Off Season at Élan

CANCUN, Mexico, August 29, 2007 – Christmas in October? How ‘bout November? This fall when you book a deluxe room at the Élan Resort and Spa – Cancun, it will be like getting an early Christmas present. You’ll save between 40% and 33% off the Christmas/New Year’s and 2008 high season rates. From now through December 20, a deluxe room for two at this luxurious... [Read more]

Tuscany by H in Hong Long

(Hong Kong, August 31, 2007) – Focusing on natural rustico Italian cuisine where Chef Alberto goes back to his roots, Tuscany by H is a Tuscan farmhouse inspired restaurant that embraces traditional style cooking using the best Italian ingredients available. From freshly baked breads and handcrafted pastas to delicious... [Read more]

New Hotel in Paris

With an ideal location between the Louvre, Opéra, Rue St. Honoré and the Place Vendôme, the Hotel Lumen Paris Louvre is a design boutique hotel in the heart of the 1st arrondissement. With 32 rooms and suites, the hotel features interior design by the architect Alain Daronian and the designer Claudio Colucci. The decor combines to create a quaint and contemporary style, perfectly reflecting this deluxe hotel’s... [Read more]

Air Berlin Acquires LTU

In March of this year Air Berlin announced to acquire 100% of LTU International
Airlines, one of Germany’s leading leisure carriers. The agreement was
pending final review and approval of the German Federal Cartel office. The
merger has now been approved making the Air Berlin Group the largest airline
in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany... [Read more]

A Safer El Salvador Brings in US Travelers

SAN SALVADOR – The government’s heightened security efforts have substantially contributed to boost U.S. travel to this Central American nation, asserted El Salvador’s Minister of Tourism, Ruben Rochi.

A study conducted by the World Tourism Organization shows that the number of visitors to El... [Read more]

Yoga at Gamboa Rainforest Resort

PANAMA CITY, Panama – August 29, 2007 – Vacation is a time to escape the stress and demands of everyday life. To further guests’ relaxation and connection to nature while staying at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort at the Panama Canal, the resort has recently expanded its range of activities to include yoga and tai chi classes. Both are offered for all levels and are designed... [Read more]

Willy Lopez

William Lopez is a Senior at the University of Miami, majoring in English Literature and Minoring in Psychology. He has studied abroad at Queen Mary University of London in the Spring of 2007, which is how he knows London so well.

Read an article by Willy Lopez
Essential... [Read more]

Essential Stops: Buckingham Palace

Studying abroad in London for six months really means living there with little responsibility... [Read more]

Express Yourself

With a trip to Italy and Greece coming up and $14.95 burning a hole in my pocket, I recently checked out a new book called, “Express Yourself” by Michael Powell. My immediate reaction was that... [Read more]

Peru After the Earthquake in Ica

August 28, 2007 (Minneapolis, MN) – As citizens slowly pick up the pieces after being hit by a 7.9 earthquake on August 15, 2007, Peruvian officials and local authorities are hard at work regaining access to roads, clearing rubble from the affected areas and assisting the many citizens who remain homeless. While work is underway to help those most affected by the earthquake, tourism officials are hard at work ensuring... [Read more]

Garden Hotel Suzhou Re-opens

(Suzhou, August 28, 2007) — The historic Garden Hotel Suzhou, a former State guest house and private residence of Kuomingtang leader Chiang Kai-shek which has emerged from a 260 million RMB makeover as a premier 5-star business hotel in the ‘Venice of the East’, is officially open today.

The elegant revamp by Guotai International Group has transformed the... [Read more]

Turks and Caicos and Conch

TURKS AND CAICOS, BWI (Aug. 21, 2007) – The Turks and Caicos Islands, a burgeoning luxury destination of choice, is preparing to celebrate the islands’ culinary specialty at the Fourth Annual Turks & Caicos Conch Festival, Nov. 23-25, 2007, on Providenciales. The event honors conch with a competition featuring the best Caribbean food and music.

“The... [Read more]

The Crazy Horse Paris, Vegas

These nights bring only restless sleep. They’re still in my dreams. It shouldn’t be this way, but I’m not sure anyone... [Read more]

Isram Ultra-Luxury Tours

New York, NY - August 21, 2007: IsramWorld and its subsidiary companies, Orient Flexi-Pax and Latour, has added an entirely new concept in overseas travel to its extensive product line.

“The Elite Series” is geared to the ultra-sophisticated traveler. “Designed to fill a gap in the luxury travel market,” says A. Ady Gelber, President and CEO of IsramWorld, “the Elite Series combines... [Read more]

Where’s the “Real” Pizza?

Frankly, I never tire of pizza. Different crusts. Different toppings. It’s all good. However where can you find true pizza?

Pizza is just one food legacy handed down from the Greeks over two milennia years ago. The early version was called plankuntos, a flatbread more like today’s focaccia bread and used like an edible plate to sop up juicy foods. We need to fast-forward into the late 19th century and Naples... [Read more]

Sentosa Island Getaway

Singapore, August 2, 2007: Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, the stylish new lifestyle resort on Singapore’s Sentosa Island is celebrating its soft opening with introductory rates starting from just S$285++ per night, valid until the end of August.

Amara Sanctuary Resort marks the first phase of the transformation... [Read more]

Mt. Everest and Nepal

TAMPA, FL (August 2, 2007)—Tour operator Cox & Kings USA announces a Signature Travel Extension titled “Mt. Everest & Nepal.” The private four day, three night tour includes a two-hour round trip helicopter tour to Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the Himalayan Mountain Range at 29,035 feet.

Accompanied by expert Mt. Everest summiteers, the... [Read more]

Kid-Friendly Beau-Rivage Palace

Lausanne, Switzerland - August 1, 2007: Experienced travelers might not normally associate child-friendliness with one of Switzerland’s very finest hotels - Lausanne’s elegant, lakeside Beau-Rivage Palace, renowned for its exquisite taste, cuisine and refinement, and currently celebrating its 150th anniversary.... [Read more]

Baden Baden, Germany

Beautifully located in the sun drenched southwest corner of Germany at the foothills of the Black Forest, Baden-Baden is an elegant thermal spa resort and international cultural metropolis.

The Caracalla Spa and the Roman-Iris Bath as well as the exquisite spa-hotels are conducive to unique wellness and various spa treatments. In the picturesque streets of the historical “Old Town” elegant fashion boutiques... [Read more]

Culture in Mallorca

MALLORCA, Spain, July, 2007 – The sun-drenched Balearic Island of Mallorca, renowned for its Gothic architecture, hilltop villages and olive groves and made famous by its beaches and non-stop parties, will host an extravaganza of cultural events throughout August and September– and many are free. Classical music and dance performances and more than 40 free concerts and... [Read more]

Caneel Bay’s Art Workshops

July, 2007 (St. John, U.S.V.I.) – There’s nothing like checking out sun worshipers in the Caribbean, except maybe capturing them on canvas. Travelers with an artistic bent can put their brush strokes through the paces during special workshop getaways featuring renowned artist Michelle Torrez at Caneel Bay, A Rosewood Resort on St. John, U.S.V.I. A talented painter... [Read more]

Flipping Off the Intensity Switch

Having recently taken my first trip into New York City, I fell in love. I’d always blown through New York with a quick connection, hurriedly moving on to another destinations. This time my itinerary gave me a full day and night layover. So I caught the train into the crowded canyons of Manhattan — it’s actually very simple to do — and experienced first-hand the things that make the material-life full.... [Read more]

New Hours at the Vines of Mendoza

(Mendoza, Argentina)—The Vines of Mendoza announces new operating hours at its Mendoza, Argentina- based Tasting Room and Information Center.

Effective immediately, the Tasting Room will be open daily from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Information Center will be open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Information Center will be closed on Sundays.
The Vines of Mendoza is located... [Read more]

Wellington’s Cuisine Awards

Wellington has just won a flurry of culinary awards, cementing its reputation as New Zealand’s gourmet capital.

Top restaurant Martin Bosley’s won the Best Fine Dining category, and was the Supreme Winner at this year’s Cuisine Restaurant of the Year Awards.

Martin Bosley’s is located on Wellington’s stunning waterfront, and offers an exquisite, fish-focused menu. Cuisine food... [Read more]

Lasource Set to Re-open

GRENADA, WEST INDIES – August 20, 2007 – After three years of extensive renovations and revitalization, LaSource, a luxury spa resort, is set to open its doors to the world on December 15, 2007. Nestled along Pink Gin Beach and surrounded by 40 acres of lush tropical garden on the Spice Island of Grenada, LaSource offers a first-class, all-inclusive holiday experience that seamlessly combines the best of an active... [Read more]

Quintana Roo y Yucatán Operan Normalmente Tras el Paso de “Dean”

MEXICO, D.F. (21 de agosto de 2007).- Tras una primera evaluación de la incidencia del huracán en los destinos turísticos de Cancún, Riviera Maya, Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres y Cozumel, así como los del estado de Yucatán, las autoridades han confirmado que la zona no sufrió daños en su infraestructura turística.

El director del Consejo de Promoción Turística... [Read more]

Hurricane Dean Update

The following statement has been issued by the Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau as of 12:34 p.m. on August 21, 2007:

Hurricane Dean has passed over the Yucatan Peninsula where it made land fall yesterday at approximately 50 miles from Chetumal, Quintana Roo, and 225 miles south of Cancun. Cancun only experienced moderate rainfall and gusty winds.

Cancun International Airport is open and operational.

Most... [Read more]

A Kauri Adventure

On a Kauri Adventure

Adventure Puketi are here to celebrate the mighty Kauri tree. In conjunction with the Northland Kauri Festival running from 8th – 30th September, Adventure Puketi will be offering twilight encounters of the Puketi Forest. The owner and operator of the business Ian Candy and his team will guide for the night adventure.

Join us on a magical Night Walk with Adventure Puketi – listen... [Read more]

Tragedy in Peru

We, at In The Know Traveler, offer our prayers and well wishes to those effected by the recent earthquake in the Pacific coast city of Pisco, Peru. The city has been torn apart by an earthquake measured at 8.0. Peru officials have estimated that as many as 1000 people died as a result of this earthquake.

We always recommend during these difficult times that travelers consider helping however they can, or donate through... [Read more]

Four Seasons Opens Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano

Alexandria, Egypt – July 25, 2007 – Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts opens its ninth property in the Middle East today – its fourth in Egypt. Located in a prime position overlooking the Mediterranean, Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria sits in the heart of this ancient city’s elite district of San Stefano.

The 118-room... [Read more]

18 days in India

BIRMINGHAM, AL, July 24, 2007 – Nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites and three national parks are some of the wonders in International Expeditions’ new 18-day itinerary in India. Sunrise at the Taj Mahal, tiger spotting by elephant back, stargazing at jungle skies and cooking demonstrations are just a few of many unforgettable moments built into the new tour that departs... [Read more]

El Mundo Elige a Chichén Itzá

El anuncio de la selección de Chichén Itzá, por parte de la Fundación New7wonders, se hizo durante una espectacular ceremonia realizada en el Estadio de la Luz de Lisboa. La lista de maravillas la completan La Gran Muralla China, Petra (Jordania), La Estatua del Cristo Redentor (Río de Janeiro, Brasil),... [Read more]

An Un-Belizeable Offer

TOLEDO, Belize – July 24, 2007 – The eco-chic Machaca Hill Lodge, nestled in the beautiful, lush landscape of the Toledo District in southern Belize, opened its doors on April 14, 2007 and is celebrating its long awaited debut by offering an opening special of 25% off normal rates for rooms, meals and tours.

Terraced along the hillside surrounding the lodge are... [Read more]

Night of Culture in Copenhagen:

This year, more than 50 new venues are taking part in Copenhagen’s Night of Culture. On 12 October, a total of nearly 300 museums, churches, exhibition halls, galleries, political institutions, and other venues all over the city will open their doors, reflecting the broad cultural landscape of Copenhagen. Special attention is paid to light, sound, and cross-cultural... [Read more]

Julio Bocca Appears at Iguazu Grand

New York - July 24, 2007: This August 24, 2007, Argentinean-born ballet legend Julio Bocca will perform his world-renowned “Bocca Tango” at Iguazu Grand Hotel in Iguazu Falls, Argentina. Though Bocca’s performances are known to be impressive and moving, this will hold particular significance as it is one of the last of his career.

Choreographed... [Read more]

BKWine: Truffles, Wine, Foie Gras and Duck

Truffles, wine, foie gras and duck is the theme for BKWine’s first tour in 2008. The company has just released the details for the program of this unusual wine and food tour. The tour is open to a small number of gastronomy enthusiasts and will take place on February 13-17, 2008.

The tour includes accommodation at a luxury chateau in the Bordeaux region, a morning with truffle, followed by a sumptuous truffle lunch,... [Read more]

BMI Enhances Middle East Travel

bmi, Heathrow’s second largest carrier, has today (18 July) announced that it will serve a new destination as well as introduce major enhancements to its network of services from Heathrow with effect from 28 October this year.

The airline is to launch daily flights from London to the Egyptian capital of Cairo. The new competitive service will be operated by an Airbus... [Read more]

Kiribati book review

A few months back I, as ITKT Editor, had pondered about what to do with the problem of finding a story about Vanuatu for ITKT readers. That’s not entirely true. I could find something about Vanuatu,... [Read more]

Now on the Tee, China

One year and counting before the 2008 Olympics, China readies for the world’s attention. In addition to the elite athletes, some of the world’s most remarkable golf courses also are going on display.

The countdown is on in Tiananmen Square, just as it is throughout China, as the nation of 1.32 billion people and an... [Read more]

Mexiterranée Opens in October

Barcelona, Spain (August 10, 2007) - Catalan? Mexican? Mediterranean? The answer to all three is a resounding si, si, and yes. When Mexiterranée opens in October 2007, Barcelona’s sizzling restaurant scene will experience a fusion cuisine like none other … with an only-in-Catalonia theatrical wow. As the brainchild... [Read more]

“Pod” Hotels - Squeezing into Frugality?

Are you susceptible to cabin fever? Do you go stark raving mad in claustrophobic spaces? Then maybe these cubicles aren’t for you.

But if this is not a problem then check out the new trend for “cheap sleeps” in the center of some of the world’s most expensive cities, called - very descriptively - “Pod” hotels. These take advantage of the need by traveler’s for stylish, clean, functional, and... [Read more]

Asia and Boundless Journeys

STOWE, Vermont — Active itineraries. Cultural encounters. Authentic experiences. Boundless Journeys offers The World’s Great Adventures for travelers interested in a diverse variety of activities, from walking tours and hiking vacations, to sea kayaking adventures, cultural journeys, and more. Adventure travel company Boundless Journeys focuses on unique paths and rare experiences, with flexible itineraries,... [Read more]

Jeju Island Now UNESCO World Heritage

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recently added Korea’s Jeju Island to the World Heritage List. The World Heritage Committee declared the volcanic Island of Jeju and her Lava tubes a “natural property of outstanding beauty which bears testimony to the history of our plant”. Korea now has a total of eight... [Read more]

The New Hotel Fouquet’s Barriére

New York- July 17, 2007: When thinking of Paris, “romance” often comes to mind before “family vacation,” yet the French capital has a myriad of attractions and activities for all ages, including the world-famous Euro Disney - just 30 miles from the Eiffel Tower. To cater to the demand of deluxe family... [Read more]

Malaysia Everest

Right before I left for my visit to Sweden and Denmark,... [Read more]

A “Royal Relief” for Gamers at Sonesta Maho

St. Maarten, Netherlands, Antilles – July 17, 2007 – Gaming enthusiasts visiting Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino in St. Maarten need no longer suffer from stiff, aching muscles after long hours at the Casino Royale. The new “Royale Relief Massage” by Maho’s Good Life Spa offers players pure relaxation, sending them back to the casino floor re-charged and ready to win big!

The “Royale... [Read more]

Bermuda Extends Summer

HAMILTON, BERMUDA, July 18, 2007 – Travelers looking to extend their summer will now receive a $300 iCard Gift Card* when booking a Bermuda vacation before October 27, 2007. Part of the island’s Endless Summer Promotion, this $300 credit can be used at any Bermuda merchant... [Read more]

Voya Set to Open at Loden

July 17, 2007 (Vancouver, BC) Kor Hotel Group, the Los Angeles-based hotel operator, announces the upcoming opening of Voya restaurant, set to open in fall to coincide with the hotel debut of Loden. The intimate 80-seat restaurant and lounge will offer sophisticated food, spectacularly chic décor, a private dining room with seating for 18 and a street-side lounge, providing a new escape in Coal Harbour.

Voya will... [Read more]

Sevilla y Su “Rabo de Toro”

Nuestro devenir turístico por la geografía andaluza, dirige hoy sus pasos hacia Sevilla. Mucho se ha hablado acerca de si existe una verdadera “cocina andaluza”, o si bien nos encontramos ante una específica forma de presentarnos ante la gastronomía mediterránea, generalmente a través de las “tapas”. Personalmente considero que existe una “alta cocina andaluza” de una inmensa calidad,... [Read more]

Cancun in August

CANCUN, Mexico (August 8, 2007) - Long recognized as a top international destination, Cancun boasts further recognitions, developments and exciting events for end of summer travelers.

CANCUN CELEBRATES ENDLESS SUMMER WITH BEACH PARTY
The Mexican Caribbean Public Relations Association announces its second annual... [Read more]

Snacks on a Plane

Airline food used to be part of the glamour and experience of air travel. Everyone has historically made fun of airline food: dry, frozen-and-now-McDonalds-hot, cardboard-alicious. Nonetheless, there is someting satifying about getting a Bistro Meal handed to you as you enter, or a small TV-Dinner plate loaded with stuff (including the ever-present dessert). The antipication about what could POSSIBLY be inside that bag... [Read more]

Adventure in an Igloo

LOS ANGELES, July 17, 2007—If you have ever fantasized about being an Eskimo, you can make that dream a reality with Nordique Tours’ Night in an Igloo package to Finland. It is available from December 1, 2007 through April 30, 2008.

This is a spectacular way to view the aurora borealis while being almost 200 miles north of the Artic Circle. A dog sled luncheon... [Read more]

Starwood’s New Culinary Packages

ITALY (August 6, 2007) – Starwood Hotels & Resorts of Italy, Malta and Croatia is pleased to announce the launch of its interactive web campaign, “Taste the Mediterranean.” Designed to promote the distinct and unique flavors of this popular region, “Taste the Mediterranean” is a web-only travel package for... [Read more]

Bear Mountain Golf Goes 5-Stars

(Victoria, BC) –The Westin Bear Mountain Victoria Golf Resort & Spa has been awarded five stars, the highest rating, by Canada Select, Canada’s national accommodation ratings program. Bear Mountain is only the second resort in British Columbia to receive the distinction in the resort category, and the fourth to receive that rating in the hotel category. Only... [Read more]

Jet Airways to the U.S.

New York - August 5, 2007: Jet Airways launched daily service between India and the United States this morning, with the on-time arrival at 11:55AM at New York’s Newark Liberty International Airport of its flight #228 from Mumbai. The aircraft - with a full passenger load - was greeted on the taxi-way by Newark Liberty... [Read more]

Mallorca Cultural Events

MALLORCA, Spain, July xx, 2007 – The sun-drenched Balearic Island of Mallorca, renowned for its Gothic architecture, hilltop villages and olive groves and made famous by its beaches and non-stop parties, will host an extravaganza of cultural events throughout August and September– and many are free. Classical music and dance performances and more than 40 free concerts... [Read more]

New World Heritage Site in Mexico

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization recently named the Central University City Campus of la Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico a World Heritage Site. Ranked first in the Americas and eighth worldwide in this regard, Mexico now has 27 sites recognized for their historical, cultural and... [Read more]

Cartagena de Indias

As Taylor Holliday from the New York Times describe it in her article, Why Go Now to Cartagena? Because “…This former hub of the Spanish empire — a major shipping port for New World riches, and a slave market and Inquisition center — is surrounded by massive stone walls, within which sit hundreds of gorgeous colonial homes, churches, plazas and parks. The Old Town, a Unesco World Heritage site, is filled with friendly... [Read more]

“Ruta del Agua” en Río San Juan

La Ruta del Agua forma parte integral del proyecto regional denominado Ruta del Caribe compartido entre Panamá, Costa Rica y Nicaragua, en el Marco del Plan Puebla Panamá (PPP), como un proyecto de prioridad nacional, integrándolo al Plan Nacional de Desarrollo... [Read more]

The Tastes of Jebel Sarhro, Morocco

After listening to the lyrics of Crosby, Stills and Nash’s “Marrakesh Express” and The Clash’s “Rock the Casbah” over the years, Marrakesh and Morocco, in Northern Africa, were places that stuck in my head. I was curious to check them out. Since my vacations are few and far between, I like them to include both a decent hike or climb as well as discovering somewhere new. So after letting my fingers search the... [Read more]

Germany’s Wine Festivals

As autumn is coming the wine season is approaching as well. The period between June and October is the peak season for wine festivals in Germany - a great opportunity to savor the diverse flavors of the charming wine regions along Rhine, Main, Elbe and Mosel rivers as well as the southern wine-growing regions of Palatine and Baden.

Every one of the altogether 13 wine growing regions is host to a number of Germany’s... [Read more]

Mount Everest Climber Now Bikes U.S.

LOS ANGELES – Muhamad Muqharabbin Mokhtarrudin, an inspired 25-year-old Malaysian man, will embark this week on an arduous journey few have attempted before. He plans to run and bike across the United States from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., starting Thursday, July 12, 2007.

Mokhtarrudin, or Qobin as he is known to family and friends, is making the United States... [Read more]

Underwater in La Romana

LA ROMANA, Dominican Republic (July 31, 2007) - A diver’s dream, La Romana’s undersea world offers incredible ocean adventures with ancient shipwrecks, underwater caverns and stunning coral reefs. Combined with its spectacular clear blue warm waters, La Romana makes an ideal destination for diving - now the second-most popular activity enjoyed by... [Read more]

Trips off the Radar

July 2007 (All Over) – Somewhere beyond “away from it all” and “off the beaten path” lie destinations so remote and exclusive it might take some work getting there. But, as sophisticated travelers have discovered going “off the radar” is worth the trip. No more “been there, done that.” Instead, their myriad rewards include peace and quiet, exotic culture, spectacular scenery, blessed privacy, and the divine... [Read more]

H One Dining in Hong Kong

(Hong Kong, August 2, 2007) – H One, the ultimate fine dining experience in Hong Kong, is offering an exclusive dinner tasting menu for guests to experience the best in seasonal produce from around the world.

Available for a limited period throughout August only, H One will be serving up a delicious six course Dinner Tasting Menu showcasing the chic and contemporary international cuisine that has become synonymous... [Read more]

The Øya Festival and Oslo Jazz Festival

Oslo really comes to life in the long summer days and nights of August. In an explosion of music, culture and dance, the many festivals bring an exciting atmosphere to the city that can be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

For an exceptional musical experience, get down to the Oslo Medieval Park and different clubs and stages around the city for the Øya Rock Festival which gives you the latest within contemporary... [Read more]

Take a Flight, and Give too?

Here’s a chance for you to experience the inaugural flight of one of the latest transportation wonders, and contribute to humanitarian causes at the same time. Singapore Airlines, the first carrier in the world to fly the new double-decker Airbus A380, will auction all seats on eBay and donate the proceeds to these charities:

• One-third of the proceeds will go to Singapore’s Community Chest
• One-third... [Read more]