Traveler's Launchpad 2003

2003-02-03T08:44:00.000-06:00

Spirit Airlines' "Point, Click and Fly'' Sale Takes Off

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 3, 2003--Spirit Airlines, the largest privately-held airline in the U.S. and the low-fare leader, announces a sale with fares as low as $54(a) when booking online at http://www.spiritair.com. Fares are valid Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays through September 30, 2003. Tickets must be booked by 11:59 PM (EST) February 13, 2003....More...

New Travel Book Introduces Road Warrior Techniques, Speaks To Travel Tolerance and Blushes With Toilet Stories To Go

ATLANTA, Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Author Jessica Stockwell, harnesses three key components of a road warrior's travel technique and introduces Travel Awareness as a practical approach to travel safety in her second book: "LiVE and Travel Well -- It Takes Technique, Tolerance and Toilet Paper," including advisories for the TOP 12 North American Airports. (St. Barthelemy Press, $14.95)....More...

It's My Party and I'll Fly If I Want To! Celebrate Birthdays on Safari With FAR&WIDE's African Travel

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 3, 2003--African Travel, Inc., a company of FAR&WIDE Travel Corporation, is celebrating traveler's birthdays in 2003 by offering the 10-day South African Odyssey for only $2,995 for the first person, and nothing but their year of birth for the second person -- travelers celebrating their 60th birthday, for example, pay only $1943.00. ....More...

2003-01-31T13:53:00.000-06:00

Travel warnings issued for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Citing security concerns, the U.S. State Department issued a travel warning Thursday for Americans in or traveling to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, nations which share a border with Iraq....More...

Airlines want federal help in case of war

NEW YORK (AP) -- Airline executives worried about the financial fallout of military action in Iraq want the government to consider easing the burden several ways, including tax relief and a temporary relaxation of antitrust laws....More...

2003-01-30T15:44:00.000-06:00

US Airways pilots' pensions in jeopardy

NEW YORK (Reuters) — US Airways Group Inc. pilots are expecting some unwelcome news as soon as Thursday — a notice from their bankrupt employer that billions of dollars they have socked away for retirement through their pension plan may be wiped clean to help save the company....More...

New Orleans Hopes to Launch a Streetcar Line Reminiscent of Old

NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 30 — By October, a new residential line is scheduled to begin service. It will travel from Canal Street on the edge of the French Quarter through Mid-City, with its Italian restaurants and neighborhood bars, to within walking distance of cemeteries where jazz great Buddy Bolden and John Kennedy Toole, author of "The Confederacy of Dunces," are buried.
....More...

Tourism industry hit by turmoil: ILO

Washington, Jan 30 - Worldwide, the tourism industry has lost 6.6 million jobs since 2001 because of political turmoil and a sluggish economy, according to a new report from the International Labor Organisation (ILO)....More...

Taking flight to attract tourists

LONDON, Jan. 30 (BBC) - A report on the future of Scottish tourism has called for greater efforts to attract new direct air services into the country....More...

2003-01-29T12:14:00.000-06:00

BT lands wireless "hotspots" at major UK airports

LONDON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Dominant British telecoms group BT Group Plc said on Wednesday it had signed deals to offer high-speed wireless Internet access at Britain's largest airports and more than two dozen roadside service areas....More...

European Menu Translator Released

Creative Minds Press is proud to present the European Menu Translator by Anne and Whitney Galbraith. This handy pocket-sized guide was designed for the English-speaking traveler who may not be familiar with menu terms in French, German, Italian and Spanish....More...

2003-01-28T09:02:00.000-06:00

After The Storm - US Hotels Recovering From Toughest Year in Recent Memory

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 28, 2003-- Last year, on February 4, Ernst & Young's Hospitality Services Group announced its 2002 National Lodging Forecast and called the year the "Perfect Storm" for the hotel industry. The combination of the World Trade Center attack, war on terrorism, drop in the stock market and reductions in corporate travel had joined forces to wreak havoc on the nations battered lodging prices, occupancy statistics and hotel operators across the nation....More...

2003-01-27T10:08:00.000-06:00

Travelocity's Largest Cruise Sale Ever: Deals and Cash Rewards Ring in The New Year

FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- With an exclusive cash back offer of up to $250 combined with great cruise deals from Travelocity, travelers will find extraordinary values for virtually every sailing on all major cruise lines in 2003. Award-winning Travelocity continues this popular annual sale for the fourth consecutive year, further cementing its position as one of the largest sellers of cruises anywhere and the leading online cruise brand....More...

Second Global Summit on Peace through Tourism

The Second Global Summit on Peace through Tourism will take place at the UN Conference Center, Geneva, Switzerland, February 5-8, 2003. The Summit is being organized by the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) in partnership with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)....More...

ARE THEY READY to play?

Super Bowl XXXVII just ended and the NFL's best players are arriving in Hawaii for fun and sun ... and a little bit of football. Before the Pro Bowl kickoff this Sunday at 12:30, fans can enjoy a week of activities all over the island, including the NFL Experience in Waikiki....More...

2003-01-25T20:09:00.000-06:00

On a slow boat to the heart of England

Observer journalist Michael Holland will realise a dream this week when he casts off from London on a three-month, 1,000-mile round voyage on his narrowboat Stealaway....More...

2003-01-24T10:36:00.000-06:00

South Africa seeks to lure US tourists

South African Tourism has officially launched its new consumer marketing campaign in New York with two
value-for-money holiday deals aimed at key segments in the US market....More...

He Travels the World, for Sake of Music

Punk from Myanmar and Thailand? Underground tunes from Indonesia, Macedonia and Nepal? Music by countless bands that hail from the far-off countries where Westerners tend to assume there is no rock 'n' roll -- recorded on vinyl and released by a single label?....More...

No, not a ski resort - it's the south pole

First there were the huts, then a gift shop, now they're building a road to the south pole. Is this the beginning of the end for the last great wilderness?....More...

Recent Legal Action a Sign That GO Travel Direct is Shaking Up a Sleepy Travel Industry

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--"Yesterday the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia ruled that the public has the right to know of price comparisons and that GO Travel Direct can advertise price comparisons using competitors names". - Hugh Boyle, Founder and Chairman of GO Travel Direct....More...

World Legacy Awards Honor Ecotourism

WASHINGTON, DC, January 23, 2003 (ENS) - Three tourism agencies were honored Wednesday with the first ever World Legacy Awards for their emphasis on environmental responsibility and respecting cultural heritage. Conservation International and National Geographic Traveler magazine teamed up to launch the awards, which were officially presented by Jordan's Queen Noor....More...

2003-01-23T14:25:00.000-06:00

United Airlines Adjusts Overweight Baggage Fees

CHICAGO, Jan. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- United Airlines (NYSE: UAL) announced today that it will eliminate the current $80 fee for overweight checked baggage on domestic flights and replace it with a new fee of $25 per checked baggage item weighing 50 pounds or more. The new fee schedule takes effect Sunday, Jan. 26, 2003....More...

Travelocity Offers Last Minute Deals Packages to New York for the 45th Annual Grammy(R) Awards

FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Travelocity's Last Minute Deals already offer great savings -- up to 60 percent off -- on trips starting between 14 days and three hours prior to departure. Now Travelocity is offering the stars: The official travel provider for the GRAMMY(R)s is offering exclusive GRAMMY(R) packages including hotel, airfare and tickets to the premier music event of the year -- the 45th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 23, and airing on CBS. Travelocity will be including GRAMMY tickets in special Last Minute Deals packages to New York City that go on sale February 10, and it also will be giving away four GRAMMY packages through a sweepstakes on the Travelocity homepage....More...

STB lauded for developing tourism industry in Miri

MIRI - Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and the Ministry of Tourism had worked hard to develop and promote the tourism industry not only in Miri but in Sarawak as a whole at the international arena....More...

Delta Air Lines Offers Caribbean Sale Fares As Low as $290 Round-trip at delta.com

ATLANTA, Jan. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) is offering internet-only sale fares from select cities in the United States to the Caribbean, Bermuda, the U.S. Virgin Islands and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The sale fares are as low as $290 round-trip....More...

Responsible Tourism Lauded With New Awards

Conservation International and National Geographic Traveler magazine announced today the first winners of the World Legacy Awards, recognizing operators in southern Africa, Italy, and Thailand as the "best examples in the tourism industry of the ideal balance between nature conservation, the protection of heritage sites, social responsibility, and commerce"....More...

Struggle to continue for Ausralian tourism

The Australian tourism industry is predicting further lean times, despite the release of new figures indicating a turnaround....More...

The Travel Channel Visits the World of NASCAR With Two World Premiere NASCAR Specials on Sunday, February 9

BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) and the Travel Channel are taking viewers on a high- octane ride into the world of NASCAR. NASCAR's THUNDER ROAD, which airs at 9:00 pm (ET), and ULTIMATE NASCAR, which airs at 10:00 pm (ET) on February 9, provide viewers with both the familiar and the lesser-known elements of the sport and a NASCAR race. The programs will re-air on Saturday, February 15 from 9 - 11 pm (ET), the evening before the launch of NASCAR's 2003 season debut, the Daytona 500....More...

2003-01-22T09:13:00.000-06:00

Airlines' code-sharing plan challenged
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Department of Transportation said Tuesday it will file an unfair methods of competition complaint against three airlines that have agreed to book passengers on one another's flights....More...

Delta Air Lines Customers Avoid Lines; Self-Service Kiosks Helped Speed Millions of Delta Customers Through the Airport During 2002

ATLANTA, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) customers checked in using the speed and convenience of self-service kiosks more than 7.4 million times in 2002, a significant increase over the 400,000 customer check-ins in 2001. Customers are taking to self-service kiosks for convenience in handling their air travel, much the same way consumers earlier took to ATMs and cell phones....More...

Pilot arrested after gun found in bag

NEW YORK (CNN) -- A Northwest Airlines pilot arrested early Tuesday when authorities found a loaded gun in his bag at LaGuardia Airport has been released on his own recognizance as a judge set a February court date in the case....More...

Ali Landry and James Badham Host Travel Channel's BEACH WEEK, May 4 - 10

ATLANTA, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Say good-bye to the winter blues and celebrate the fifth anniversary of BEACH WEEK, the Travel Channel's biggest programming event of the year. Premiering Sunday, May 4 through Saturday, May 10, BEACH WEEK features 13 individual, hour-long programs -- including eight world premieres (see schedule below for complete line-up) -- and the fifth annual announcement of Travel Channel's Top Ten American Beaches....More...

Spain and Portugal 2003 guide

LONDON, Jan 22 (Telegraph) - The oil spill is a worry but on the plus side there's more choice, more accessibility from British airports, and improved standards. James Bedding reports....More...

Royal Caribbean says resilient to war fears

OSLO, Jan 22 (Reuters) - Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL), the world's second largest cruise operator, said on Wednesday that it had shown resilience to factors including fears of war against Iraq and a weak U.S. economy.....More...

2003-01-21T04:14:00.000-06:00

Celebrating Valentine's Day the B & B Way

Nashville, Tennessee, January 21, 2003 - Valentine's Day 2003 will see more couples than ever choosing to celebrate with romantic bed and breakfast getaways. Why a bed and breakfast? Plenty of good reasons, according to Randy Fought, founder of Bed & Breakfast Inns ONLINE (www.bbonline.com)....More...

Travelocity Introduces New Consumer 'Stores'

FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Travelocity, the most popular travel site on the Web, announces the debut of stores, one-stop shops offering the best deals and travel information all on one easy-to-read page....More...

Hertz UAE service drive in top gear

Dubai, UAE - Now operating nine car rental branches across the UAE, the company called in a prominent Dubai-based human resource consultancy to put its customer-facing staff through an intensive service training programme....More...

Southwest Airlines Vacations Unveils Its Newly Redesigned Website - swavacations.com

DALLAS, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Southwest Airlines Vacations is pleased to unveil its newly redesigned Website -- www.swavacations.com . Customers can still create customized vacation packages to destinations across the U.S. at Southwest Airlines Vacations' low prices, but now with the newly redesigned Website, swavacations.com provides additional, valuable travel information, and even easier navigating, to make planning a vacation both informative and fun....More...

Cambodia: Tourism strains Angkor

SIEM REAP, Cambodia (AP) -- Until recently, Cambodia was happy to let the temples of Angkor exist as a beacon of Khmer pride, rising from a jungle canopy like jewels dotting a green silk scarf....More...

Crash puts weight, balance into spotlight

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Flying too close to the known limits for a plane's weight and balance can have catastrophic consequences for a commuter aircraft — as the crash that killed 21 people in Charlotte earlier this month may very well have shown....More...

Travel company criticised over 'barbaric' hotels

RATS in kitchens, cockroach infestation and a wardrobe being used as a toilet are among recent complaints made against a leading tour operator, a holiday watchdog claimed yesterday. Travellers on some trips with First Choice have gone down with salmonella and dysentery because of "atrocious hotel standards", said Holiday TravelWatch. ....More...

2003-01-20T12:53:00.000-06:00

Travelocity Named World's Leading Travel Web Site at World Travel Awards

FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- For the sixth consecutive year, Travelocity has been named the "World's Leading Travel Internet Site" at the 9th Annual World Travel Awards ceremonies. More than 500,000 travel agents around the world recognized Travelocity with this honor....More...

America West Vacations Offers Las Vegas Packages for Super Bowl Weekend!

PHOENIX, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Football fans and friends still have time to make plans to spend Super Bowl weekend in Las Vegas, Jan. 23 - 27, 2003. Super Bowl XXXVII kicks off at 3:00 p.m. (PST), Sunday, Jan. 26 and millions of fans worldwide will watch the NFL crown a new champion. As one of the most exciting sporting events of the year, Las Vegas is the perfect location to enjoy the festive atmosphere of Super Bowl XXXVII....More....

New European Rail Products and Add-On Tours Featured in Rail Europe's 2003 Brochure

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Rail Europe's new 32-page, four-color 2003 brochure, "Europe On Track," is now available, featuring new railpasses, add-on tours, options and luxury trains, as well as a rail route map, point-to-point fares on popular routes, information on Rail 'n Drive Passes (combining rental car with train travel) and Premier trains such as Eurostar, and answers to frequently-asked questions on traveling by train throughout Europe and the U.K. ....More....

Will Cross Becomes First Person With Diabetes to Reach South Pole; Finishes 680-Mile, 61-Day Trek Across Antarctica

PATRIOT HILLS, ANTARCTICA--(INTERNET WIRE)--Jan 20, 2003 -- Sixty-one days and 6 hours after setting off on a 680-mile walk across some of the most brutal, challenging, terrain on earth, 35-year-old Pittsburgh school principal Will Cross completed the NovoLog Ultimate Walk on Friday, January 17 at 1:15 p.m. becoming the first person with diabetes to reach the South Pole....More....

Travel company charters naked flight

MIAMI, Florida (AP) -- Those who like to bare it all on the beach can get a head start stripping in the air. A travel agency that specializes in clothing-optional vacations has chartered a 172-seat Boeing 727 for a flight from Miami to Cancun in May. Once the plane reaches its cruising altitude, passengers will be invited to disrobe....More....

Southwest Airlines Luvs Procrastinators!

DALLAS, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) is giving Customers the chance to grab some last minute deals before they are all gone! The airline is extending the deadline to Feb. 10, 2003, for select short-haul markets as low as $34 each way and in select long-haul markets as low as $89 each way....More....

Continental Airlines Earns BBBOnLine Privacy Seal

HOUSTON, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) has earned the BBBOnLine Privacy Seal after a rigorous review of the airline's online privacy policy and practices by BBBOnLine....More....

Special air fare to promote Muscat Festival

MUSCAT — Some of the regional airlines are doing reasonably good business during the ongoing Muscat Festival season, thanks to a number of special packages and discounts announced to promote the event. Oman Air, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Kuwait Airways and British Airways are offering attractive rates to lure tourists and business travellers to visit Muscat. Almost all the Gulf airlines are offering 50 per cent discount on market fare for tickets booked from other countries....More....

2003-01-19T12:17:00.000-06:00

'A great day for Boston'

BOSTON, Massachusetts (AP) -- Two self-described transportation pioneers became the first motorists to drive from Logan International Airport straight to the Massachusetts Turnpike on a new $6.5 billion tunnel, the latest section of Boston's massive Big Dig to open to traffic....More...

2003-01-18T12:52:00.000-06:00

Alliance among 3 airlines approved

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The government on Friday approved an alliance between Delta, Northwest and Continental airlines that will allow them to sell seats on each others' flights if they agree to rules aimed at keeping air travel competitive....More...

2003-01-17T11:58:00.000-06:00

British Airways Extends Free Room Offer

LONDON, Jan. 17 -- Purchase one of British Airway's round-trip airfares to London or over 40 other European destinations for travel this Winter, and spend 2 nights in a London hotel for FREE!** This offer is only available through midnight January 23, 2003 Eastern Time for travel January 14 through April 14, 2003. Book today!....More...

Traveling With Fido No Longer a Daunting Task

SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- When planning a vacation, no need to leave four-legged family members home because of travel and lodging restrictions. Puppy Travel, the nation's first full-service travel design and planning company will create a trip plan for both Fido and the family....More...

Travelodge Hotels Offers Online Users Chance to Win $50,000

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Jan. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sleepy Bear®, the Travelodge® chain's nearly 50-year-old mascot, is rewarding visitors to the Travelodge Web site with the chance to win $50,000 in the Travelodge Sleepy Bear's Dream Away With $50K Sweepstakes. Now through March 27, consumers can enter the sweepstakes online at www.travelodge.com, where they can also check the latest specials, deals and get the guaranteed best available rates anywhere on the Internet for Travelodge hotels....More...

2003-01-16T03:01:00.000-06:00

Palm-Based PDA Gives Directions

LAS VEGAS--Navigation system company Garmin International has launched the first Palm OS-based personal digital assistant with a built-in global positioning system that can provide turn-by-turn driving directions or help locate a nearby restaurant or hospital.....More...

Major New Supercoaster Announced for Six Flags Marine World: Loopy 'ZONGA' Debuts Spring 2003

VALLEJO, Calif., Jan. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- You'll get looped just looking at it!
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030116/SFTH005 ) 'Zonga' is Six Flags Marine World's new seriously twisted supercoaster featuring four full-circle, full-tilt looping inversions and looking like a brightly-colored psychedelic steel psycho-pretzel....More...

Kathmandu Jazz Festival : Jazzmandu

From 12 to 23 March 2002, Kathmandu will host the first ever Kathmandu Jazz Festival : Jazzmandu. Featuring bands and soloists from the UK, Australia, Dubai and India, along with Nepal's own jazz quartet and co-organizers, Cadenza. Nepal and its visitors can experience an innovative musical fusion of east and west in the heart of the Himalayas....More...

Fiji confirms six dead from Cyclone Ami

LOS ANGELES, CA--(INTERNET WIRE)--Jan 15, 2003 -- SUVA, Fiji, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Six people, including a toddler torn from her mother's arms, were confirmed killed in Fiji when Tropical Cyclone Ami tore through the South Pacific archipelago earlier this week, officials said on Thursday.....More...

Carlson Wagonlit, China Air Service Launch China Travel JV

BEIJING -(Dow Jones)- Carlson Wagonlit Travel, a jointly-owned unit of Carlson Companies Inc. and France's Accor Group , Thursday officially launched a new joint venture to tap China's growing business travel market......More...

2003-01-15T09:50:00.000-06:00

KCET and Creative Visions Invite On-Liners to Become Part of "GlobalTribe"

LOS ANGELES, CA--(INTERNET WIRE)--Jan 15, 2003 -- Viewers eager to participate in the new PBS series "GlobalTribe" can get a head start on its companion website, www.pbs.org/globaltribe, which combines the adventurous spirit of travel with a thoughtful exploration of global issues. On her journeys to remote corners of the world, host Amy Eldon seeks to understand the universal struggles of our planet: from healing racial wounds to saving the environment to improving the lives of the disadvantaged. Working from the program's mission, the interactive site provides visitors the opportunity to appreciate natural and cultural wonders from around the world and to actively assist in finding solutions to the challenges we face in the new millennium.....More...

Southwest Airlines Celebrates the Launch of New Service Between Mineta San Jose International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Airport

SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines today celebrated the launch of new daily, non-stop round-trip service between Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) and Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI). San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales greeted passengers departing on this morning's flight. The festivities included red, white, and blue balloons, food and beverages, President George W. Bush, Laura Bush and Uncle Sam impersonators, and a Southwest Airlines employee costume contest....More...

Travel Down Under With MTV's Real World Cast

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Want to follow in the footsteps of MTV's Real World cast? Then head to Australia for the ultimate vacation. The cast of MTV's hit reality show enjoyed a 10-day Aussie vacation and had such a blast that Brynn and Steven, two of the Real World Las Vegas' roommates, are heading back for even more fun -- and this time fans can join them....More...

Hampton Launches First-Ever ``Weekends-Only'' Travel Web Site Featuring 1,000 Fun, Unusual Events Nationwide

MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 15, 2003--Web surfers yearning to get out of the house now have a new bookmark to add to their "Favorites" with today's launch of "Hampton's® Year of 1,000 Weekends" Web site. This clearinghouse of information is designed to connect travelers with 1,000 fun and quirky events happening across the U.S. and Canada in 2003. With searching for things to do at a destination dubbed one of the most popular elements of online travel planning (45 percent, according to the Travel Industry Association of America), this new Web site serves as a one-stop shop for vacationers looking to experience something off-the-beaten-path....More...

Top Ten World Travel Destinations in 2002 Shows Impact of 9/11

CHICAGO, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- iExplore, Inc. ( www.iExplore.com ) announced today the list of Top Ten World Travel Destinations as determined by the vacation purchases of adventure and experiential travelers....More...

Universal Studios Theme Parks and DreamWorks Team to Create 'Shrek 4-D(TM)' Multi-Sensory State-of-the-Art Attraction, Based on Academy Award(R)-Winning Blockbuster, Debuts Summer 2003

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. and ORLANDO, Fla. and OSAKA, Japan, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new multi-sensory "Shrek 4-D(TM)" attraction, a multi-media continuation of the "Shrek(R)" fairy tale, will be the first major attraction to be introduced simultaneously at Universal theme parks in Hollywood, Orlando and Japan.....More...

2003-01-14T12:24:00.000-06:00

United/Lufthansa Put Europe, the Mideast and Africa on Sale for Travel Through March

CHICAGO, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- United Airlines (NYSE: UAL) and Lufthansa today announced a winter sale with attractive fares between the United States and Europe, the Mideast and Africa.,....More...

Secluded Hillside Retreats in the Great Smoky Mountains Provide the Ultimate Romantic Getaway

GATLINBURG, TN--(INTERNET WIRE)--Jan 14, 2003 -- Cuddler's View bears the markings of a mountain hideaway that defies civilization. Weddings, anniversaries and Valentine's Day are the perfect opportunities to indulge in an intimate cabin retreat. Once you enter the winding drive into a wooded area, you forget you're minutes from thriving Gatlinburg, and just a short drive away from Pigeon Forge, home of Dollywood, outlet malls and chi-chi bistros. In fact, once inside your cabin, you may never want to come out.....More...

Elite Services Group, LLC. Identifies and Rates Airports on Wireless Technology and Communications for the Effective Mobile Business Traveler

WALNUT CREEK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 14, 2003-- Elite Services Group, LLC., an airport-consulting group, announced today a new airport-rating index. The Traveler Service Point-Rating, or TSP-R, assesses airports' use of innovative technology aimed at supporting the burgeoning mobile business traveler workforce. It presently ranks the top eighty U.S. commercial airports....More...

2003-01-13T09:15:00.000-06:00

Lodging.Com, A Leading Online Hotel Reservation Site, Adds Air And Rental Car Booking Capability Via Trip Network, Inc.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. [January 13, 2003] —Lodging.com, a leading and growing online hotel reservation travel site, and Trip Network, Inc., have partnered to launch a more robust Lodging.com Web site, providing consumers with the ability to book airline tickets and rental cars, in addition to discounted hotel rooms, all at one easy location....More...

Southern California's Newest Beachfront Resort to Open Its Doors

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Montage Resort & Spa -- the first oceanfront hotel to open in Laguna Beach in more than 50 years -- will open February 21, 2003.....More...

2003 Kapalua and Wine Festival Will Take Place July 10 to 13 on Maui.

KAPALUA, Jan 13.-- The Food Network's "East Meets West" chef Ming Tsai will be the featured chef, who will oversee events with Andrea Immer, master sommelier and festival host. Wine tastings will occur at the Kapalua Bay Hotel & Ocean Villas. A gala dinner and the Kapalua Seafood Festival will take place at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua.(800) KAPALUA....More...

New Park Place Casino Web Sites Deliver ``One Click'' Convenience for Resort Destination Shoppers

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 13, 2003--Spurred by soaring growth in online room reservations, Park Place Entertainment Corporation (NYSE:PPE) - this week is launching all-new Web sites for its 18 domestic resorts. The new sites are designed to make it easier than ever for guests to reserve their hotel rooms over the Internet and access detailed information about the latest attractions, events and amenities at Park Place casino resorts....More...

Midwest Express And Skyway Airlines Offer Savings On Travel January 26 Through September 30, 2003

MILWAUKEE, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Midwest Express Airlines and Skyway Airlines, The Midwest Express Connection, are offering reduced fares for travel to select markets January 26 through September 30, 2003. Fares will be available beginning Sunday, January 12 through midnight Central time Monday, January 20, 2003, and must be purchased at least 14 days in advance of departure....More...

2003-01-12T17:14:00.000-06:00

Disney and Hong Kong Government Break Ground on First Theme Park in China

HONG KONG, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Ushering in a new tourism era for Hong Kong and a key growth initiative for The Walt Disney Company, the groundbreaking for the first Disney theme park in China, Hong Kong Disneyland, was held this afternoon. The ceremony honored the collaboration of The Walt Disney Company and the Hong Kong Government -- working together to build a new family theme park resort destination in Hong Kong, which is scheduled to open in 2005/06....More...

2003-01-10T08:19:00.000-06:00

50 Global Adventurers Take A Blind Date With The World

Vancouver, Canada (January 9) - Ever fantasize about racing around the world and explore the far-flung corners of the earth? Then GreatEscape2003: The Global Scavenger Hunt the innovative travel adventure competition is your passport to make your dreams come true and possibly win $100,000!....More...

United Announces Changes To International Schedule

CHICAGO, Jan. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- United Airlines (NYSE: UAL - News) today announced changes to its international flight schedule as part of the carrier's strategic effort to optimize its international offerings. The changes include the introduction of daily nonstop service between San Francisco and Seoul, Korea, the discontinuation of service to Auckland, New Zealand and the transition of nonstop Miami - Rio de Janeiro service to one- stop service through Sao Paulo, Brazil....More...

How Do Travelers Select Restaurants? New iDine Survey Divulges Results

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 10, 2003--How do travelers select restaurants when they're away from home? Looking in a guidebook or going online and asking the hotel concierge are the top responses according to a new iDine survey, conducted in late November among members of major frequent flyer dining programs....More...

2003-01-09T09:36:00.000-06:00

Commuter FEATURE/Major Events in Holland in 2003

(BUSINESSWIRE) The small sampling of events on this list make clear that there are numerous reasons to make Holland your travel destination in 2003. Visit Holland and experience the most appreciated Dutch tradition of all --a warm and memorable welcome....More...

Hilton HHonors Sweeps Travelers Away to a Winter Wonderland. Hold the Snow.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 9, 2003--"The weather outside is frightful ..." begins the familiar tune. But instead of holing up and letting it snow this winter, travelers should get out and go where the weather is simply delightful -- Hawaii! ....More...

2003-01-08T07:46:00.000-06:00

Commuter Plane Crashes in N.C.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan 8, (CNN) -- A US Airways Express commuter plane with 19 people on board crashed on takeoff into a hangar Wednesday at the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport in North Carolina and police said they believed there were no survivors....More...

Dozens dead in Turkish plane crash

DIYARBAKIR, TURKEY, Jan.8 (CNN) -- A Turkish Airlines plane came down in thick fog as it approached an airport in southeastern Turkey, killing 72 people, hospital sources say....More...

Join the TourTheAlps Team on a Daily Basis

HOUSTON, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- The TourTheAlps team has begun its 40-day Alps adventure consisting of five professional skiers, writers and photographers who are sampling eleven of Europe's hottest alpine resorts. Along the tour they will journal their latest ski runs, photographs, videos and experiences for the world to see at www.TourTheAlps.com ....More...

P&O Princess Cruises Joins With Carnival

LONDON , Jan. 8 (AP) -- Cruise ship company P&O Princess said Wednesday it will join with the world's leader, Carnival Corp., to create a cruise company unrivaled in size, with 65 ships and nearly 100,000 berths....More...

US Airways to Begin Service to Dublin and Shannon

Sale Fares from Select Cities to Ireland Starting as Low as $338 Roundtrip

ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- US Airways routes from Philadelphia to the Irish cities of Dublin and Shannon are now available for customers to make reservations, following U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approval of the airline's Dec. 3, 2002 filing.....More...

11 killed in S. Africa train crash

CAPE TOWN, S. Africa, Jan. 8 /KBC/ -- At least eleven people are reported killed and at least 30 injured in a train crash near Cape Town. Five coaches were derailed when a commuter train collided with a freight train in the afternoon rush hour. Four of the injured are in critical condition...More...

2003-01-07T01:26:00.000-06:00

Amtrak Announces Rollback In Coach Fares – Up To 25 Percent Less

WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 -- Amtrak today announced that it is making rail travel a better value than ever before with a rollback in coach fares on many of its routes from coast-to-coast. These new fares, which are available beginning today, are up to 25 percent less than previous fares....More...

Independent Poll Shows Strong Willingness to Travel Despite Potential Security Issues

FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite continuing economic uncertainty and ongoing national security issues, a new independent phone poll of Americans commissioned by Travelocity reveals that an overwhelming majority of consumers are planning to travel in 2003....More...

Phoenix Amateur Photo Contest - Show the World Your Best Outdoor Scenic Photo - and Win a 2 Night Resort Vacation

PHOENIX, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The Greater Phoenix and Convention Bureau is seeking the best scenic photographs of our incredible desert landscapes and cityscapes, including landmarks. This is a unique opportunity to show our visitors your favorite part of the Sonoran Desert. The person who submits the best photograph, as judged by GPCVB staff, will be awarded a two-night stay for two people at a leading area resort....More...

Major holiday companies lose out

LONDON--(BBC)--Jan. 7, 2003--UK holidaymakers are dissatisfied with big tour operators preferring the customer service offered by smaller independent holiday firms....More...

2003-01-06T12:59:00.000-06:00

58 Free Hotel Stays in 58 Days

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 2003--Hotwire, the discount travel site where flexibility means savings, today announced it is giving away a free four or five-star hotel stay each day throughout January and February. Winners can choose to stay at any Hotwire partner hotel -- even a five-star luxury resort -- in the U.S., Canada or Caribbean...More...

US Airways Extends Five Shuttle Reliability Guarantees And Triple Win Offer for Frequent Flyers

ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- US Airways announced today that it will continue its industry-leading reliability guarantees for Shuttle customers through March 31, 2003. In addition, United Mileage Plus and US Airways Dividend Miles members who fly US Airways Shuttle may earn triple miles in both programs simultaneously through March 31, 2003. ... More...

Families Can Enjoy a Winter Family Suite Retreat at Embassy Suites Hotels

MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 2003-- Embassy Suites Hotels®, the nation's leading all-suite upscale hotel brand, has announced the return of its "Winter Family Suite Retreat(TM)" promotion, which will run January 16 through March 16, 2003. More than 165 Embassy Suites Hotels will participate in this year's promotion, featuring average promotional rates ranging from $69-$249 per night Thursday through Sunday nights(a). Families must ask for the "Winter Family Suite Retreat promotion" when making reservations. ... More...

VACATION EXPO 2003 - Best Deals Ever

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 2003--This weekend, New England's own Vacation Outlet presents VACATION EXPO 2003, the region's largest annual travel show, from January 10-12, 2003 at the Bayside Expo Center. Attendees of the 8th annual EXPO can expect the best prices of the year, more vacation choices than ever before, opportunities to win free vacations, and incentives for bookings made on-site.... More...

2003-01-05T14:26:00.000-06:00

Getting Down to Business in High-Tech Hotel Rooms

NEW YORK, JAN.5 (Reuters) - Hotels rooms aren't just for sleeping anymore. They're hubs of high-technomania equipped with broadband and wireless connections, 42-inch plasma screens, video-conferencing units, ergonomic chairs and e-butlers....More...

2003-01-04T06:56:00.000-06:00

United lines up jet deals

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS, Jan. 4 -- Bankrupt United Airlines quietly has lined up the purchase of hundreds of skinny new regional jets by its United Express partners, part of a move that could transform the experience of flying United..... More...

Bag-Screening Systems Get First Big Test

WASHINGTON, Jan. 4 (AP) -- Air travelers will find out this weekend whether the new baggage-screening system that started at every U.S. airport on New Year's Day is capable of handling heavy traffic.... More...

U.S. airlines extend cut-rate fares

CHICAGO, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Despite filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month, United Airlines is extending cut-rate fares to compete with rivals American Airlines, Southwest and other carriers and will launch a $50 million national ad campaign... More...

Gideon Howard announces Traveler's Meetup

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 3 (LAUNCHPAD) -- Adopting the services of meetup.com, Howard hopes to meet with other travelers while on the road and connect with locals who are traveling ... More...

United Airlines Implements Additional Cost-Reduction Initiatives

Chicago, Jan. 3/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- United Airlines today announced that by Jan. 19, 2003, the company will furlough nearly 1,500 management and salaried employees as part of its organizational redesign intended to optimize the performance of the airline while reducing United's cost structure. ... More...

Kosher cuisine offered on the high seas

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 2 (PR Newswire) -- Crystal Cruises is offering gourmet kosher cuisine – food that is permissible to eat under Jewish dietary laws – for guests on board its fleet throughout 2003 ... More...

U.S. Implements Stricter Passenger Rules on Jan. 1

Wed January 1, 2003 06:07 AM
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service said on Tuesday as of Jan. 1, 2003, it will require all commercial airlines to submit detailed passenger manifests before ... More...