumor: Disney Cruise Line to visit Hawaii - Disney Cruise Line News: "According to an article in the Honolulu Star Advertiser, Disney Cruise Line could be setting sail for Hawaii in the near future. Sailings to Hawaii would make perfect sense with the upcoming opening of the company's newest Disney Vacation Club resort 'Aulani' opening in August of 2011. The Disney Wonder cruise ship, currently based in Florida, is moving to the West Coast in 2011, a move that is fueling the Hawaii rumors even further."

Women find world, selves with solo travel

Women find world, selves with solo travel - CNN.com: "The only thing she knew is that she would fly to Paris, France, in September and return to the United States from Auckland, New Zealand, six months later."

Deals dry up for last-minute hotel bookers, but grow for advance planners

Deals dry up for last-minute hotel bookers, but grow for advance planners – USATODAY.com: "Many travelers have spent this year planning last-minute escapes, knowing how easy it was to nab a decent hotel rate.

But it's time to rethink that strategy, as business travel rebounds and big city hotels raise rates."

The Balmoral in Edinburgh Hotels

The Balmoral in Edinburgh Hotels on Concierge.com: "It could not be more central or more subtly beautiful, with decor by Olga Polizzi, sister of Rocco Forte, to whose select hotel chain this belongs. On the other hand, its rates could hardly be higher. For the 188 exquisite chambers, Polizzi has selected a heather-on-the-Highland-moors palette: lavender, cream, moss, and peat in costly wools, leather, silks, and linens. The best rooms have views of Edinburgh Castle."

You've got a lot to learn in little Savannah

You've got a lot to learn in little Savannah - Quick Trips - MiamiHerald.com: "We took seven tours in the 2.2-square-mile historic district -- and didn't have a ghost of a chance of seeing everything."

Laid-back Bimini gets a shot of new energy

Laid-back Bimini gets a shot of new energy - Travel - MiamiHerald.com: "`It literally is a foreign country,'' Freund said. ``But it's 50 miles and two hours in my boat.''

The Big Game Club resort, with six cottages that have two guest rooms apiece, 35 standard rooms and four penthouse suites, also includes a 75-slip marina, a restaurant and bar, freshwater pool and shop. Still to come: a fuel dock at the marina, fitness center and spa, a theater for lectures and DVD viewing, and conference space.

Because of its focus on conservation and Harvey's passion for protecting sharks, the resort has formed a partnership with a shark research lab on South Bimini so guests can learn more about the researchers' efforts."

Tips for a stress-free flying experience

Tips for a stress-free flying experience - USATODAY.com: "it is tough to be a passenger these days, too. There have surely been plenty of travelers, stuffed in coach with crying babies, rolling eyes and empty wallets, who have wanted to make a quick exit down the emergency slide." Here is a rundown of how to make your travel experience more Zen-like, from booking to landing (and how to complain if it isn't like that):

Santa Barbara: Nature, with a bit of luxury, at El Capitan Canyon

Santa Barbara: Nature, with a bit of luxury, at El Capitan Canyon - Travel - LATimes.com: "Summer is running out. If you want to get away before the Labor Day crush to a place that’s not too far from home, you might find solace in a stunning natural setting — and a third night free — at a cabin or safari tent at El Capitan Canyon near Santa Barbara.

The deal: The resort, which brings some luxury to nature, is about 20 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara and a 10-minute walk inland from El Capitan State Beach. It offers 108 cedar cabins of various sizes and 26 safari tents (with beds, not sleeping bags) tucked along the canyon."

Helpful honeymooners: Why newlyweds volunteer abroad

Helpful honeymooners: Why newlyweds volunteer abroad - CNN.com: "'honeyteers' -- newlyweds whose honeymoons double as volunteer projects. These couples not only tour distant locales but also get involved with the communities they find there."

Airports trading fast-food for sit-down dining

Airports trading fast-food for sit-down dining - Travel - Business Travel - msnbc.com: "NEW YORK — Forget about greasy french fries, soggy pizza or that sandwich that's been sitting out for hours. Filet mignon, crispy duck confit and crab cakes are taking off at the airport."

Holland America ship to go around the world in 112 days

Holland America ship to go around the world in 112 days – USATODAY.com: "The 112-day voyage, announced today, will kick off Jan. 6, 2012 in Fort Lauderdale and include calls in the Caribbean and South America before a trip around Cape Horn to the Chilean Fjords. From there, the vessel will head south to Antarctica and then west to Tahiti, followed by calls in Australia, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. The trip will end with a transit of the Suez Canal and stops in the Mediterranean before the ship returns to South Florida."

Luxury residential cruise ship to stop in Maine

Luxury residential cruise ship to stop in Maine - Travel - Cruise Travel - msnbc.com: "The World, a 644-foot ship with 165 residences ranging from studio apartments to a six-bedroom ocean penthouse, will visit Portland from Oct. 15-17, 2012.
Residents live aboard the ship as it circumnavigates the globe.
For its 2010 voyage, the ship left Australia in January on a route that has included Southeast Asia, India, the Suez Canal, the Mediterranean Sea and Europe. It will then go to Greenland and along the east coasts of North and South America before ending its yearlong trip in Antarctica.
The World last visited Portland in 2005."

New Princess Cruises itinerary to hit three continents in four weeks

New Princess Cruises itinerary to hit three continents in four weeks – USATODAY.com: "Looking for a vacation that will take you to three continents in just four weeks? Look no further than Princess Cruises, which just unveiled plans for a four-week voyage in 2011 that will include stops in Europe, Africa and Asia.

The 'Mediterranean, India & Asia' sailing from Rome to Singapore on the 680-passenger Ocean Princess, scheduled to begin on Oct. 15, 2011, is similar to a 56-night voyage between the cities taking place later this year but exactly half as long."

Venice Soon to Have 1st Official Woman Gondolier

Venice Soon to Have 1st Official Woman Gondolier - ABC News: "Venice is on its way to having its first official female gondolier.

City Hall said Friday that Giorgia Boscolo had passed the practical exam to become a gondolier. She is the first woman to pass this test, considered the most difficult of those required to pilot a boat on Venice's canals."

Another cruise line cuts back on voyages to Mexico

Another cruise line cuts back on voyages to Mexico – USATODAY.com: "Industry watcher Seatrade Insider today reports the luxury operator is replacing two seven-night sailings to the region schedule for April 2011 with new trips along the West Coast of the USA between Los Angeles and Vancouver.

The northbound and southbound 'Pacific Escape' and 'Coastal Exploration' sailings on the 940-passenger Crystal Symphony will include visits to Santa Barbara, Calif.; San Francisco; Seattle; Astoria, Ore.; and Victoria, BC, the news outlet says."

Top 10 Cities to Visit for Your Art Education

Top 10 Cities to Visit for Your Art Education: "Exposure to what is beautiful, to geometric and mind labored shapes, to beautiful music that becomes grander and grander in scale as the orchestra plays it, can dramatically sharpen our senses and our sensual intelligence and sensitivity. If you want to go and get lost in art, here are some key cities you will find which will help you reacquire a vision for your life."

World's most beautiful lakes

World's most beautiful lakes - CNN.com: "10 lakes go to all the right extremes -- highest, deepest, clearest -- and showcase nature at its most spectacular. Soak up the views from a boat, a cable car, a trailhead or a castle tower."

Women find world, selves with solo travel

Women find world, selves with solo travel - CNN.com: "'Eat, Pray, Love' -- both the book and the new movie starring Julia Roberts -- is fueling lots of interest in the experiences of solo travelers, especially female ones. There's just something romantic, exhilarating and liberating about the idea of setting off on your own and exploring the world and yourself along the way."

More travelers willing to bare all on 'nakations'

Survey: More travelers willing to bare all on 'nakations' – USATODAY.com: "The online travel community asked 22,091 U.S. travelers if they would bare all at the beach and 48% said yes. This is up from last year's nude beach survey, in which 31% of respondents said they would 'love to see and be seen' at a clothing-optional destination."

Shoestring Stockholm: The Best Budget Guide When Visiting Sweden’s Capital

Shoestring Stockholm: The Best Budget Guide When Visiting Sweden’s Capital: "Sweden is one of the prime destinations in the European Union. Due to their high level of economy and upscale living conditions, it is not cheap to visit the country. However, the pristine beauty of its alps, glacial landscapes punctuated by pine trees and beautiful meadow, are sights that people should not pass up."

More Morocco: New Best Five Destinations of the Kingdom

More Morocco: New Best Five Destinations of the Kingdom: "Morocco has its share of romance from being a crossroads between the Middle East, Africa and Mediterranean cultures into its existence today as an international vacation spot. Since Tourism is indeed Morocco’s prime industries, expect a lot of traffic clogging up the areas you’ve probably listed as places worth visiting.
Most travelers will agree that the best places are not necessarily the most visited ones. The secluded spots which are untouched by the heels of any tourist from the nearby bus are special places indeed and worth exploring a little further. It is time to toss away the generic tourist map and stretch those legs a little and then begin traveling to these five spots off Morocco’s beaten tracks."

Eurostar to face Faster Competition with Deutche Bahn

Eurostar to face Faster Competition with Deutche Bahn: "Deutche Bahn just announced that it will be testing one of its trains through the famous Channel Tunnel. For sixteen whole years, the train operator Eurostar has been manipulating the transportation from Britain to the French vineyards. Now, Eurostar might be facing a very strong competition with Deutche Bahn’s high-speed trains."

Crystal Adventures Offer New Perspectives

Cruise Diva: Crystal Adventures Offer New Perspectives: "If you've been there and done that, you might want to consider a Crystal cruise for something different. This fall, Crystal passengers can see what backstage life is like at the Monte Carlo Ballet, how the ponies live at St-Tropez's Polo Club, view Mexico's Sierra Madre mountains from a private plane and Copper Canyon by privately chartered rail, among other 'private access' experiences. The luxury cruise line is offering nearly 100 brand new Crystal Adventures with its fall itineraries, offering travelers distinctly new perspectives on the destinations."

Rome to Open Colosseum After Dark

FOXNews.com - Rome to Open Colosseum After Dark: "Rome officials announced on Friday that for seven straight Saturdays starting Aug. 21, visitors can tour the Colosseum with an archaeologist. They will enter in groups of 40 people maximum from 9 p.m. till midnight. Normally, the monument is open only during daytime..."

Winner of Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas Culinary Challenge

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. : Investor Relations : RSS Content: "After hosting an eight week-long contest, which culminated with five intense hours in the competition kitchens at The Culinary Institute of America, Royal Caribbean International has found the next culinary superstar to lead the kitchen of the signature restaurant onboard Allure of the Seas, the cruise line's newest ship which will make her debut in December 2010 and share the title of world's largest and most innovative cruise ship with sister-ship Oasis of the Seas. Maureen 'Molly' Brandt of Stillwater, Minn. has landed the job of a lifetime: a one-year paid contract to be the Chef de Cuisine of 150 Central Park onboard Allure of the Seas."

Costa Favolosa, Costa Cruises’ Fifteenth Ship Set to Debut in Summer 2011

Cruise Diva: Costa Favolosa, Costa Cruises’ Fifteenth Ship Set to Debut in Summer 2011: "As her name suggests (Favola is Italian for “fairy tale”), Costa Favolosa is intended to interpret the excitement and emotion of people who view the cruise as a magical voyage in a “contemporary enchanted castle,” a perfect combination of fabulous atmosphere and state-of-the-art high-tech fun with a truly amazing range of amenities."

Don't set yourself up for air travel #fail

Don't set yourself up for air travel #fail - USATODAY.com: "Don't play fast and loose with the clock. I don't care if it's an important meeting, a funeral, a wedding, or you're catching a cruise, don't plan to arrive a couple of hours before whatever it is begins. Hotel rooms are cheap these days. Rent one and arrive the night before. Catch up with old friends, or make some new ones."

The road (a little) less traveled in China

The road (a little) less traveled in China - CNN.com: "The less-traveled roads offer the chance to experience a more local China and see stunning scenery that has inspired artists and attracted vacationers for centuries. In Guangxi province, Guilin -- a popular destination for international and domestic tourists alike -- offers visitors a unique vantage point from which to witness the blend of nature and traditional culture that characterizes today's China."

Airships to Get a Second Chance

Airships to Get a Second Chance: "Reaching Bedford, once you get to the Cardington Airfield, you’ll see two massive hangars made from corrugated steel. The structures tower over an otherwise low-lying terrain. They’re over 190 feet high and 800 feet long. With that area, you can easily play three games of football simultaneously without interception. These steel structures housed what used to be the symbols of British airship industry’s former success."

A Cheaper Phone Choice

A Cheaper Phone Choice - Letter - NYTimes.com: "If you are a truly global traveler, the simplest solution by far is to buy a cheap, unlocked SIM-ready phone ($50 or less) and buy SIM cards in each country you travel to. SIMs generally cost $5 or less. With a local number you can very cheaply call hotels, restaurants, etc., in that country to book a spot, and you can call or text home much more cheaply than you can while roaming on your home-based plan."

Visiting France’s Cote Fleurie

Visiting France’s Cote Fleurie - NYTimes.com: "Cote Fleurie serves up film festivals (the Deauville American Film Festival in September is second only to Cannes), expansive beaches (particularly the golden sands of Deauville and Trouville), seafood-laden local cuisine (with excellent new spots in the port of Honfleur), artistic history (Monet and other Impressionists painted here), celebrity residences (the Rothschilds, Gerard Depardieu and Yves Saint Laurent are among current and former homeowners) and all-night casinos (place your bets in Cabourg and Deauville)."

Explore the Best of Athens

Holland America Blog � Blog Archive � Explore the Best of Athens: "The Acropolis’ symbolic ruins have survived for 25 centuries and have remained a part of the Greek culture for the entire world to appreciate. Most tours in Athens include a visit to the most famous temple of the Ancient City – the Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. Stand in awe when visiting the incredible Acropolis. A brand new addition since last summer is the newly opened Acropolis Museum where you can admire the surviving treasures of the Acropolis in a state of the art building."

Top 5 things to do in Istanbul

Top 5 things to do in Istanbul: "It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when planning Turkey holidays, because there are so many educational, historic, and fun things to do on your vacation. Here is a list to get you started."

Hotel Hana-Maui and Honua Spa in Maui

Hotel Hana-Maui and Honua Spa in Maui Hotels on Concierge.com: "Hana's lush beauty has been protected from overdevelopment by the daunting two-hour drive in or out on the twisty Hana Highway, and aficionados swear it's the last authentic place on Maui. This sprawling luxury ranch takes full advantage of the unspoiled setting: The eight one- and two-bedroom oceanfront Sea Ranch Cottages sit out where the land suddenly drops into the sea. The wooden houses have high, beamed ceilings, an enclosed garden off the modern bathroom, and interiors done up in vintage Hawaiian designs. There are amenities for guests at nearby Hamoa Beach, a pool that overlooks the ocean, and a state-of-the-art spa with open-air treatment rooms. An additional four Maui Bay Cottages sit closer to the main building, with views over Hana Bay or the garden, and for complete privacy, the turn-of-the-century Plantation House has two bedrooms and is a 10-minute walk from the hotel's main building (there's a shuttle service too). Attention, honeymooners: September is an adult-only month."

Paris in August

Paris - The Longest Sunday - National Geographic Traveler: "the secret of Paris in August. At the first of the month, as the French departed the capital en masse for their annual vacations, the city shut down. Chez Georges, the wonderful restaurant on the corner of Rue du Mail, closed for the month. The cafe across the street pulled its shutters tight, as did the boulangerie next door. Automobiles disappeared, taking their horns and roar and leaving yards of space. In the cafes that stayed open, and there were plenty, it was easy to find a peaceful table with a relaxed waiter. In the jardin of the Palais-Royal, metal armchairs waited empty by the center fountain. But the gain in physical space wasn't as important as the change in psychological space. In August, a sense of serenity settled over the city."

Leading river cruise line to begin voyages on the Mekong

Leading river cruise line to begin voyages on the Mekong – USATODAY.com: "Add the Mekong River to the list of destinations that can be visited with Viking River Cruises.
The world's leading river cruise line today announced it will offer a 15-day program along the famed Southeast Asia waterway starting in 2011."

Deal watch: Luxury line Windstar Cruises launches 'two-for-one' sale

Deal watch: Luxury line Windstar Cruises launches 'two-for-one' sale – USATODAY.com: "Windstar Cruises has launched a 'two-for-one' sale on seven-day sailings to Costa Rica"

Crystal Cruises' next world voyage to include three days in Beijing

Crystal Cruises' next world voyage to include three days in Beijing – USATODAY.com: "Crystal Cruises has announced plans for a 94-day world voyage in 2012 that will include an unusual, three-day overland adventure in and around Beijing.

The luxury line's 17th annual world cruise, kicking off on Jan. 18, 2012 in Los Angeles, will take place on the 1,070-passenger Crystal Serenity and also include stops in 34 other ports as the ship loops around the Pacific to Australia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, China and Japan."

Rambling through the ruins of Europe's castles

Rambling through the ruins of Europe's castles - Travel - Destination Travel - Europe - msnbc.com: "But beyond the touristy castles are the ones I prefer — the forgotten ones. These are evocative, stony husks without plaster or furnishings — where you'll see broken stairways and open skies rather than rooftops. Massive chunks of stone no longer guard anything from anyone and lichen grows on walls seemingly to cushion stones for a fall they've been expecting for centuries. Castle ruins invite you to ramble the ramparts and let your imagination roam. Climbing through waist-high weeds on rubble corralled by surviving walls, you can break off a spiky frond and live a sword-fern fantasy."

Epic cruise ship entertains the entire family

Epic cruise ship entertains the entire family - Travel - Family Travel - msnbc.com: "the brand-new Epic, the latest megaship to debut for Norwegian Cruise Lines. At 153,000 tons, the new ship can accommodate 4,100 passengers, including upwards of 1,000 children, and 1,700 crewmembers and is scheduled to sail to the Caribbean from Miami (snare $99 flights, including port transfers, from 16 gateway cities. Book by Aug. 1 for cabin upgrades fleet wide and get up to $150 onboard credits for Epic reservations.)"

Plaza's 'Eloise' suite mixes luxury and whimsy

Plaza's 'Eloise' suite mixes luxury and whimsy - Travel - Luxury Travel - msnbc.com: "NEW YORK — The lovable fictional heroine of Kay Thompson's classic book 'Eloise,' who turned the landmark Plaza hotel on its head with her wild antics, is back with a suite created in her honor."

Travel by touch screen takes off

Travel by touch screen takes off - Travel - Rob Lovitt columns - msnbc.com: "the Discover e-book series, a new collection of digital guidebooks that the company calls the first-ever interactive travel e-books. Covering France, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy and Spain, the iPad-based guides bridge the gap(s) between printed guidebooks, mobile apps and other e-reader offerings."

Create your own ‘Bachelorette’ moment at Hilton’s Bora Bora resort

Create your own ‘Bachelorette’ moment at Hilton’s Bora Bora resort - Travel - LATimes.com: "For those who want to create their own “Bachelorette” moment, the resort is offering a “Bora Bora Is for Lovers” package for a limited time with an eye-popping price tag of $4,995 for two that includes:

Five nights in an over-water villa;
An escape and picnic lunch on a nearby island;
Daily breakfast buffet; and
Airport boat transfers."

Papahanaumokuakea named World Heritage site

Papahanaumokuakea named World Heritage site - Travel - Destination Travel - msnbc.com: "Papahanaumokuakea consists of remote, mostly uninhabited atolls northwest of the main Hawaiian Islands and the waters surrounding them.
It's home to 69 percent of the coral reefs in U.S. territory. It also hosts 7,000 marine species, a quarter of which are found only in Hawaii. The area is off-limits to fishing, allowing for healthy and abundant populations of sharks, ulua or jackfish, and other marine life."

Santa Fe In 5...

FOXNews.com - Santa Fe In 5...: "While it's long been an obligatory stop on any trip to the American Southwest, Santa Fe has a way of surprising first-timers who think they know what to expect. Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it's a high-altitude town that's as much cool-air mountain retreat as it is sunny high-desert hideaway.

Sure, this tri-cultural community has plenty of ancient adobe buildings housing long-running restaurants, hotels, museums, and galleries, but New Mexico’s capital also receives a steady influx of hip new dining venues and edgy shops. Most recently, Santa Fe unveiled a completely re-imagined downtown neighborhood, the Railyard District, adding yet another intriguing facet to this radiant city."

World's best up-and-coming hotels

World's best up-and-coming hotels - Travel - Luxury Travel - msnbc.com: "Take the pedigree of the Four Seasons brand, add in the design sensibility of Pierre-Yves Rochon (the man behind the hotel group’s George V Paris), and add a dash of the Middle East’s of-the-moment style quotient, and you have the new Four Seasons Hotel Beirut, one of this year’s top up-and-coming hotels."

UNESCO adds 5 sites to the World Heritage List

UNESCO adds 5 sites to the World Heritage List - World news - Americas - msnbc.com: "SAO PAULO — UNESCO added five cultural sites to its World Heritage List on Sunday, including the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long-Hanoi in Vietnam.
The citadel, built in the 11th century by the Viet Dynasty, became the 900th site listed as a World Heritage Property. With the other four sites added, the total increased to 904.
The new sites are the historic monuments of Dengfeng in China, the archaeological site Sarazm in Tajikistan, the Episcopal city of Albi in France and a 17th-century canal ring in Amsterdam."

The Best Castle Hotels around the World

The Best Castle Hotels around the World: "Have you ever dreamed about being a king or a queen just to have a room as big as your entire house, and a home that reminds you of the fairytales you used to read as a child? The good news is you don’t even have to have royal blood anymore just to sleep in a castle. You can simply flip through the catalogues and choose among a wide myriad of castle lodgings around the globe."

Overnight sailings return to the Mississippi

Overnight sailings return to the Mississippi - Cruises - MiamiHerald.com: "After a hiatus of more than two years, overnight cruising is returning to the Mississippi River. Cruise West will run eight departures next year on the storied river aboard its 102-passenger Spirit of Aventure."

In Berlin, Finding Art in Unlikely Places

In Berlin, Finding Art in Unlikely Places - In Transit Blog - NYTimes.com: "This summer, the Berlin Biennale isn’t the only art show in town. Kreuzberg, long one of Berlin’s creative districts, is hosting the first-ever Kreuzberg Biennale, through August. Though it’s on a smaller scale than the city-wide event, it’s got plenty of edgy offerings — and in some unlikely places."

Azamara Club Cruises launches 'two-for-one' sale on winter voyages

Azamara Club Cruises launches 'two-for-one' sale on winter voyages – USATODAY.com: "Upscale line Azamara Club Cruises has launched a 'two-for-one' sale on its winter voyages in the Caribbean and the Sea of Cortez. The offer, available through Aug. 31, is for ocean-view category cabins or higher on the 710-passenger Azamara Journey and includes an automatic upgrade to a balcony cabin when booking an ocean-view cabin (based on availability) and $1,000 in onboard spending credits per cabin."

Celebrity Cruises' New Australia/New Zealand Voyages and Cruisetours Now Open for Bookings

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. : Investor Relations : RSS Content: "MIAMI, July 29, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Travelers eager to experience Australia and New Zealand in Celebrity style can make their plans now, as bookings opened today for Celebrity Cruises' new lineup of exotic voyages in the land Down Under, complete with special offers available for a limited time. Celebrity also has introduced a new slate of Cruisetours in Australia, packaging the cruise experience with a land tour, allowing vacationers to even more fully immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty and rich culture."

Virgin Atlantic to give its planes a new look

Virgin Atlantic to give its planes a new look – USATODAY.com: "Virgin Atlantic's fleet is getting a new look. The carrier on Thursday unveiled 'a new aircraft livery and brand identity for the airline.' Virgin Atlantic says the new design will be applied to all of the company's 38 aircraft, and to the company's signage and external communications. It will be the carrier's first change to the look of its aircraft since 2005."

Cunard considering a la carte dining for top restaurant on next ship

Cunard considering a la carte dining for top restaurant on next ship – USATODAY.com: "MONFALCONE, Italy -- A la carte pricing for restaurant dishes -- a relative rarity in the cruise world -- may be coming to Cunard Line. Cunard CEO Peter Shanks tells USA TODAY the line is considering by-the-plate pricing for The Verandah, the top eatery on its soon-to-debut, 2,092-passenger Queen Elizabeth."

Buckingham Palace opens a new exhibit and cafe for visitors

If you're headed to London this summer or early fall, Buckingham Palace has something more mouth-watering to offer than the Changing of the Guard. The Garden Cafe, tested last year and officially opened on Tuesday, offers treats such as pastries and cappuccino with a cocoa crown elegantly sprinkled on the foam. 

If money were no object, where would you vacation?

If money were no object, where would you vacation? – USATODAY.com: "Most Americans put Italy at the top of their foreign travel wish lists, at least according to a new online survey by Harris Interactive. The land of la dolce vita knocked Australia out of the No. 1 spot, marking only the second time since 1997 that Australia hasn't topped the annual poll. Australia ranked second in the survey, followed by Ireland."

Hot summer deals in the Caribbean

Hot summer deals in the Caribbean - CNN.com: "Finally, a Caribbean beach that's everything a Caribbean beach should be -- quaint, with hammocks strung from palm trees, crystal-clear water perfect for snorkeling, white sand, a first-rate beach bar and enough water toys to keep the kids happy (banana boat ride anybody?). Welcome to Rum Point on Grand Cayman's North Side."

Could Savannah, Georgia become a home port for cruise ships?

Could Savannah, Georgia become a home port for cruise ships? – USATODAY.com: "That's the hope among many officials in the city, and on Thursday Savannah's City Council is expected to award $129,500 to a Miami firm to look into what it would take to lure the cruise industry, according to a report today in the Savannah Morning News."

The Best US Hotel-Top Bars

The Best US Hotel-Top Bars: "There is quite nothing like drinking at a posh environment which puts the sprawl city right under your feet. Bars built at the topmost level of their hotels provide this particular experience. However, not all bars are built equal. There will be those who will exceed the others and deserve the heights wherein they were placed. If you want to know what the best rooftop bars are, this list will enumerate them."

Best countries for solo travelers

Best countries for solo travelers - Travel - Active Travel - msnbc.com: "There are many travelers who claim that traveling alone is the best way to see the world. You deliberately travel solo, they say, because you want to experience the world without the influence of a friend or partner’s tastes, prejudices, or preferences. When you’re with a companion, it’s easy to focus on that person and forget about meeting other travelers. Traveling alone, you’re more likely to be on a voyage of self-discovery."

Is the era of cheap airfares coming to an end?

Is the era of cheap airfares coming to an end? – USATODAY.com: "The days of fire-sale airfare pricing may be coming to an end. That's according to The Associated Press, which says airlines are pulling back on deeply discounted fares now that they're making money again."

A new major airline in the works as European Union gives green light for merger of Iberia, BA and American Airlines

A new major airline in the works as European Union gives green light for merger of Iberia, BA and American Airlines: "This year, British Airways is having a fresh start of sorts as authorities announced to the public that it will be merging with Iberia and American Airlines as well. The three major airlines will join efforts to conduct business for transatlantic flights.
The merger signals the debut of the third biggest airline in Europe. The market share for the new airline is expected to be around US7.5 billion dollars. With any luck, this will mark the end of any other extra expenses that they have been undergoing."

Heads Up - On the Rivers of Paris

Heads Up - On the Rivers of Paris, Entertainment - NYTimes.com: "THE beauty of the Seine and its tributary, the Marne, has been drawing Parisians and tourists alike since the days of the Impressionists. But it’s not just glittering waters that draw visitors, it’s entertainment. It is this aspect that President Nicolas Sarkozy wants to magnify with “Le Grand Paris,” a master plan that includes changes to the legal status of the banks of the Seine, the Marne and the Canal de l’Ourcq that would allow for further development."

Next Stop - Swedish Island of Gotland, a Spot for Respite or Revelry

Next Stop - Swedish Island of Gotland, a Spot for Respite or Revelry - NYTimes.com: "A CURIOUS thing has happened in the Baltic Sea. The Swedish island of Gotland — a singular, sparsely populated place — has become a magnet for two disparate groups: party-crazed club youths who unleash Champagne showers inside neon-lighted nightclubs, and stressed-out solace-seekers who retreat into the island’s untamed wilderness. It is a strange dichotomy, and one that is becoming ever more acute."

Communing with nature in Austria's Hallstatt

Communing with nature in Austria's Hallstatt - Travel - Destination Travel - Europe - msnbc.com: "It's rare that a town's charm will get me out of bed early. The postcard-pretty, lake-cuddling town of Hallstatt, two hours south of Salzburg, is one of those places. First thing in the morning, I head to the high end of town to look at the glassy waters of Lake Hallstatt. With the town's church spire mirrored in the tranquil water, a shuttle boat cuts through its reflection, like a knife putting a swirl in the icing on a big cake. For just a moment, it disturbs this oasis of peace."

New supersonic passenger jet set for takeoff

New supersonic passenger jet set for takeoff - Technology & science - Innovation - msnbc.com: "Named after a fleet-of-foot horse in Greek mythology, the Aerion Supersonic Business Jet will be able to carry a dozen passengers at speeds of up to Mach 1.5 for more than 4,000 miles. It is currently undergoing proof-of-concept aerodynamic testing of critical components in NASA wind tunnels and under the belly of a NASA F-15 supersonic jet."

A Cruise to Antarctica Cools It on Rates

A Cruise to Antarctica Cools It on Rates - In Transit Blog - NYTimes.com: "A voyage to Antarctica, a bucket-list trip for many, often requires a five-figure budget. But the travel industry’s downturn has forged at least one short-but-sweet deal on departures to the southernmost continent."

Norwegian Cruise Line executive: Demand for Epic like nothing I've seen before

The 4,100-passenger, 153,000-ton vessel --by far the largest ever at the line -- was christened earlier this month in New York by Reba McEntire, and before and after the event thousands of travel agents visited the ship during a series of two-night preview voyages that Stuart says led to an almost instantaneous and unprecedented jump in bookings.

Disneyland Resort hotel guests get extra perk

Disneyland Resort hotel guests get extra perk, Disney News - WDWINFO.COM: "Guests at Disneyland resort hotels will now have an extra perk to staying onsite. They will be allowed access to Disney California Adventure through the Grand Californian Hotel entrance 30 minutes prior to the park's opening. This extra time will allow resort guests to line up for Fastpasses to the evening water and light show, World of Color."

Holland America to continue sailings to Bermuda from New York in 2011

Holland America to continue sailings to Bermuda from New York in 2011 – USATODAY.com: "Holland America fans living in New York got some exciting news Tuesday as the line confirmed it once again will base a ship in the city next summer."

Virgin Galactic's first space trip could be this fall

Virgin Galactic's first space trip could be this fall - Technology & science - Space - Space.com - msnbc.com: "A private spaceship built to launch space tourists on suborbital joyrides could by flying on its own by this fall, Space.com has learned."

A comedy club on every ship? That's the plan at Carnival

A comedy club on every ship? That's the plan at Carnival – USATODAY.com: "Industry giant Carnival is the latest line to up the ante in on-board entertainment this year with an announcement it soon will offer a dedicated comedy club on every ship."

Celebrity Cruises Presents Exotic New Voyages in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and French Polynesia

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. : Investor Relations : RSS Content: "Like the iconic boomerang believed to have originated in Australia, Celebrity Cruises today announced plans to return to the region in 2011-12, with an enticing new series of vacations on Celebrity Century."

The Best Summer Places To Find and Rekindle Romance

The Best Summer Places To Find and Rekindle Romance: "As the summer sun dawns, the many possibilities of encountering love or renewing its flame open up. You think that the heat is getting to you or its just the matter of throwing away your plans for the entire week and a sudden zest for barefoot walks in the beaches, but summer is indeed the season for romance. Consider these places for a getaway with your partner."

More airports create areas for pets to take care of business

More airports create areas for pets to take care of business - USATODAY.com: "Dogs need to go, too. So airports are adding doggie restrooms.
Airports say 'pet relief areas' enhance customer service. But they're also being nudged by a federal rule that orders airlines to work with airports to install facilities for travelers who have service dogs."

Where can you "Eat, Pray, Love?" -- Everywhere!!!!

Where can you "Eat, Pray, Love?" -- Everywhere!!!!! – USATODAY.com: "It seems as if every resort, and its brother or sister, is jumping on the Eat, Pray, Love bandwagon.

If you don't know about the Julia Roberts movie based on Elizabeth Gilbert's best-selling autobiographical book about her search for peace, happiness and fulfillment in Rome, India and Bali after a messy divorce, you must be living in a cave."

AirTran adds fifth Caribbean destination

AirTran adds fifth Caribbean destination – USATODAY.com: "AirTran announced this morning that the Dominican Republic resort of Punta Cana will be its newest destination for regularly scheduled passenger service. The carrier will begin flying to the city on Feb. 16, offering one round-trip flight from Atlanta each Wednesday and Saturday."

Frescoes Revamped at Ancient Roman Villa - In Transit Blog

Frescoes Revamped at Ancient Roman Villa - In Transit Blog - NYTimes.com: "“A blinding vision.” That’s how the first century B.C. Roman architect and theoretician Vitruvius described the fresco technique popular during his time, and it’s an apt description for the newly revamped rooms of an ancient villa that is showcased at the Palazzo Massimo, part of the Roman National Museum."

A memorable journey to the Dolomites in Italy

A memorable journey to the Dolomites in Italy: "My mountains used to be in my great-grandma's apartment, close enough to touch, in a painting that she and my great-grandpa bought in 1955 after a trip through the Italian Alps."

Virgin Galactic reports successful crewed flight

Virgin Galactic reports successful crewed flight - USATODAY.com: "MOJAVE, Calif. (AP) — A company working to send tourists on suborbital flights says it has tested its spacecraft with a crew for the first time. Virgin Galactic says the craft remained attached to a specially designed airplane throughout a six-hour flight over California's Mojave desert Thursday."

World's best eco-friendly beaches

World's best eco-friendly beaches - CNN.com: "Some beaches suffer from pollution, but there are many gorgeous, pristine escapes that offer a sanctuary to wildlife and travelers alike. We scoured the planet to find the most spectacular shorelines -- and, no surprise, most of our top choices are on protected land or are nearly impossible to reach."

New Mexico: Hyatt Regency Tamaya offers package for equestrians

New Mexico: Hyatt Regency Tamaya offers package for equestrians - Travel - LATimes.com: "At the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa in central New Mexico, traditional design coexists with modern comforts. The low-slung, pueblo-style resort, built on a stretch of land where the Santa Ana Pueblo people have lived since the late 1500s, sits at the base of the Sandia Mountains between Albuquerque and Santa Fe."

France: 2-for-1 deal on holiday river cruise in Paris and Normandy

France: 2-for-1 deal on holiday river cruise in Paris and Normandy - Travel - LATimes.com: "European river cruises are best taken in spring or summer, but a two-for-one sale starting at $1,256 per person from Viking River Cruises may tempt you to spend Christmas in Paris on an eight-day journey along the Seine River."

Are Seabourn and Crystal the world's best cruise lines?

Are Seabourn and Crystal the world's best cruise lines? – USATODAY.com: "Are Crystal Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn the world's best cruise lines? That's the word from Travel & Leisure, which is out with its closely-watched annual World's Best Awards.

Derived from a survey of Travel & Leisure readers and published in the August issue now on newsstands, the rankings put Crystal No. 1 among large-ship lines with a score of 90.47. Seabourn is tops among small-ship cruise lines with a score of 90.89."

Top Six Hotel Beds Across the Globe

Top Six Hotel Beds Across the Globe: "If you’re the type who works more than twelve hours a day, six days a week, it’s most likely that you’ve forgotten what your bed is for. Nearly all working Americans hardly get enough sleep, taking work and late night television to bed with them. These hotels might actually just give you the necessary refresher course on how to relax after a hard day’s work."

5 Tokyo experiences you won't forget

5 Tokyo experiences you won't forget - CNN.com: "Tokyo, Japan (CNN) -- Japan is thick with temples, shrines and cultural attractions with a unique and interesting ancient history. But beyond what you can learn about the past, modern Tokyo offers more than a few memorable experiences. Here are five not to miss:"

Q&A: France With a 5-Year-Old, by Beach or Canoe - In Transit Blog - NYTimes.com

Q&A: France With a 5-Year-Old, by Beach or Canoe - In Transit Blog - NYTimes.com: "My husband and I want to spend about 10 days in Europe with our daughter, who is almost 5. Where should we go? I speak some French and love the idea of spending some time near the water — ideally on some beautiful, swimmable beach or canoeing."

Cruise Ship Offering On Board Botox

FOXNews.com - Cruise Ship Offering On Board Botox: "It's the first ship to offer studios for single passengers. It has the largest spa on any cruise ship. And its entertainment and lifestyle options make it a floating Las Vegas, where passengers can go from getting a shot of Botox to front-row seats to see Blue Man Group or a circus called Cirque Dreams and Dinner. Elsewhere on board, there are 20 restaurants to choose from."

Is the Airbus A380 really that different?

Is the Airbus A380 really that different? - CNN.com: "Early indications were that the plane was a huge success in terms of passenger comfort and after nearly three years in service, routes that have the A380 are at near capacity."

Noordam Makes Maiden Call at Rotterdam

Holland America Blog � Blog Archive � Noordam Makes Maiden Call at Rotterdam: "HAL blog contributors Hans Janssen, Bert Lamers and Aad Hoogesteger took these pictures yesterday of Noordam in Rotterdam. It was Noordam’s maiden call at the port."

Few air travelers pony up for Wi-Fi service

Few air travelers pony up for Wi-Fi service - Travel - Travel Tips - msnbc.com: "Wireless Internet service on airlines hasn't caught on, mostly because of the price. Travelers already paying $25 to check a bag and $20 for a roomier seat don't want to fork over $5 or more for Wi-Fi unless it's necessary. They're saving their Web surfing for solid ground, where 'hot spots' offer the service at no charge."

A cruise ship armada's based in Barcelona

A cruise ship armada's based in Barcelona - Cruises -MiamiHerald.com: "BARCELONA -- If you take a Mediterranean cruise in the next few years, chances are your voyage will begin in Barcelona. Lucky you."