Getting Aussie at Young and Jackson

January 30, 2008 | Written by amanda

“How do you get down from a kangaroo? You don’t get down from a kangaroo; you get down from a goose,” Kevin smiled nervously in front of his silent audience and futilely tapped the microphone in front of him. Yep, it was on, but the crowd wasn’t amused. By the end of the night Team USA finished the weekly joke Contest right where we started: last. Though Australian... [Read more]

The Exotic Adventure 2008

January 30, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

(January 30, 2008 - New York, NY) … USA Today, the national newspaper with a circulation of over 3,000,000, released its prestigious list of the Hottest Travel Trends for 2008 on January 11, 2008. Tanzania’s famed Mt. Kilimanjaro sweeps the newspaper’s “Exotic Adventures” category. This highly competitive list was compiled with extensive input from travel experts.

“I’m... [Read more]

Travel Bonanza for Europeans

January 29, 2008 | Written by Jesse

With the value of U.S. currency falling fast, now is a great time for Europeans to travel to the US. We have some friends living in London, and they say there are great deals to be had, both for airfare and shopping in easy-access cities like New York. There are people coming to NYC from Europe... [Read more]

The Context and the Kit

January 29, 2008 | Written by Steve Smith & Christine Johnson

The best way to develop your photos into art is adopt a Zen philosophy, and awaken to the context that surrounds you. For instance, you may focus on the waterfall but fail to see the icicles hanging off a conifer limb nearby. Or you may set your frame to capture the magnificent Roman pillars, while totally missing the Bedouin and his grazing camel in the foreground

While I consider myself to be neither an artist... [Read more]

Pouring Winter Ale

January 28, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

Local microbrewers in Victoria, BC have launched their annual offerings of winter ales. A departure from what mainstream breweries do, winter mircrobrews are bigger and richer beers which need a bit more time to age. Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub, well known for its forays into seasonal and special occasion beers, is offering Saison, a spiced Belgian beer; Belgian Abbey, a brown Belgian brew; and the return of Fog Fighter,... [Read more]

Golf Scotland’s Whisky Coast

January 28, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

WILMINGTON, N.C. (Jan. 7, 2008) – If you’re going to mix anything with the world’s finest single-malt whiskies, golf is not only acceptable, but preferred by many. And if you’re going to choose only one place to experience such a concoction, many would vote for the western coast of Scotland, where distilleries nearly as old as the game itself provide an inviting... [Read more]

Ballooning over Kenya

January 28, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

New York, NY - January 25, 2008: - “CC Africa has brought hot air ballooning to Tanzania’s Eastern Serengeti”, says Nicky Fitzgerald, Director of Marketing of Africa’s foremost purveyor of sustainable luxury safaris. “This will enable guests... [Read more]

No Surcharges with Brendan

January 27, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

Although some of their competitors have announced currency surcharges for 2008, Brendan Worldwide Vacations is very happy to announce they will NOT be implementing currency surcharges on any of our 2008 escorted Europe coach vacations.

Please be sure to take advantage of our great benefits and savings, including:

Free airport transfers - always
Up to... [Read more]

Sheraton Goes Smokeless

January 27, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

January 15, 2008 – The Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport today announced that the hotel is a 100% smoke-free facility in all guestrooms, meeting space and public areas. The move reflects the hotel’s commitment to providing guest’s with a comfortable atmosphere that is clean, fresh and healthy.

In order to convert the hotel to a smoke-free... [Read more]

Family-Style Luxury on Oahu

January 23, 2008 | Written by Julee

On the North Shore of Oahu, the local motto is “keep it country.” During a recent visit with my family of four, that “county” spirit was present were we stayed at Turtle Bay Resort. The Resort has 880 acres and five miles of unspoiled coastline for its 375 rooms and 26 suites in its main hotel, 42 private beach cottages and 22 privately owned ocean villas. It’s about 45 minutes by car from Oahu International Airport... [Read more]

Authentic Mexico: Mazatlan

January 23, 2008 | Written by Jason Fitzpatrick

Aztecs at nightMazatlan sits on the Pacific coast of Mexico just south of the tip of the... [Read more]

Discount Berlin

January 23, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

In Spite of the Strong Euro, Berlin Continues to Attract Americans with Competitive Hotel Rates, Free Admissions, Discounted Sightseeing, and All Around Value.

Los Angeles, January 22, 2008 – With the Euro reaching record heights against the Dollar, US-travelers are looking more than ever for value. From luxury to low-cost travel; compared to other European... [Read more]

bmi’s UK Sale

January 23, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

CHICAGO and LAS VEGAS, Jan. 23, 2008—bmi is offering its first UK transatlantic fare sale in 2008, starting at $370 roundtrip beginning today and ending Feb. 6 for travel from Jan. 30 through March 31, 2008.

Roundtrip sale fares in economy, premium economy and business class from bmi gateways of Chicago and Las Vegas and a sampling of its code-share cities throughout the US... [Read more]

Julee Binder-Shapiro

January 20, 2008 | Written by Julee

Julee on In The Know TravelerJulee Binder Shapiro is a Los Angeles-based writer. She specializes in family travel and has written for publications such as TravelAge West, LA Family... [Read more]

Cancun’s Hidden Jewel

January 20, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

TRANQUIL AREA OF CANCUN IS HOME TO LAID-BACK LUXURY, CULTURE, AND ECO-EXPLORATION

In an area just south of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, travelers find the Mexican town of Puerto Morelos to be a hidden jewel of the Caribbean

Vacationers to Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula can experience a recipe of relaxation and exploration in the quiet village... [Read more]

Marbella Hotel offers Andalucian Spa, Golf

January 20, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

The spa vacation is nothing new for the luxury set. For some travelers, though, it doesn’t make sense to fly half-way around the world only to hide out in a non-descript spa that could really be anywhere. Common trends in spa technology and even spa décor have made many facilities seem practically identical, whether they are found in New York City, Paris or the... [Read more]

¿Sabía Usted?

January 16, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

• Béisbol: Los nicaragüenses son muy apasionados con el béisbol, uno de los deportes principales de su país. La mayoría de las comunidades tienen un diamante de béisbol, y el estadio más grande del país, situado en Managua, alberga a 40.000 espectadores. Existen varios equipos de béisbol profesionales en el país, y los nicaragüenses también siguen a ligas principales en Norteamérica, en donde varios de sus... [Read more]

Old Town Lucerne (video podcast)

January 16, 2008 | Written by Wayfarer Digital

Lucerne on In The Know TravelerThis year’s VEMEX (Visit Europe Media Exchange) was another great time for getting the low-down right from those who... [Read more]

Starting with Copenhagen (video podcast)

January 16, 2008 | Written by Wayfarer Digital

I met up with Anette Jensen of Wonderful Copenhagen — Yes, it is wonderful — to learn about beginning a cruise by starting in Copenhagen before exploring the Baltics. Starting from Denmark leads to up to ten countries throughout the region including Sweden, Greenland,... [Read more]

Mazatlan Memories (video podcast)

January 15, 2008 | Written by Wayfarer Digital

Mazatlan by Jason Fitzpatrick on In The Know TravelerJason has just returned from Mazatlan with some good insights and gorgeous video. Jason explores,... [Read more]

Croatia January/February

January 15, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

CROATIA – HOTTEST UP-AND-COMING COUNTRY
Croatia has been voted “hottest up-and-coming country for 2008 by top US Tour Operators. This prestigious title comes after December’s USTOA Conference held in Cancun Dec 2-4. Croatian National Tourist Board was also present at the conference, and hosted traditional Luncheon... [Read more]

St. Andrews Tee Times

January 15, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

Guaranteed St Andrews Old Course Tee Times

Best of Scotland Holidays is allocated a number of tee-times on the Old Course each year and this means we can offer golf packages to include a guaranteed time over the Old Course. We have sold all our allocated tee-times for 2007 but we can still put your name in the ballot and hopefully you will be... [Read more]

Crusing Northern Europe

January 15, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

ELEGANT CRUISES & TOURS ANNOUNCES NEW ITINERARY
FOR NORTHERN EUROPE FOR 2008 “WHITE NIGHTS OF FINLAND & SWEDEN

Expedition-style Cruises through the Gulf Of Bothnia, Exploring above the Arctic Circle, Including Lapland and Remote Islands, then Visiting the Cultural Capitals of... [Read more]

Steve Peer

January 14, 2008 | Written by StevePeer

Steve Peer on In The Know TravelerSteve Peer once braved the frozen tundra of northern Canada as a reporter and photographer. He now calls southern China home and enjoys the humid... [Read more]

Tianhou Temple, Shenzhen’s Soul


January 14, 2008 | Written by StevePeer

Some people say Shenzhen has no soul.

The mega-city of 10 million sits on the Chinese mainland next to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Before Deng Xiaoping made Shenzhen a Special Economic Zone in 1979, the city was a mere fishing village of a 300,000. The People’s Liberation Army engineering core came to the site of what was to become a Chinese... [Read more]

Two New Hotels in Costa Rica

January 14, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

Doubletree Resort by Hilton Puntarenas and Doubletree Cariari by Hilton San Jose
Now Open

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., USA / SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA (Jan. 2, 2008) – Doubletree Hotels & Resorts ring in 2008 with the opening of two hotels in Costa Rica - the first full-service Hilton family... [Read more]

The Train in Spain

January 14, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

High Speed Rail Links Madrid with Segovia & Malaga Faster Travel Time to Barcelona to Shrink to 3 Hours by Spring

Madrid, SPAIN, January 4, 2008– It’s now easier to travel around Spain. Just in time for the New Year two Alta Velocidad Española, AVE, or high-speed trains are now traveling even faster from Madrid to the north and to the south.
... [Read more]

Sweden in January

January 14, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

January 22-27
Kiruna Snow Festival
In the end of january each year the Snow festival takes place in Kiruna. During Wednesday to Saturday the Snow Sculpting Competion will be held. The competition this year have the status as Open Swedish Championship. The grande snow event is another kind of snowevent in another kind of city.... [Read more]

Wales in 2008

January 10, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

January 12th-14th Saturnalia Wobble/ Ramble, Llanwrtyd Wells
A feast of Roman drinks, foods and frolics, walking and mountain biking
http://llanwrtyd-wells.powys.org.uk/index1.htm

February to April Six Nations Rugby
... [Read more]

Obituary: Sir Edmund Hillary

January 10, 2008 | Written by Jason Fitzpatrick

It’s always sad when one of your heroes dies. For anybody who doesn’t know, Sir Edmund Hilary passed away today at 88. Along with his sherpa Tenzeng Norgay, he was the first man to summit Mt. Everest in 1953. Growing up I always had a fascination with men like Hillary, Roald Amundsen and other great explorers. They are important to travel because they push the boundaries of the known world. Maybe that isn’t... [Read more]

Chicago’s Route to Argentina

January 9, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

Argentinean Tourism Officials Celebrate New Flight between Chicago and Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, January 2nd, 2008.- The success met by the American Airlines daily route between Chicago’s O’Hare and Buenos Aires’Ezeiza airports – inaugurated on December 13th this year – represents another great step towards increasing the traffic of tourism between the United... [Read more]

Cape Verde Basics

January 9, 2008 | Written by Devin Galaudet

Background Information
• You can find general information on Cabo Verde by navigating on this website www.virtualcapeverde.net This website also provides 150 links on Cabo Verde

(see useful links on Cape Verde)

• US State Department Background Note on Cape Verde, updated April 2003. http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2835.htm

• The World Factbook also provides general information... [Read more]

The ITKT Round-up (video podcast)

January 9, 2008 | Written by Wayfarer Digital

Mazatlan by Jason Fitzpatrick on In The Know TravelerI am glad Jason took out a few moments to round up our busy year. It’s a good feeling to see that... [Read more]

Combine Prague, Vienna & Budapest

January 8, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

Combine Prague, Vienna and Budapest Into One Escorted Tour Vacation -
Introductory Prices in January-March from $1,399

Long known for vacation programs to Ireland and Britain, CIE Tours International is branching out to Eastern Europe in 2008, combining the historic and popular cities... [Read more]

The Tallest Observation Wheel

January 8, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

DON’T CALL IT A “FERRIS WHEEL”! THE WORLD’S TALLEST “OBSERVATION WHEEL” OPENING IN SINGAPORE THIS SPRING

The Singapore Flyer, an architectural and engineering marvel and the world’s tallest observation wheel, is scheduled to open in March, 2008.

The Flyer consists of a 492 foot high wheel built... [Read more]

$20 a Story

January 8, 2008 | Written by Devin Galaudet

Here are the countries that need your help. If you have a story to share about one of these destinations, please let us know.

Albania, Angola, Armenia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Botswana, Bulgaria, Congo, Croatia, Dominican Republic, Finland, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Haiti, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mali, Martinique, Nepal, New Caledonia, Panama, Paraguay, Poland,... [Read more]

Grand Velas in Nuevo Vallarta

January 7, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

WHALE OF A TIME AT GRAND VELAS ALL SUITES & SPA RESORT IN NUEVO VALLARTA, MEXICO

Encounter Magnificent Humpback Whales from January 3-March 31, 2008

Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort is offering a Whale Watching Tour package from January 3 through March 31 where travelers can be within feet of the magnificent Humpback whales as they make their annual winter... [Read more]

Seafood in Singapore

January 7, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

‘SILK ROAD OF THE SEA’ TRACES MARCO POLO’S CULINARY FOOTSTEPS AT AMARA SANCTUARY RESORT SENTOSA

A new seafood restaurant serving cuisine tracing the culinary footsteps of explorer Marco Polo from the Mediterranean to the South China Sea has opened at Amara Sanctuary Resort on Sentosa’s popular Palawan Beach .

With both indoor... [Read more]

Scotsman Holiday Offers

January 6, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

- OFFER ONE: A Guaranteed Dollar December Rate from $230 per room, per
night - a saving of $159!

- OFFER TWO: January is ‘Burns Month’ at The Scotsman. Celebrate
legendary Scots poet, Robbie Burns, with the biggest party of the year and
special rates of £105 midweek (about $216) & £135 weekend (about $278)

The Scotsman, a Leading Hotels... [Read more]

Heli-Skiing Trip

January 6, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

CMH INTRODUCES MOST EXTRAVAGANT HELI-SKIING TRIP EVER

$21,000 for a week of skiing. Per Person. No, it’s not a typo. With the introduction of its Nomads Week in 2008, CMH - the largest Heli-Skiing company in the world — has formulated what may be the most expensive ski trip ever offered. The exclusive trip will consist of only eight skiers, accompanied by three guides, and will span... [Read more]

Thalasso in Mexico

January 6, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

THALASSO SPA TREATMENTS LATEST CELEB CRAZE AT PARAISO DE LA BONITA RESORT IN MEXICO‘S RIVIERA MAYA

Teri Hatcher, Kate Walsh and Maria Menounos Are Fans of Only Certified Thalassotherapy Spa in North America

Celebrities are flocking to the Thalasso Center Spa and Anti-Aging Center this season at Paraiso de la Bonita, the luxurious... [Read more]

Malaysia Golf!

January 6, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

Malaysia was conferred the ‘2008 Asia and Australasia Golf Destination of the Year’
award from the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) during the 2007
annual awards gala dinner held at the Gran Melia Hotel in Cancun, Mexico, on... [Read more]

Jackie Vick

January 5, 2008 | Written by Jackie

Jacqueline Vick is a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America. Her short stories have appeared in Futures Mystery Anthology Magazine, Orchard Press Mysteries, Dark Reveries, and Cantaraville II. Her web site is www.jacquelinevick.com.

Read and article by Jackie:
To Tour, or Not, in New Zealand

Back... [Read more]

Dine Out Vancouver Returns

January 5, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

In its sixth year, the promotion boasts record number of participating restaurants and new awards program.

Vancouver, BC: Come in from the cold this January and take a bite out of Vancouver’s top food and wine event! Presented by Visa®, Tourism Vancouver’s Dine Out Vancouver 2008 will take place over 19 days, from Wednesday, January 16 to Sunday,... [Read more]

Wellington’s Pure Incentive

January 5, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

Wellington has just launched an exciting new incentive product - Pure Incentive.

This exclusive product showcases some of Wellington’s finest experiences in a 3-day adventure.

Dynamic Tours deliver the experience with exceptional style and attention to detail.

Guests take an exhilarating helicopter flight with HELiPRO to an exquisite luxury lodge �Wharekauhau.... [Read more]

Sushi at Swiss Hotel

January 4, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

THE TRADITION EVOLVES: BEAU-RIVAGE PALACE OPENS SUSHI RESTAURANT

Sushi at the venerable Beau-Rivage Palace? That’s right…Le Miyako Lausanne, under the direction of Chef Hayato Sugimoto, recently Beau-Rivage Palace opened at the legendary Beau-Rivage Palace. “As our belle époque hotel marks its 150th anniversary this summer,” says François Dussart, General Manager, “the... [Read more]

Langham Hotel’s Restaurant

January 4, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

The Landau is David Collins’ second artistic venture at Langham Hotel London, after the opening of the deeply glamorous Artesian Bar in January

Contemporary European cuisine, the finest British ingredients, surprising twists and a stunning interior mark the opening of The Landau restaurant at the Langham Hotel, London. With celebrated chef Andrew Turner returning to London to head up The Landau’s... [Read more]

Cooking and Pilates Retreat

January 4, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

FOR AFTER THE FEASTING, FITNESS (WITHOUT FASTING)

For those who want to dig their way out of this season of winter feasting without having to sacrifice flavor, Barcelona-trained chef and culinary guide Teresa Parker and New York-based Pilates Master Karrie Adamany have cooked up a Food and Fitness Retreat in a gorgeously restored country... [Read more]

Los Palomas Resort Packages

January 3, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

CLEAR FOR TAKE OFF! LAS PALOMAS BEACH AND GOLF RESORT’S NEW PACKAGES MARK THE START OF COMMERCIAL FLIGHTS FROM U.S.

Puerto Peñasco’s Original Luxury Resort Offers Incentives to Hop on-Board the New Aeromexico Connect Flights to This Burgeoning Destination

There is no time like the present to fly away to Mexico’s... [Read more]

400-Year Journey in Québec

January 3, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

Residents and visitors are invited to take a stroll on the 400-year Journey Interactive Tour on January 5th and 6th, 2008, from 4 to 9 pm. This unique tour in the heart of Old Québec will allow us to relive the important events marking Québec City’s history. The tour will include 13 different stations, all true works of art hosted by numerous actors, dancers and athletes. One of these stations,le Cabaret des 400... [Read more]

Copenhagen Winter Cruises

January 3, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

In 2005, the first Christmas cruise visited Copenhagen. This December, the ships will once again find their way to Northern Europe’s leading cruise destination. Cruise lines have discovered Northern Europe as a Christmas destination and three cruise ships have scheduled their arrival.

“Since the beginning of the year, we saw a rise in inquires about Christmas... [Read more]

The Dance Cruise

January 2, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

Singles Travel International Invites the Discerning Solo Traveler aboard the Queen Mary 2 for a Transatlantic Dance Cruise

Singles Travel International announces the upcoming Dance Cruise on the luxurious Queen Mary 2’s transatlantic crossing from July 8 through July 15, 2008. Sign up early for this spectacular cruise on one of the most luxurious ships on the seas. While crossing the Atlantic... [Read more]

St. Regis in Cairo

January 2, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

St. Regis, Cairo will Offer Superior Design and Unparalleled Service in the Heart of Africa’s Largest City

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the introduction of its renowned St. Regis brand to Africa, with plans to debut a new property in 2011 in the heart of downtown Cairo. The St. Regis, Cairo... [Read more]

Santa Fe Museum News

January 2, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

Native Couture: A History of Santa Fe Style
An Exhibition to Remember When in Santa Fe
Museum-quality Native American Jewelry
December 16, 2007 - June 6, 2009

When in Santa Fe over the Christmas holiday take in this exhibition of museum-quality Native American jewelry and fashion. It is a rare opportunity to see the “best of the best” of Indian jewelry. Hone your eye... [Read more]

Moon’s Oaxaca and New Year’s Wishes

January 1, 2008 | Written by Kimberli Waack

May Peace by Kimberli Waack on In The Know Traveler

As I plan and dream about the places I’ll go and the people I’ll meet in 2008, I also reflect on the places, people... [Read more]

Music in the Canaries

January 1, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

EIGHT ISLANDS TO HOST 65 CONCERTS JANUARY TO MARCH

Featuring Opera Stars Cecilia Bartoli, Riccardo Muti & Sir Neville Marriner

Like your Brahms with some balmy weather? Then head for Spain’s Canaries this winter. Sonatas and symphonies will fill the air of eight of the Canary Islands from January 10 through March 1, 2008 when the... [Read more]

AA to Barcelona

January 1, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

AMERICAN AIRLINES TO LAUNCH SERVICE TO BARCELONA

Next year American Airlines will launch service from New York to Barcelona, Spain. Beginning April 24, 2008, American will inaugurate nonstop daily flights John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York and Barcelona International Airport (BCN). American Airlines’ flight #152 will... [Read more]

New Moons: Peru and Argentina

January 1, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

Moon Peru
Authors: Ross Wehner, Renée del Gaudio, and Kazia Jankowski
ISBN: 1-56691-983-5 • Price: $21.95 • Pub date: October 2007 • Second edition

Once, this Southern American region dripped with gold, but now, Peru drips with different kinds of gold: culture, tradition, history, and breathtaking backdrops. Experienced travel... [Read more]