Kim on Fire in Italy

January 31, 2007 | Written by Kimberli Waack

The Festa di Fuoco or the Fire Festival in southern

The Festa di Fuoco or the Fire Festival in... [Read more]

Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show

January 31, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

New Attractions and Exhibits from Around the World
February 10 & 11 at Long Beach Convention Center, 2007

Los Angeles, CA, January xx, 2007 — The prestigious and popular Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show – the country’s largest active and adventure extravaganza — opens next month at the Long Beach Convention Center, February 10 & 11, 2007. Promising world-class exhibitors,... [Read more]

Ten Things to Know About Portugal

January 31, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

1. Portugal is the world’s largest producer of cork. Cork oak trees are protected by law, and so the cork oak forests are some of the largest forests in southern Europe. They support dozens of endangered species.

2. Europe’s only tea plantation, Gorreana, is found amidst the mild climate of the island of São Miguel, in the Azores. The climate... [Read more]

Shop at In The Know Traveler

January 31, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

Way back when, In The Know Traveler planned to offer the most complete web site to travelers of all walks of life — a little something for everybody. Now, with 125 featured countries (and more to come), interactive menus, original stories, travel news, videos, great photography, and blogs by those “in the know,” ITKT takes yet another step toward perfection with our new store.

Our... [Read more]

Everyone Wins at the Crystal Palace Casino

January 30, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

Plantation, Fla. – January 30, 2007 – The Crystal Palace Casino at Cable Beach Resort, Nassau, Bahamas, allows gamers to pick their pleasure and win a guaranteed prize of $100 Free Play to $10,000 Cash (or equal valued prize) when they enter an Everyone Wins! Tournament. In 2007, Everyone Wins! Tournaments are planned for lovers of Blackjack, Poker, Craps and Slots... [Read more]

Seven Remote Journeys with International Expeditions

January 30, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

BIRMINGHAM, AL, January 30, 2007 – Not everyone knows what it’s like to sleep under Gobi Desert stars, and not many have witnessed the amazing spectacles put forth by man and nature in Papua New Guinea and Patagonia. Adventurers with International Expeditions, however, are among the few privileged with access to such less-traveled corners of the planet.

For these intrepid souls, seven ultra-remote 2007 adventures,... [Read more]

St. Kitts and Nevis Fact Sheet

January 29, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

Location: St. Kitts is located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Eastern Caribbean, approximately 19 degrees north of the Equator, and is separated by a 2-mile wide channel from its sister island, Nevis.

Size: The Island is 23 miles long and 5 miles wide, encompassing a total area of 68 square miles. Its highest point... [Read more]

Brazilian Sounds

January 29, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

Getz GilbertoOne of my favorite ways to getting into a future trip... [Read more]

Top 5 Most Romantic Places to Pop the Question

January 27, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

Top 5 Most Romantic Places in the World to Pop the Question

New York (January 24, 2007) — The luxury travel experts at Absolute Travel have circled the globe in their quest to locate the best for their clients, checking out the most romantic hotels, spas, restaurants, and experiences in the world. Having successfully used this knowledge for their own marriage proposals and recommended countless inventive ways... [Read more]

Calendar of Events in Antigua and Barbuda 2007

January 25, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

2007 Calendar of Events & Public Holidays in Antigua and Barbuda

January

Mon, 1st
- New Year’s Day: Public Holiday
- Exhibition at Museum of Antigua & Barbuda – ‘Step Back in Time.’
For further information: 268-462-1469/4930

Sat, 6th – Sat, 27th
- Exhibition at Harmony Hall
For further information: 268-460-4120
- Exhibition at Woods Gallery featuring... [Read more]

Epicurean Expeditions

January 25, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

Toronto, Ontario (Jan 7, 2006) - Horizon & Co., one of Canada’s leading boutique travel companies, has launched its new 2007 Epicurean Adventures, a series of culinary journeys built around some of the hottest food destinations and emerging culinary trends for 2007.

“Now that the excesses of Christmas are over, meals featuring creative uses of turkey leftovers are a thing of the past, and New Year... [Read more]

Laptops in a Developing World

January 25, 2007 | Written by Steve Smith & Christine Johnson

Here’s something to brighten a dark winter day. Nicholas Negroponte and other MIT faculty members have been working on a project to supply a laptop to each and every child in the developing world. Their goal is to spread access to knowledge and modern forms of education worldwide.

The “One Laptop per Child” (OLPC) project won’t be distributing obsolete business computers or cheap knock-offs. These computers... [Read more]

Chow Down at Millenium Hotels

January 25, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

NEW YORK, NY – January 8, 2007 – Millennium guests and their appetites will be the recipients of complimentary food and beverage credit of upward to $100 by booking various variations of the popular “$100 for $100” package that was first introduced at the Millennium Resort Scottsdale in 2003. These packages are Millennium’s way of saying thank you to its loyal guests – choose from the following selection of... [Read more]

Westin St. Maarten Opens

January 25, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

ST. MAARTEN, NETHERLANDS ANTILLES (January 23, 2007) — Despite the Jan. 23, 2007 law requiring passengers to have a valid passport when traveling to the Caribbean, the new Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort & Spa welcomed locals and travelers with open arms at a ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday on the new resort’s pool deck.

More than 100 guests and island officials attended the event, which was... [Read more]

CC Africa Under Canvas Safaris

January 25, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

November 28, 2006, CC Africa Under Canvas safaris in Botswana, Namibia and Tanzania offer the epitome of classic African style and luxury in tented travel, and the most extraordinary way to truly experience Africa’s pristine, less-travelled areas.

Exhilarating itineraries take guests through a wide range of secluded wilderness areas ensuring a great diversity of wildlife and landscapes whilst enjoying an exclusive... [Read more]

Uniworld’s Grand River Cruises

January 25, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

Save . . . Save . . . Save
“January Sale” has taken on a whole new meaning. Uniworld Grand River Cruises - the premiere river cruise company - is making their Grand River Cruises even grander!! Book an Air-Inclusive Uniworld Grand River Cruise Package to Europe and deposit by January 31, 2007 and save up to $1,000 per couple.

Choose from 15 expertly planned Europe Grand River Cruise Air-Inclusive... [Read more]

What’s New in the Bahamas

January 25, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Dec. 5, 2006 – Abandon the monotony of everyday life and jet-off to the picturesque Islands Of The Bahamas, a destination flush with many new developments and programs. From Grand Bahama Island’s anticipated Ginn Sur Mer and a floating martini lounge to Bobby Flay’s latest menu delights and private “spa” islands, these new additions make it easier to “admit” a loved-one into paradise.... [Read more]

New Spain and the Alamo

January 22, 2007 | Written by Kimberli Waack

San Jose by Kimberli Waack on In The Know TravelerI’ve just returned from an afternoon in Spain. Well, actually it was a half-day tour of... [Read more]

What’s New in Tanzania

January 21, 2007 | Written by Jesse

Adventure Travel Expo
Adventures Within Reach will be exhibiting with Zara Tanzanian
Adventures at two Adventure Travel Expos in the U.S. — one in Los
Angeles in February and one in Washington D.C. in March. If you are in
the area, we have FREE admission tickets for you!

Low Season Discounts
Take advantage of low season to avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices!

In... [Read more]

Green Travel: Purchase Carbon Credits

January 20, 2007 | Written by Steve Smith & Christine Johnson

As travelers, we should all think about the impact differing modes of transportation have on our environment. We all know that burning fossil fuels, be it jet fuel, diesel, or gasoline, releases carbon dioxide into the air, but here are some facts about just how much CO2 is released for every 1000 miles of travel:

Car - 1200 lbs
Bus - 900 lbs
Plane - 640 lbs
Train - 460 lbs

Source:... [Read more]

Latin American Tours with Intrepid

January 18, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

Experience the real Latin America with Intrepid and help the world breathe easy

Book any Intrepid Travel Latin American adventure during February and March 2007 and 10% of the trip cost will be donated to the Intrepid Foundation’s Amazon Fund to help save the natural wonder.

Away from the rumba filled streets, the wildlife rich oceans and the Incan filled highlands lay the lungs of the Earth - the Amazon... [Read more]

Cruise Romantic Europe

January 18, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

ST. LOUIS, MO, December 21, 2006 – A leading operator of worldwide river cruises, INTRAV has announced six departures of its “Classic Rhine” voyage in 2007 aboard the intimate, exclusively chartered 78-guest Rembrandt. Flowing through some of Europe’s most storied landscapes, the Rhine has bound the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland in a common heritage and history. Amid fairytale scenes of vineyard-clad... [Read more]

Bulb Mania 2007

January 18, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

Winter blues are set to explode into spring yellows, reds, purples and oranges as the Eden Project sees more than a million bulbs flower for its fourth Bulb Mania celebration.

Eden will be awash with successive waves of colour as the daffodils flower in March, the tulips in April and the lilies in May in what is believed to be Britain’s biggest annually-planted show of spring flowers.

Vast outdoor displays... [Read more]

Valencia to Host America’s Cup

January 18, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

Valencia, SPAIN, December 19, 2006 – To welcome the competitors for the America’s Cup next year, Valencia is opening itself to the sea. For the first time in more than 150 years – from June 23 to July 7, 2007 – Europe will host sailing’s most prestigious event. Aficionados from around the world – some 6 million are expected – will flock to this sunny city on Spain’s Mediterranean to watch the world’s... [Read more]

Smithstonian Journeys, Winter 2007

January 18, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

$1,000 Per Couple Savings in the Fabled British Isles: Embark on the historic trail of Normans, Saxons, Celts and Norsemen on the 10-night chartered cruise British Isles: Fabled Lands, Wild Shores (June 1-13, 2007). Trace ancient settlements along the rugged shores of England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland on this custom crafted journey that explores the region’s hidden gems, offbeat attractions and famed... [Read more]

Cruise from Arctic to Antarctica

January 18, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

New York, NY, December 2006 — In announcing what is believed to be a true first for the cruise industry, Norwegian Coastal Voyage has unveiled a new 66-day Expedition, “World Cruise – From Arctic to Antarctica,” filling passenger’s passports with visits to 44 ports in 17 countries on four continents, taking a longitudinal route from pole-to-pole. Upon stepping aboard the new 160-stateroom MS Fram,... [Read more]

Virgin Atlantic to Kenya in 2007

January 18, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

December 15, 2006 (Minneapolis, MN) — Virgin Atlantic Airways has just announced that it will be launching daily services between London Heathrow and Nairobi starting June 1, 2007. The services will be operated by an Airbus A340-300 aircraft holding 240 seats.

Kenya’s tourist arrivals have been growing at an average annual rate of 10% for the past several years and are expected... [Read more]

ITKT Gets the Blues

January 16, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

There were no tearful goodbyes or slamming doors. It was just a quiet, peaceful decision where are all parties involved came to the same conclusion — it just wasn’t working out. One might call it a break up, but it could be called a new door opening up. However, ITKT may still have the blues over the recent event.

In The Know Traveler’s peach side rails have been removed and replaced by a new artsy... [Read more]

Dominica Island Profile

January 16, 2007 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

LOCATION:
The Commonwealth of Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-ee-ka) is located in the Eastern Caribbean, north of Martinique and south of Guadeloupe, 375 miles southeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico. It lies between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean.

SIZE:
Dominica is 29 miles long and 16 miles wide; the total land area nearly 290 square miles. It has the highest mountains in the Eastern Caribbean,... [Read more]

Facts about Belgium

January 16, 2007 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

Belgium – Fact sheet

Official name of the country: Kingdom of Belgium
Capital: Brussels (Population 980,000)
Area: 30,518 sq km
Population: 10.2 million
Currency: Euro
Languages: Dutch, French and German (official languages of the country), English is widely spoken
Government: constitutional parliamentary monarchy
Time: GMT/UTC +1
Electricity: 220V, 50Hz
Weights... [Read more]

An Ode to Shirley of St. Lucia

January 15, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

Shirley's Place by Devin Galaudet for In The Know TravelerSt. Lucia was a long way from home and featured a long lay-over in... [Read more]

Swimsuit Optional Guam

January 13, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

Mangilao Golf courtesy of GVBOn a tropical island it’s a pretty sure bet that there are plenty of water activities to amuse yourself with and Guam... [Read more]

ITKT Interviews Switzerland (video podcast)

January 12, 2007 | Written by Wayfarer Digital

switzerland.jpgIn The Know Traveler offers a one-of-a-kind glimpse behind the scenes interview with the people who help make our vacations more memorable. Maryl Celiz has a few minutes with Maja Gartmann of Switzerland Tourism in Los Angeles at VEMEX (Visit Europe Media Exchange) in... [Read more]

New Western Hemisphere Border Crossing Rules

January 11, 2007 | Written by Steve Smith & Christine Johnson

New western hemisphere border crossing rules

There may be some confusion about the need for a passport to re-enter the US from countries within the western hemisphere (Canada, Mexico, etc.). We were confused until we’d done some research.

Apparently several plans have been advanced with different schedules for implementation. When several foreign government agencies complained that this plan will not allow... [Read more]

KaZantip, Ukraine’s Uncharted Republic 3

January 10, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

Money at the Republic
At this year’s opening, 30 thousand people visited the KaZantip. After 45 days, the total was 100 thousand. Information regularly appears in the media that a state of emergency should be placed upon the Republic. People are frightened by rumors about enteric viruses, drugs, and disorderly conduct. Nonetheless, the army of those who wish to become a citizen of the KaZantip diligently... [Read more]

Octane Opens at Excaliber

January 9, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

Octane, a new high-energy lounge located on Excalibur’s Castle Walk, is a great place to grab a drink before dinner or after a show. A custom-designed motorcycle display sets the tone for this 100-seat lounge that offers live entertainment, a full bar menu and signature cocktails such as the High Octane Kiss, a blend of Malibu Rum, Crème de Banana, Midori and a splash of cream.

A team of energetic bartenders... [Read more]

New Bike Tour Packages for 2007

January 9, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

Chattanooga, TN, December 2006 — BikeToursDirect, the one-stop resource for bicycle tours in Europe, has announced its 2007 roster of more than 200 guided and self-guided cycling programs in 30 countries. The line-up includes expanded programs in popular regions such as the Danube, Tuscany and Provence and up-and-coming bike tour destinations such as Slovenia and Croatia. New family-friendly tours, multi-sport... [Read more]

8 Days in Central Europe for Women

January 9, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

Glenside, PA - December 14, 2006 — Two of Eastern Europe’s most beautiful cities are on the agenda as Gutsy Women Travel introduces its Beauty of Central Europe: Budapest and Prague tour for 2007. This 8-day escorted tour offers six departures and is priced from $2,279 air and land from New York based on double occupancy.

This program actually offers one of the best values that Gutsy Women Travel has for... [Read more]

Tours to Lisbon

January 8, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

Bloomfield, NJ - December 19, 2006 - Club ABC Tours, one of the largest
private travel clubs in the country, invites travelers to enjoy the culturally
rich and thoroughly modern city of Lisbon, Portugal. Its 6-day independent
air/land travel package, “Lisbon Weekend Escape,” starts at just $899 per
person and includes roundtrip airfare on regularly scheduled flights from
Newark,... [Read more]

Pub of the Year 2007

January 8, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

Monmouthshire, WALES, October, 2006 – Winning the Michelin award for Pub of the Year in Britain – a nation that knows and loves its pubs - is no small feat, but Michelin said that this year it was an “easy choice” when they selected Wales’ Bell at Skenfrith as the reigning pub for 2007.

The Bell beat out hundreds of other pubs to become the third gastropub to win the title and the first in Wales.

In... [Read more]

Valentine’s at MGM Grand

January 8, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

LAS VEGAS – Romance will be in the air throughout February with the Maximum Sweethearts’ Package at MGM Grand. This special package includes one-night accommodations for two in a Celebrity Spa Suite, a couple’s Amazon Rainforest Ritual in the Grand Spa, dinner for two at SEABLUE, tickets for two to La Femme – direct from Crazy Horse in Paris, as well as VIP passes to Studio 54 and Tabú Ultra Lounge.

The... [Read more]

Family Expeditions in Amazon and Galapogos

January 8, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

BIRMINGHAM, AL, December 12, 2006 – International Expeditions, the world leader in nature travel, is bringing families closer together with two thrilling itineraries designed especially for the young and young at heart. Six July and December 2007 Family Expeditions reach two of International Expeditions’ best-loved destinations: the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands. Each 10-day adventure offers special activities... [Read more]

Amilik Spa to Reopen as Zulika

January 8, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

PATAGONIA, Chile (December 11th, 2006) After months of deliberation, the minds at EcoTulum Resorts have made the decision to weather-proof Amilik, its luxury spa lodge in South America, and revise the project, renaming the resort Zulika and converting the hotels wilderness tents into all-season structures equipped to pamper guests 365 days a year.

The changes come with the growing demand by travelers to... [Read more]

Spain Focuses on Wine Tourism

January 8, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

Elciego, La Rioja Alta, SPAIN, December 11, 2006 – With the inauguration of the dramatic $100 million Marqués de Riscal’s City of Wine in October, one of Spain’s wine regions, La Rioja, is transforming itself into a wine tourism destination. In the past two years, a wine museum has debuted, a Santiago Calatrava-designed winery has opened and a Zaha Hadid tasting room was inaugurated. Recognizing travelers’ growing... [Read more]

Le Méridien’s Art Space in Tahiti

January 6, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

December 2006 (Tahiti) – There’s a vibrant international arts scene taking root in the South Pacific at Le Méridien Tahiti. It’s L’Atelier, a new onsite artists space set to feature contemporary artists from across the islands and around the world. Recently launched by the luxurious seaside resort, L’Atelier reflects Le Méridien’s passion for supporting local culture while offering guests a unique and rewarding... [Read more]

Global Menu New at Pan Pacific

January 6, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

Singapore (December 6, 2006) — Newly-opened at Pan Pacific Singapore, Global Kitchen features a contemporary setting and a global gourmet menu, where diners can enjoy a world-class extravaganza of hand-picked premium ingredients presented in a variety of cooking styles. Located on level 3 of Pan Pacific Singapore, Global Kitchen is set to make a difference in the dining scene with making this hotel restaurant being... [Read more]

Breathing in Los Angeles

January 5, 2007 | Written by Kimberli Waack

E.lix.r by Devin Galaudet for In The Know TravelerWhen I moved to Los Angeles almost eight years ago, I was told by a “native” not to trust air... [Read more]

The Year of the Boar, 2007

January 4, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

From the files of what does this have to do with travel comes…”The boar is the 12th animal in the Chinese horoscope. In ancient China, it was believed that people would have the characteristics of the element and the animal that ruled the year of their birth. Just as modern astrogists believe that people born under a certain sign of the zodiac will have common characteristics. People born in the Year of the... [Read more]

What Makes Aruba so Special

January 4, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

Aruba is outside of the hurricane belt!

A consistent 82F weather all year round.
Cooling trade winds keeps the humidity and bugs away!

Incredibly high standard of living.

Aruba is exceptionally clean and there is virtually no homelessness or crime.

Our people are known for their friendliness and hospitality.
Caribbean Travel and Life voted Aruba as having the friendliest people in... [Read more]

Top Ten Tips in Renting an Italian Villa

January 4, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet

TOP TEN TIPS FOR RENTING A VILLA IN ITALY

- From a spacious farmhouse in Tuscany, to a sunlit home on the Amalfi Coast, travelers should take note of a few tips before renting any villa in Italy -

SCITUATE, Mass.— Renting a villa in Italy? If you are among those who are intrigued by the possibilities, you’ve probably checked out the villa listings on the Web. The villa industry evolved dramatically... [Read more]