(NEW YORK, May 16, 2012) — British Airways today announced a special four day sale for travel between New York and Paris this summer — including nonstop flights in the new OpenSkies ‘Eco’ cabin.

The sale starts today and runs until midnight PT time on Monday, May 14, 2012. The $1098 fare is for travel from New York (JFK or Newark) to Paris (CDG or Orly) in BA World Traveller economy class or OpenSkies’ new cabin, Eco.

Fares begin at $1098, including all taxes, fees and charges. The fare is valid for travel from May 22, 2012 to August 23, 2012.

Customers flying with British Airways in the World Traveller cabin will experience ergonomically designed seats with adjustable headrests and footrests. They will also enjoy an audio and video on demand (AVOD) system which offers over 200 entertainment choices, including 100 films and TV programs.

From June 19, OpenSkies, a wholly owned subsidiary by British Airways, will have seats in its completely new Eco economy class available for booking. The Eco cabin features 11 rows of leather seats in a 3X3 configuration to guarantee service intimacy. Customers will also receive individual digital tablets loaded with more than 70 hours of entertainment including movies, TV and games.

As well as the flight savings, customers can also pick up great package deals by booking hotels or car hire through British Airways, creating an extra special holiday in Paris.

Visit ba.com/nyc-paris to book.

(May 16, 2012, New York, New York) –World class films with an African focus, international music performances, international and local art exhibitions, and stunning natural settings are in store for cinema and art lovers attending the 15th annual Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) July 7-15, 2012 in Tanzania. The 2012 Festival theme, “When Global Images Meet in Zanzibar”, captures the essence of the diversity of humanity and humanity’s most precious resource- creativity- through films.

In addition to showcasing the world’s most captivating and cutting-edge talent in film, there will also be live music and dance, art exhibits, a range of film and video industry workshops, seminars, a children’s film panorama, bullfighting in Pemba, and dhow races in Unguja.

Stone Town, the Festival’s venue in Zanzibar, is part of the United Republic of Tanzania and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This colorful port provides an exotic setting for the nine days of festivities. ZIFF has captivated serious followers of international film and music, students of African culture both past and present, and travelers interested in arts-centered fun for over a decade. Originally called the Festival of the Dhow Countries, the Zanzibar International Film Festival is now the largest annual event of its kind in East Africa. The Festival events in Stone Town typically attract 7,000 foreign visitors and more than 149,000 local guests; while the total number of people attending all the Festival events held throughout Zanzibar, Pemba, and Tanzania Mainland is 150,000 with over 40 countries being represented.

According to Dr. Aloyce Nzuki, Managing Director of the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), “the annual ZIFF event, which grows in popularity from year to year, also attracts visitors because of the unique opportunity to combine a rich cultural experience with a safari to some of Tanzania’s world-renowned game sanctuaries and archaeological sites.  Short flights from Zanzibar can connect visitors to Arusha, the gateway to the northern safari circuit including the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro as well as the Ngorongoro Crater; and to Dar es Salaam (only a 15 flight) the gateway to the South, including Ruaha National Park and the Selous Game Reserve.  All these create great pre or post Festival tour options.”

For more information on the Zanzibar International Film Festival, visit http://www.ziff.or.tz/. The official tour operator for ZIFF is Zanzibar Festival Tours. The tour offers a 10-night program to the Festival from July 6-16, 2012 including expert guides, VIP passes to festival performances, exploration of Stone Town and some of the best beaches in the world. For more information on the tours, visit www.zanzibarfestivaltours.com.

Lazing about may be frowned upon in regular settings, but at Changi Airport it is downright encouraged. Nothing could be more important than the “state of restfulness” of its guests and so Changi encourages rest and relaxation at free “sleep areas” and provides other convenient options that include transit hotels and an elegant airport hotel (adjoining Terminal 3), all within an easy walk and accessible without leaving the airport.

Is it any wonder that online travel portals like www.SleepinginAirports.net regularly name Changi Airport as the top airport for forty winks or longer?For tired travelers look to the following places for some quiet downtime at Changi:

Complimentary nap areas are spread across Terminal 3. Make your way down to the free rest areas and get comfy on specially-designed snooze chairs. These comfortable leather chairs come with head and leg rests, so stretch out for the ultimate relaxation.

PAID NAP AREAS

Terminal 1

·         The Rainforest Lounge at Departure Transit Lounge West, Level 3.

·         Transit Hotel at Departure Transit Lounge East, Level 3.

 Terminal 2

·         Transit Hotel at Departure Transit Lounge South, Level 3.

·         Chill out in style with designer bean bags sofas from Ambient Lounge at Departure Transit Lounge, Level 2.

Terminal 3

·         The Ambassador Transit Lounge is located at Departure Transit Lounge, Level 3.

Rates for the Rainforest Lounge (single occupancy) typically begin from SGD$30++ for the first 3 hours while rates for the Transit Hotels at Terminals 1, 2 and 3 (single occupancy, budget room rate) begin at SGD$41.20 for a six hour block charge). Advance reservations are advisable and walk-ins are subject to availability.

For more information on these cool sleeping areas & room rates, please visit http://www.changiairport.com/at-changi/leisure-indulgences/rest-areas.

Lion World Tours is offering a luxury package to Kenya starting from USD $2,899 per person including international airfare, taxes and fuel surcharges.  The itinerary provides multiple game viewing opportunities and includes a visit to the renowned Masai Mara Game Reserve, a prime spot to observe Kenya’s Big Five — lions, rhinos, buffalo, elephants and leopards. This USD $2,899* “Luxury Kenya” package is valid for departures on 08, 15, 22 and 29 November 2012. Fly from Washington, DC on Ethiopian Airlines to Nairobi via Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Airlines was the winner of the 2009 “Airline of the Year” award from the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).

This package also includes six nights in luxury accommodations in Kenya, game viewing, guides, meals, transfers and more.

Nairobi Serena Hotel is a member of Leading Hotels of the World, and is located on the edge of the Central Park and the City Center offering a peaceful and luxurious retreat to travelers.

Serena Lake Elmenteita Luxury Camp is located on the Soysambu Conservancy, right on the shores of Lake Elmenteita. Offering a blend of exclusivity and adventure, the new camp has 25 luxury tents, a dining and lounge area, spa and swimming pool enjoying magnificent views of the Lake. Soysambu Conservancy is a wildlife sanctuary that offers uniqueness whilst boasting a broad range of wildlife and bird species.

Mara Serena Safari Lodge seemingly floats on a sea of savannah. The waters of the Mara River are home to crocodiles and pools of hippo, while the woodlands and forests are favored by leopards and elephants. The open savannah areas play host to the plains game. All of the Big Five — lions, rhinos, buffalo, elephants and leopards – are here, as well as cheetah, hippo, hartebeest, gazelle, topi, antelope, zebra and many other animals. The Mara is also noted for its abundance of lions – particularly the superb black maned males.

“Luxury Kenya”, starting from USD $2,899^* per person, is a 9 day trip which includes:

• Round trip international Economy Class airfare from Washington, DC (Dulles) to Nairobi, Kenya, aboard Ethiopian Airlines
• All Fuel Surcharges and Taxes
• One night at Nairobi Serena Hotel
• Two nights at Serena Lake Elmenteita Luxury Camp
• Three nights at Mara Serena Safari Lodge
• Game drives as specified in the itinerary
• Six Breakfasts / five Lunches / five Dinners
• Lion World Tours representative Meet and Greet upon arrival
• Transfers

The single supplement fee has been waived.

Keen on additional safari time? We suggest continuing on to the magnificent Serengeti Game Reserve in Tanzania, or stay in Kenya and visit Amboseli National Park for lovely views of Mount Kilimanjaro and great game viewing. Prefer to relax at a beach after your safari? Mombassa and Zanzibar offer a great choice of beach resorts, water sports and gorgeous unspoiled beaches.

To book your trip or enquire for more information and other ideas, call Lion World Tours at 1-800-387-270 or visit www.lionworldtours.com to view the full itinerary.

It’s undoubtedly one of the most misunderstood symbols. The Hijab has been attacked many times, nationally and internationally. Whether you travel through America, Europe, or the Middle East one thing is evident: that you will see a Muslim woman wearing Hijab in some form. I am one of them; I reside in California and grew up in Orange County. I adore American culture, and like so many Muslim women, I choose to wear Hijab.

Hijab has many forms, and many looks. Each woman has her own personal reasons for wearing Hijab. This article is not meant to showcase one individual as correct or incorrect in her decision. Rather it is meant to explain the different looks of Hijab, and hopefully relieve some of the stigma associated with wearing it.

The first look, which is pretty common, and which so many Muslim women and I have chosen, is the headscarf with modest dress. I will speak for myself that I love to dress up, I love to celebrate my femininity, but I try to stay within Islamic guidelines of modesty while satiating my love of fashion.

The second look is the Abaya, which is a simple robe-like dress that falls on the body not hugging any curves. It is usually seen in black, but most women choose Abayas that have embroidery or even crystals on them. In some places like the Dubai an Abaya can cost upward of $1000 dollars.

The last, and often the most feared and heavily debated, is the Niqab where a woman covers her face and only her eyes are visible. Most people have flashes of oppressed women walking ten steps behind their husbands while drowning in the layers of cloth. I will not say that there are women in this world that are not forced to wear such dress against their will, but I will say that the women I have met in my life that have chosen this lifestyle as a way to strip away from this world and focus only on worshiping their lord.

Through my travels and interactions with Muslim women I have found most choose to wear Hijab and feel comfortable and confident in their decisions. They feel that Hijab keeps them close to what God has asked from them.

While on a trip to Saudi Arabia, I wore the Abaya in order not to stand out too much as a foreigner. I did not mind it, but itched to get back into my clothing. Most women in Saudi Arabia own hundreds of these robes, some embellished in Swarovski crystals. To some it is simply a cultural overthrow that is placed on their beautiful fashionable clothing as respect until they arrive to their desired destination; for others it is more for religious practice.

On one outing in Saudi Arabia I met Naeema, a 43-year-old mother and pharmacist. She had this to say about Hijab: “We are educated, we love fashion, we love to dance and sing and we enjoy life just like everyone else, we just dress a little differently.” Naeema had felt hurt and frustrated while traveling through Europe she was verbally attacked and disrespected for her choice to wear the Abaya.

To respect, and to show one another dignity, is a universal language, which can best be practiced by understanding each other’s cultural and religious beliefs. The only way to do this is through talking to others and in particular while we travel educating ourselves on different customs. From my life experiences, we seem to all be the same inside, we just look a little different on the outside.

Ghada was born in Cairo, Egypt and lived there to the age of four before coming to the United States at such a young age. She feels immensely blessed that she has been immersed in the traditions of a different culture, and able to tap into another world in her creative endeavors. She finds that her children inspire her by the simplicity that they perceive the world. From that, she is able to let go of her complex views and see the world simply as it is. For more about Ghada and her writing, visit www.ghadabedair.com

On a windy night, I attended a screening of “In Bruges,” at the Writer’s Guild Theater in Beverly Hills. It was simultaneously funny and horribly violent. I laughed, I cringed. Colin Ferrell and Ralph Fiennes were excellent, but the standout star of the movie was the sexy city of Bruges, in Belgium. Infatuated with her stunning, well-preserved Medieval architecture, I could hardly wait to be there.

It took three years (I move slowly), but I finally got to her. There are no flights into Bruges from the US, so I flew into Brussels and caught a train (right at the airport) to the city of my dreams.

From the station in Bruges, I easily grabbed a taxi to the Best Western I’d booked online. I know, sounds cheap and cheesy, but it was lovely and a mere stone’s throw from the main square. It was also home to a sweet parrot that greeted me on my way in and out of the lobby and encouraged me to have fun.

Upon arrival, I walked to Market square. It was breathtaking, even prettier than in the movies! I sat outside with a gorgeous meal and enjoyed the mid-March chill, while munching a healthy omelet and salad. You can easily find all kinds of cuisines to delight your palate in Bruges, not just Belgian. And the food is fresh, robust and with dazzling presentation, even in the inexpensive restaurants.

Later that day I visited the Belfry Tower. After walking up 366 steps, I got to see the whole, spectacular city. There is a part in the movie wherein Colin Ferrell warns an overweight family not to hike up there. Before seeing it myself, I thought that was just snarky. As it turns out, the stairwell is tiny and one really must be fit in order to get in and up to the top.

Later in the trip I strolled to another part of town for a ride on the canal. The guide pointed out the hotel where Colin Ferrell stayed while filming. I realized I wasn’t the only tourist drawn to the city via the movie. Though some natives roll their eyes at the mention of “In Bruges,” the tourism industry is appreciative.

Bruges is home to some of the best chocolate shops on the planet. I know, because I’ve been around and chocolate is a staple of my diet. My first night, I was too shy to do dinner by myself, so I wandered around savoring a bag of assorted truffles and fell in love with them.

This charming little town invites you to walk anywhere and everywhere and promises to delight you no matter what you explore.

Plenty of lovely tours leave from the “Markt” (Market Square) every 30 minutes. You’re welcome to show up and hop on the bus. There are museums, churches, restaurants, cinemas, theaters, and tons of shopping. You can treat yourself to fabulous gifts. It’s an interesting, fun and safe place to visit alone, or with family and friends. If you want to check out its beauty before visiting, do see “In Bruges.” Careful, though, you might become obsessed. There’s also some alluring footage in the Audrey Hepburn film, “The Nun’s Story.” Though that film is from the late 50s, Bruges still looks hot. Traveling there is like going back in time to an old, yet well-preserved and wonderful love. I look forward to my return. Until then, there’s Netflix.

Toni Ann Johnson is a Sundance Institute Screenwriter’s Lab alum. She won the Humanitas Prize for her civil rights era teleplay “Ruby Bridges,” in 1998. In 2004 she won a second Humanitas Prize for “Crown Heights,” the Showtime drama about the 1991 riots between African-American and Hasidic Jews in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. She also writes dance movies and books about health and beauty. Her books Vibrating Youth and Vibrant and Clear are available on Amazon. Visit www.vibratingyouth.com

(Perth, Australia, April 27, 2012) — From Friday, May 25 to Sunday, June 3, 2012, thousands will gather in Kununurra for the Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster to celebrate East Kimberley life with an abundance of events and activities. Highlighting its extraordinary cultural diversity, stunning primeval landscape, friendly folk and warm country hospitality, the Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster is an all-embracing community celebration of the prodigious attractions found in the East Kimberley region.

From humble beginnings in 2001, the Ord Valley Muster quietly came to life as a simple one-night affair and pleasant dinner in the outback for local businesses. Now in its twelfth year, the festival has evolved into a popular 10-day-long event for Kimberley residents and the many visitors from around the nation and across the globe that the region attracts this time of year. Festival-goers will revel in the Ord Valley Muster’s variety of entertainment, ranging from a diamond dig to mountain bike challenges to shopping in the Kununurra markets.

The highlight of the fun-filled muster will be the internationally acclaimed Airnorth Kimberley Moon Experience Saturday, June 2, 2012.  The event takes place at the Jim Hughes Amphitheatre under the Kimberley moon and twinkling stars by the banks of the majestic Ord River and features Australian music legends, including Paul Kelly, Kasey Chambers, The Black Sorrows, among others. Audience members are invited to bring a rug, picnic hamper and cooler or indulge in the Kimberley Fine Diamonds Corporate Circle with fine wines and a delicious sit-down dinner by one of Western Australia’s most dynamic chefs, Don Hancey. Tickets start at $107 USD.

Additional events during the Ord Valley Muster include the Waringarri Aboriginal Arts exhibit, street parties, movie nights, “Muster Idol” singing competitions, tours of local landmarks, the Kimberley Gospel Festival and Argyle Diamonds’ cocktail party.  Adventure lovers will enjoy participating in Ride the Last Frontier, a horseback excursion in the outback, and the Gibb River Road Mountain Bike Challenge, a socially competitive 430-plus mile team relay event that raises community awareness and money for charity. Those seeking family-friendly activities will have a ball catching toads during Family Toad Busting night, watching riders compete in the Station Challenge Rodeo and digging through tons of sand for diamonds in the Argyle Diamond Dig.

The Kimberley region affords all types of accommodations for U.S. travelers who are making the trek to Australia for the Ord Valley Muster. El Questro Homestead allows guests to explore the outback without sacrificing luxury in an exclusive retreat perched atop the magnificent Chamberlain Gorge. The only thing rustic about this stunning destination is the rugged Kimberley landscape in the backdrop, as the resort provides guests with a swimming pool, tennis courts and several magnificent dining options. Visitors seeking the complete Australian outback experience will enjoy staying at the Indigenous Home Valley Station. From a rugged adventure in the safari-style Eco Tents to a comfortable retreat in the Homestead Guesthouse Rooms, Home Valley Station provides accommodation options for travelers of all preferences. Home Valley Station has an inspiring range of tours and activities to suit everyone, such as gentle gorge walks, relaxing boating, adventurous horse treks and cattle mustering.

See destination packages and booking information here http://swaintours.com/discovers/ord-valley-muster or call 1-800-227-9246.

(Florence, Italy, April 26, 2012) – Lungarno Collection, a Ferragamo family-owned hospitality group based in Florence, introduces new chauffeur-driven excursions along the picturesque Tuscan roads. Once traveled by Amerigo Vespucci and Giovanni da Verrazzano, two celebrated Italian explorers who led expeditions throughout Italy and North America, guests can now relive their journeys on an all-inclusive tour along the Chianti Classico Wine Road.

As part of an aristocratic family, Amerigo Vespucci was born and raised in Florence in the 15^th century and later became an Italian explorer, financier and cartographer who worked with Christopher Columbus to navigate the “New World” and the West Indies. Giovanni da Verrazzano was also from a prominent Florentine family and was renowned as the first European to travel to North America since the Norse expeditions. Verrazzano traveled the Atlantic Coast of North America including the New York Harbor, where the bridge between Staten Island and Brooklyn is named in his honor.

In honor of their international legacies, the new “Discover the Path of Italian Explorers” offering is available exclusively to guests of Lungarno Collection Florentine hotels: Hotel Lungarno; GALLERY Hotel Art; Continentale;  and Lungarno Suites.

• Guests will be met at the hotel door to be driven throughout the countryside in a luxurious Mercedes Class S.

• Travelers will tour the Verrazzano Wine Castle Estate, birthplace of 16^th-century navigator Giovanni Verrazzano, and witness the winemaking tradition at the castle that dates back to 1150. The tour includes a walk in the beautiful gardens and woods; tastings of the classic wines, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and Vin Santo, all accompanied by traditional almond biscuits; and a lunch filled with traditional Italian treats from warm pecorino cheese to fennel-flavored salami.

• Guests can also visit the charming village of Montefioralle, birthplace of Amerigo Vespucci, whose name inspired “the Americas.” The path takes visitors for a stroll through the medieval town, considered among the most beautiful in Italy, before returning to Florence via chauffeured ride with views of the Chianti landscape.

• Chauffeured tours to other Tuscan towns including Siena and San Gimignano can also be arranged.

“Discover the Path of Italian Explorers,” a full day excursion (approximately 8 hours long), is available until December 21, 2012. Priced at 370€ for four people. The excursions can be combined with all packages available from each of Lungarno Collection’s Florentine hotels.

For more information or reservations, please visit www.lungarnocollection.com.

(BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – April 26, 2012) — The St. Kitts Marriott Resort today debuted the Sun, Sea & Golf package—a “sweet” deal for golfers headed to Sugar City this fall.  In addition to enjoying luxury guest rooms trimmed with West Indian accents and cutting edge comforts, guests at the hotel from September 1 – October 31, 2012, will receive complimentary green fees at Royal St. Kitts Golf Club.

Boasting pristine white sandy beaches surrounded by beautiful blue waters, lush tropical rain forests and a variety of historical and cultural attractions, the island of St. Kitts truly has something for everyone.  The St. Kitts Marriott Resort, located on the Windward side of the island, features 393 luxury guest rooms and is highlighted by The Royal St. Kitts Golf Club, one of the most scenic and well-conditioned courses in the Caribbean.  The front nine offers a glimpse of the Caribbean Sea on holes 3 and 4, as well as views of sister island Nevis and colorful island homes which are set into the mountainside, while the back nine features stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Guests will also enjoy gaming and excitement at The Royal Beach Casino, located onsite, and the largest Vegas-style casino in the Caribbean; revitalizing and luxurious spa treatments at the Emerald Mist Spa; exquisite dining options at eight restaurants and two lounges; and an outstanding Kids Club program – making it the ideal destination for families, couples and corporate travelers alike.

The Sun, Sea & Golf package includes overnight accommodations at St. Kitts Marriott Resort, complimentary green fees at Royal St. Kitts Golf Club and breakfast daily.  Rates start at $159 per room, per night, based on double occupancy.  Tax and service fees not included.  Offer valid for stays from September 1 – October 31, 2012.  Course closed September 3.  Cart fees and club rental not included.

For more information or to book, visit www.stkittsmarriott.com or call 1.800.228.9290 and reference promo code H47.

(Los Angeles, CA, April 25, 2012) - Book now through April 30, 2012 to fly round trip from 22 major US cities to Fiji from as low as $1078 per person or to Australia for as low as $1158 per person or New Zealand for as low as $1081 per person on Air Pacific, Fiji’s International Airline. These fares are all inclusive of taxes and fees, now that’s friendly!

The “7-Day Sale” includes: Fly Air Pacific and American Airlines round trip from 22 US cities to Nadi, Fiji, Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland, Apia, Port Villa, Honiara and Tonga. Must book between April 23, 2012 and April 30, 2012 and travel between April 23, 2012 and May 31, 2012. All flights will connect via Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

All Inclusive Roundtrip Sale Fares from 22 US Departure Cities:
• Roundtrip to Sydney from $1237
• Roundtrip to Brisbane from $1158
• Roundtrip to Auckland from $1081
• Roundtrip to Apia from $1134

Departure Cities Include:
Albuquerque, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Fresno, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Monterey, New York, Phoenix, Reno, St. Louis, San Jose, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Santa Barbara, Washington

All Inclusive Roundtrip Sale Fares from Departure City to Nadi, Fiji:
• Albuquerque from $1,091
• Austin from $1,098
• Boston from $1,091
• Chicago from $1,091
• Dallas from $1,091
• Denver from $1,107
• Fresno from $1,091
• Houston from $1,103
• Las Vegas from $1,091
• Miami from $1,112
• Monterey from $1,093
• New York from $1,112
• Phoenix to Nadi from $1,091
• Reno from $1,098
• St. Louis from $1,091
• San Jose from $1,099
• San Francisco from $1,099
• San Diego from $1,091
• Sacramento from $1,100
• Salt Lake City from $1,103
• Santa Barbara from $1,091
• Washington from $1,112

Air Pacific currently operates domestic and international flights covering the Pacific, North America, Asia, New Zealand and Australia.

Complete details and booking information can be found at http://www.airpacific.com/flights/usa-7-day-sale and fijifriendly.com.