6 New UNESCO Sites in Israel

New York, NY- November 3, 2006: For a country small in size, Israel is extraordinarily rich in history and has been awarded World Heritage status for six extraordinary sites - with more than twenty others under consideration. “We are delighted that so many of the sites that have thrilled and inspired millions of visitors to Israel have been added to this rich and diverse international treasury,” says Consul Arie Sommer,... [Read more]

Running Safari in Kenya with Micato

New York, NY- November 2, 2006:- On the eve of the New York City Marathon, Micato Safaris has announced a unique Running Safari in Kenya — long recognized as the home of many of the world’s greatest long distance runners.

From March 15 to 25, 2007, participants in Micato’s Running Safari will travel through picturesque regions of Kenya seldom seen by tourists, to meet and race with the country’s running... [Read more]

Golf and Safari with PerryGolf in South Africa

Golf, Safari, Sightseeing Highlight PerryGolf 2007 Tour to South Africa

ATLANTA, GA (Nov. 2, 2006) – PerryGolf has announced its second escorted golf and safari tour of South Africa, a 12-night, seven-round trip that includes equal parts golf, sightseeing and exploring the country that is quickly developing a reputation as a fascinating golf destination. The trip is scheduled for March 13-26, 2007.

“South... [Read more]

Westin Harbour Castle Toronto Hockey Package

TORONTO, November 2, 2006 — The Westin Harbour Castle invites families to celebrate winter in Toronto with their Hockey Hall of Fame Family Fun package. The package includes accommodation for four (two adults and two children) in an upscale room featuring Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed®, a 3pm late check-out and four tickets to the Hockey Hall of Fame – a great way for families to enjoy the history of the game!... [Read more]

New Majestic Hotel Offers Two-night Package

(Hong Kong, 1 November 2006) On offer from 13 November onwards, the stunning 30-room New Majestic Hotel, located in the heart of Singapore’s Chinatown, is offering a Simply Majestic two-night package in its ‘Aquarium’ room at just S$498+++ for two.

Guestrooms at New Majestic Hotel, all of which are different in design, offer an appealing blend of contemporary style together with both modern and vintage fittings.... [Read more]

THE BEATLES™ REVOLUTION Lounge set to open in Vegas

LAS VEGAS, October 31, 2006 – Inspired by the spirit of The Beatles and created by Cirque du Soleil, The Beatles REVOLUTION LOUNGE is set to open this December at The Mirage. Opening its doors only six months after the high-profile launch of The Beatles LOVE, REVOLUTION will offer an extended experience before and after the show.

Revolutionary in design and atmosphere, this ultra-lounge will feature cutting edge,... [Read more]

The Remote Arctic and the British Isles Tours

BIRMINGHAM, AL, October 31, 2006 – For those who seek real adventure, breathtaking scenery and rare creatures from unspoiled locales, International Expeditions is offering two journeys in 2007 that will visit some of the world’s remotest regions. The world leader in nature travel, International Expeditions has designed bold and adventurous itineraries to the far-flung coastal regions of England, Ireland, Northern Ireland... [Read more]

The Whirling Dervish Festival in Turkey

ISTANBUL, Turkey, November 30, 2006 - More than one million people are
expected to descend on Konya, Turkey, from December 1 - 17 to witness one
of the world’s most anticipated spectacles, the Whirling Dervish Festival.
The annual festival marks the death of Mevlâna Celaleddin Rumi, the poet
and philosopher who founded the Mevlevi Order in the 13th century.

Each year, the commemorative... [Read more]

Travel Tip: Park and Fly packages

Let’s face it; in today’s crowded skies flying has become more of a necessity for vacation than stress-free fun. Arriving 2 hours before a flight, standing in numerous long lines to endure requests for documentation and inspection, buying your own food, throwing away your liquids, crowding into downsized seating, and that’s before you ever reach the sky. Add to that driving to the airport and parking,... [Read more]

Aschi Haas

Aschi Haas loves outdoor sports: sailing, diving, mountain biking, trekking, snow shoeing and skiing. Living in Switzerland, he can enjoy most of his hobbies next door, especially because he just retired.

For diving and sailing he prefers warm water, and so he travels at least once a year to different places with palm trees and white sand. He has dived in Maldives, Malaysia, Galapagos and at other interesting spots,... [Read more]

“Vanishing Cultures” with Smithsonian Journeys

Washington, DC, October 31, 2006 – Tracing a legendary journey to the most fascinatingly different peoples and pockets of cultural diversity in some of the world’s most splendidly isolated places takes time, inside access and imagination – all three of which will be in generous supply on Smithsonian Journeys’ epic adventure: “Vanishing Cultures Around the World” private jet expedition, September 29 – October... [Read more]

Camera Talk: The Fear of Manual Focus

I love using auto focus, but sometimes some shoots just don’t work... [Read more]

New French Cuisine at Badrutt’s in St. Moritz

(October 2006) St. Moritz, Switzerland – There will soon be a new destination for superb French cuisine awaiting sojourners to the Swiss Alps this winter. It’s Le Bistro, the cozy new French restaurant opening at Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz. Occupying the former space of Trattoria, Le Bistro will be a banquet for the eyes and the palate with sleek design from Italian designer Maurizio Argenti and a simple spin... [Read more]

Corinthia Towers First Czech to Win Gastronomy Concept

Prague, Czech Republic, October 25, 2006 – The luxurious five-star Corinthia Towers Hotel recently earned the 2006 award for Best Gastronomy Concept in the Czech Republic. The award – accompanied by the Jaroslav Vasata Bronze Plaque – is presented by the Czech edition of Food-Service magazine. Corinthia Towers Hotel is the first ever hotel in the Czech Republic to receive this honour.

Mr. Christian Grage,... [Read more]

The Empire Best in Brunei Third Year Running

(Brunei, October 18, 2006) – Brunei’s palatial Empire Hotel & Country Club has been voted the Sultanate’s leading hotel for the third year running in the prestigious World Travel Awards. The resort also collected three accolades in Smart Travel Asia magazine’s ‘The Best in Travel 2006′ awards.

In the 13th annual World Travel Awards, the Empire Hotel & Country Club was voted... [Read more]

Melbourne’s 15th Food and Wine Festival

NEW YORK, New York, October 17, 2006 - Melbourne is a melting pot of cultures, food culture not least among them - a reality delectably mirrored in a profusion of packed restaurants, cafés, bistros and bars. Fashionable, eclectic and eccentric, the city’s dining spots offer a tantalizing tour of the world’s great cuisines, from the traditional to the most wildly inventive. Thus, it’s only natural that the Melbourne... [Read more]

The Road Less Traveled Leads to Tesoro

MANZANILLO, Mexico (October 16, 2006) - There’s a reason Tesoro Resorts has opened the first three properties of its growing enterprise in the breathtaking areas of Ixtapa, Manzanillo and Los Cabos and it can be summed up in three words: location, location, location!

While throngs of travelers flock to Mexico year round, those in search of off-the-beaten path adventure and a glimpse of the country’s... [Read more]

First “Palace Hotel” to Open in Paris Since 1928

New York, NY - November 22, 2006:- Earlier this month, the eagerly awaited Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière opened it doors on Paris’ Avenue des Champs Elysées. The new hotel, with 67 rooms and 40 suites, combines 21st century technology with fin-de-siècle grandeur and is the first “palace hotel” to open in the French capital in almost eighty years — since the George V was unveiled in 1928. Its cornerstone is... [Read more]

Trekking in Switzerland from Zurich to Geneva

The Jura trail, or in French, “Chemin des Crêtes”, leads in about 20 daily stages from Zurich to Geneva. All year round it is an interesting place to go,... [Read more]

Camera Talk: Digital Considerations

Last year, I broke down after many years of loyalty to my 35 mm camera and bought a digital SLR. The pressure from most of my photographer friends was relentless. I was spending a couple hundred dollars every time I returned from a trip on developing. Also, my apprehension toward digital quality and familiarity kept me at bay. Of course, digital quality became comparable, if not superior, and great cameras became more affordable.... [Read more]

Canada’s Chunky Cookie

I led with a wild arm motion swept out and pointed toward... [Read more]

A Taste to Die For

Aichi Fugu: a Taste to Die for If you consider yourself an adventurous eater, and have tried all manner of sushi and sashimi now idely available throughout North America, perhaps a trip to Aichi prefecture is just what you need for your next culinary challenge. From late October and throughout the winter, the region is one of Japan’s premier spots for fugu, or poisonous blowfish.

Mmm…poison.

Many North... [Read more]

View the Dead Sea Scrolls in Seattle

If you’re like us, you’ve always wanted to travel to see them. ‘Sure, it would be nice, but…’. Now the Israel Antiquities Authority has solved that problem by exhibiting four scrolls never before viewed by the public and another making its first appearance outside Israel here on the West Coast. Until January 7th you can see the Qumran Cave manuscripts on display in Seattle at the Pacific Science Center.... [Read more]

Deilmann Mediterranean Music Cruise

NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2006 - Peter Deilmann Cruises is offering free air and free shore excursions on its gala classical music cruise aboard the five-star MS Deutschland on a Mediterranean sailing to Italy, Spain, Portugal and France from April 21 to May 5, 2007. The 13-night cruise will feature performances of orchestral works, vocalists and instrumental soloists. Deilmann is offering free air transportation for the music... [Read more]

New Golf Packages, Mexico’s PGA Event

PARAISO DE LA BONITA’S THREE NEW GOLF PACKAGES HONOR OF MEXICO’S FIRST OFFICIAL MONEY MAKING PGA TOUR EVENT

Riviera Maya, Mexico (November 17, 2006) — Paraiso de la Bonita, a 90-suite boutique resort, AAA 2006 Five Diamond resort and member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World has unveiled three new Golf packages to coincide with a PGA TOUR event, being held in the Riviera Maya from February... [Read more]

Culture in Los Angeles…?

Over the years, I have had more than one East Coast... [Read more]

Puerta Vallarta’s Film Festival

VALLARTA, NAYARIT, November 16 2006- Move over Sundance. Forget about Cannes . There is a new kid in town. The Vallarta Film Festival (VFF) is getting ready to roll out the red carpet on November 29 and will be in full swing through December 3 with the Pacific resort city of Puerto Vallarta ’s beautiful Bay of Banderas as its backdrop.

Special Events and Programs
The VFF’s goal... [Read more]

Gutsy Women tours in China

Glenside, PA - November 16, 2006 — Gutsy Women Travel has created a tour for 2007 that features China from a woman’s perspective. The 12-day Charms of China tour is priced from $3,759 per person, double occupancy including land and air and features a three-day cruise on the Yangtze River and a female tour manager who will guide the group through this magnificent country.

According... [Read more]

Learn Ice climbing in the Sierras

Ice. Its cold, slippery surface seems the unlikeliest of things to climb, but adventurers arrive here each winter to ascend a 60-story-tall wall of it.

Mono County has become a center for ice climbing in California because of its north-facing, eastern Sierra canyons that provide ideal conditions from December to March. Three frozen walls in Lee Vining Canyon (Bard Harrington Wall, Main Wall and Chouinard Falls) are... [Read more]

Pope Benedict XVI Visits Turkey

ANKARA, Turkey, November 15, 2006 - The Office of the Prime Minister of
the Republic of Turkey has announced an official visit to the country by
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, November 28-December 1, when he will be a
guest of His Excellency Mr. Ahmet Necdet Sezer, President of the Republic
of Turkey.

During his visit, Pope Benedict will be meeting with President Sezer and
the President... [Read more]

Irish Poker Open 2007 Venue Announced

Dublin, Ireland (PRWEB) November 15, 2006 — Paddy Power Poker today
announces the venue for the €2 million guaranteed 2007 Irish Poker Open -
Dublin’s landmark Burlington Hotel. Players will experience 4-star
luxury as they battle it out in Europe’s foremost poker tournament.

A Dublin tradition since 1972, the Hotel has played host to many
international events and ceremonies.... [Read more]

Liquids Ban Update

Having traveled recently overseas to Asia, it was interesting to note that both Hong Kong and Malaysia airports have a system in place that is not only faster, but seems to be more secure. At both airports, you check in, screen ALL your bags and then screen yourself and your carry-ons again right before boarding. I know this sounds like a congestion nightmare, but it works: they do not have slews of underpaid, overworked... [Read more]

iPods Coming to (some) Airlines

In an announcement yesterday, Apple Computer, Inc. issued a press release concerning Delta, Continental, United and Emirates airlines. Apparently they have agreed to add iPod connections to their in-flight entertainment systems, probably sometime in 2007. For those traveling, this means you can watch your videos and listen to music without fear of your iPod battery dying out before you arrive at your destination.

For... [Read more]

Camera Talk: Shooting at Snowflakes

Snowflakes are one of a kind, beautiful, and there has always been something wonderful about crunching along the fresh new snow in the winter. However, snow can be a drag when trying to capture a landscape.

On a recent snowy trip, I found my digital camera’s auto settings using flash and 400 ISO, which left white blotches all over my shots during snow fall. Fortunately, after a combination of trial, error and a... [Read more]

10 Day Amazon Voyage

BIRMINGHAM, AL, November 13, 2006 – There’s no better time than the New Year to fulfill your lifetime dream of taking off on a far away, exotic adventure. Lucky you, because International Expeditions, the world leader in adventure travel, offers an enthralling 10-day Amazon voyage that departs January 5, 2007. Better yet, by way of saying Happy New Year, International Expeditions is offering $500 per person ($1,000... [Read more]

In Iceland, Sugarcubes Renite

The Sugarcubes Reunite in Iceland!
Icelandair offers a special package for all Sugarcubes fans: Come see Björk with the original members of the band that launched her international career! The legendary Sugarcubes will reunite in Reykjavik for a once-in-a-lifetime performance Nov. 17. The concert celebrates the 20th anniversary of the famed Icelandic record label and takes place at the new, high-tech... [Read more]

The Latest in Lucerne

Not just for night owls: the hotel bar experience
Lucerne is celebrating the premiere of its LONG NIGHT IN HOTEL BARS. During the night from Friday, November 17 to Saturday, November 18, 2006, you can celebrate in style and make a late night of it in the bars at seven of Lucerne’s exclusive hotels.

With a special “Hotel Bar Pass”, you will have free admission to any one of... [Read more]

Le Royal Méridien King Edward’s Xmas Dinner

November 13, 2006 – TORONTO, ON – This Christmas, Le Royal Méridien King Edward is once again liberating reluctant holiday cooks from the confines of their kitchens with the ultimate gift: take-out Christmas Dinner. Rather than spending the day slaving in the kitchen or serving guests an odd assortment of holiday pot-luck, revellers across the GTA can now enjoy a delicious slow-roasted turkey with all the fixings... [Read more]

New Villas at Machu Picchu and Peru’s Sacred Valley

Lima, Peru- November 3, 2006:- Inkaterra, Peru’s foremost purveyor of sustainable tourism, has announced the opening of a series of brand new luxury private villas at Machu Picchu and in Peru’s “Sacred Valley.” Says Inkaterra’s Marketing Director, Ignacio Masias, “We are thrilled to be launching this unique and specialized service to our guests. Inkaterra’s goal is to reinvent the way Peru delivers the authentic... [Read more]

Veracruz and Guadalajara: Two Great Incentives

Mexico’s two new incentive destinations, Veracruz and Guadalajara, offer travelers a wide array of entertainment and tourism options. From fiestas and carnivals to hiking and extreme sports, they have it all for anyone visiting the beautiful country of Mexico for the first or fifth time.

Veracruz
Veracruz State, located in southeastern Mexico, features the longest coastline on the Gulf... [Read more]

Introducing The London Mayfair Hotel

The £75 million transformation is complete, Radisson Edwardian introduce the new look London Mayfair Hotel, offering 5-star luxury without pretension.

London, UK (PRWEB) November 6, 2006 — It might seem strange to “introduce” a London hotel that is almost 80 years old, but such is the transformation wrought on this iconic building since acquisition by the Radisson Edwardian group that the Mayfair... [Read more]

All Inclusive Golf at Casa Velas

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (November 8, 2006) - From January 7, 2007 through April 16, 2007 Casa Velas all-inclusive boutique hotel on the Marina Vallarta golf course in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is offering a Tee Time golf package. Included are two rounds of golf per person at the Jack Nicklaus, Tom Wieskopf or Joe Finger designed, 18-hole golf courses. Casa Velas’ all-inclusive Tee Time package is $260 per person per... [Read more]

Social House Opens at Treasure Island

Treasure Island announces their newest restaurant Social House, from nightlife innovators Pure Management Group, in the space formerly occupied by Buccaneer Bay.

Overlooking the Las Vegas Strip, Social House operates as both a restaurant and lounge with alluring views. Offering dinner and late-night dining, the restaurant specializes in contemporary Pan Asian cuisine and sushi. Executive Chef Joseph Elevado (former... [Read more]

Austrian Airlines to Add Iraq

New York- November 10, 2006: Austrian Airlines will become the first European airline to fly to Iraq, it was announced today by Paul Paflik, General Manager the Americas, with its commencement of flights to the northern Iraqi city of Erbil on December 11. Erbil is Iraq’s fourth largest city and a burgeoning industrial center — providing rapid and safe access to the cities of Mosul, Kirkuk and Sulaymaniyah.

“Our... [Read more]

Greenlandic Coffee

Okay, so this is bit of a marketing ploy by... [Read more]

Creating Greenland, On the First Day

Once upon a time and very long ago, the people of Greenland would gather together in a great room to play the Games of... [Read more]

Culinary Cruises Are An Epicurean Dream Through France

Culinary Cruises Are An Epicurean Dream Through Burgundy, Provence and
Midi

NEW YORK, NY — November 6, 2006 — he memorable experience of a Go
Barging vacation is as much about cruising through striking and majestic
countryside as it is about the cuisine—and nowhere are discriminating
palates more pampered than on Go Barging excursions through the top
gourmet regions... [Read more]

In the Beginning, Raven and Greenland

Prior to Christianity, Greenland had its own nature-based religion where men and women had to accept their place among the... [Read more]

Greenland!

Being on the maiden direct flight to Greenland from the States had its moments. Delays and anticipations... [Read more]

Caribbean’s Finest Fishing

Treasure Cay, Abaco, Bahamas (PRWEB) October 27, 2006 — Featuring some of the hemisphere’s best angling waters, the waters surrounding the picturesque Bahama Beach Club Resort in Treasure Cay, Abaco are a sport fisherman’s paradise.

Fishing along the coast is offered in a variety of forms – surf and pier fishing, fly fishing, inshore and offshore charter fishing – with the fishing season lasting... [Read more]

Memories of Prague

It has been quite a few years, but I was fortunate to be able to travel to Prague, in the Czech Republic soon after its split from Communist rule. Formerly known as Czechoslovakia, the country was under the thumb of the USSR for many years, ending in 1992 after the fall of communist Russia. Within short order Democracy hit the Czech Republic like a fever, and when I was there business was booming.

I am sure things... [Read more]

Maiden Voyage to Greenland

One of the founders of In the Know Traveler is on a unique voyage this week: he is part of a small group of press that is flying on the first journey from North America to Greenland, in what will become a standard on-stop flight. Leaving from Baltimore, Maryland the Greenland-USA route will officially open in May 2007.

This ushers in a whole new tourist destination, one... [Read more]

Dive Into the Holidays (literally)

November 2006 (Bora Bora & Tahiti) – Red and green may be the traditional colors of the yuletide, but in the South Pacific it’ll be pearl black when Le Méridien Bora Bora unwraps its first-ever Christmas Pearl Drop. As the sun rises over the ocean on December 25, guests at the Pearl of the South Pacific’s most enchanting seaside retreat will celebrate by diving for black pearls in the resort’s beautiful... [Read more]

8 Days in Slovenia and Croatia

Los Angeles, October 2006 — Continental Journeys offers an eight-day, air-inclusive winter getaway to Ljubljana and Zagreb, charming centuries-old cities and the capitals of Slovenia and Croatia, priced at $1,479 per person, double occupancy, for tourist-class, $1,689 with first-class and $1,999 for deluxe hotels. Daily departures are scheduled from November 1 to March 31, 2007.

The eight-day/six-night... [Read more]

Germany’s Magic Cities

On the runway in Germany’s Magic Cities this fall are unusual shopping environments created in elegant promenades, charming passageways, historic buildings and futuristic, glass arcades. The cities of Germany’s nine-member city alliance, including Berlin, Cologne, Dresden, Duesseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hannover, Munich and Stuttgart, are brimming with luxurious shopping and trendy fashions in a most unusual variety... [Read more]

Going the Extra Mile, Spending the Extra Dollar

While planning for my upcoming Greenland trip, there were lots of little extras I would normally not have to... [Read more]

Ocean Rover Adventure Cruise in Malaysia

The South China Sea is a grey-green color reminiscent of a turtle shell, relatively flat and calm. The sun was strong, but with solid cloud cover, not uncomfortable.... [Read more]