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Tuesday, October 31, 2006

New York Hotel Goes Healthy!


What could be the new fad in hotels? How about health.

Mini-bars at the Affinia DuMont, an Executive Suite Hotel in New York City, may be pioneering a trend towards healthier offerings. Their mini-bar has Harvest Power Bars made of whole grain and a Spa Mix that includes peanuts, raisins and nuts. Beverages include organic pomegranate juices.

The hotel has found other ways of catering to its healthy niche with Fitness Concierges who offer advice on running routes and healthy dining options.

Fit Kits for in-room workouts are also offered.

There's even a "relax" deck of cards that shows relaxation and meditation techniques

PS: in keeping with the fitness concept, the mini-bars offer no liquor.


To check rates or learn more about the Affinia DuMont Click Here

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Silversea offers cruisers "freedom of choice"

Silversea Cruises says it is introducing next year an exclusive new style of ultra-luxury cruise travel called "Privileged Passage."

"The company is planning to take things to the next level by offering guests even greater personal freedom and flexibility in customizing their own cruise experience to suit their personal lifestyle, while incorporating an expanded and enhanced array of complimentary amenities and benefits," the cruise company says.

Said Albert Peter, CEO:

"In order to attract more first-time and nontraditional cruisers, we want to completely break the mold of the conventional cruise vacation and change travelers' perceptions about the rigidity and formality often associated with cruising."

What elements will go into the new ships?

. Formal nights and receptions will be abolished.

. There will be extended open hours for fitness center and spa-goers.

. Early and Late Disembarkation at no additional cost will be offered.

. Tours will be shaped to make it easier for travelers to have more intimate contact with places and cultures.

. Entertainment will be more casual with contemporary bands, jazz ensembles and mix shows by disc jockeys from around the world.

The Privileged Passage program will debut next year on a test basis aboard Silver Whisper's Classic Reflections voyage, a 10-day cruise.

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Monday, October 30, 2006

A Deal SOOOO Good - It's Frightening!!!

Well, as scary season is upon us, I thought I would try and find a deal that would shock and delight. Here it is:

Cruise to the Mexican Riviera for just $499 Canadian/person!

Sail on Holland America's MS Oosterdam, 7 nights, round trip from San Diego and save over 65 percent! Departure January 20, 2007.

This is for a MM category cabin and you pay an additional $80/person for departure taxes.

It's almost cheaper than staying at home...

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Thursday, October 26, 2006

Clothing-Optional, Desire Guaranteed!

I don't know about you, but I could use a little something to spice up my Thursday afternoon.

I came across this brand of resorts today that I thought I would pass on to you. They are called "Desire Resorts" and they cater to "liberated couples seeking sun, sand and sensual encounters."

They have two resorts in Mexico, one near Cancun and a new property opening this winter in Los Cabos. They provide a clothing-optional, couples-only resort experience. The new Los Cabos property looks stunning with beach side palapa sunning beds, a gorgeous pool and clothing optional rooftop Jacuzzi and "see and be seen" translucent open air shower.

The new property features a spa with reasonably priced spa services, and a selection of "themed parties" for every night of the week. I am not making this stuff up - this is direct from their marketing materials:

"Dance the night away, make new friends and even dress in your wildest theme-party costume. This is the pulsating heart of Desire, a place of throbbing beats, heated bodies and exciting music; couples arrive as strangers and leave as friends. And in the privacy of the guest couples–only Play Room, Passion rules the night! "

Is it getting hot in here? Intrigued...Air Canada Vacations, Sunwing and Nolitours offer their resorts in their line up of products. As always, give us a call if you would like more info or go to our website to book online.

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Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Last Minute Syndrome

We have found in our office that people's booking habits have been reconditioned by the "last minute" syndrome. Most people plan their vacations by the seat of their pants these days. Which isn't a bad thing, but it does mean that some products are long since sold out when you go to buy them.

I know it is hard to plan so far in advance, but it does make sense for a lot of vacation products. So here's the heads up for what you want to plan ahead for:

1) The best sun resorts sell out. People know a good thing when they experience it and they tell their friends and they rebook the property as soon as they get home. If you want the best, you have to get in early. Now is a good time to try and book into these properties for February breaks.

2) Balconies on cruise ships. These rooms sell out fast. Seasoned cruisers book long in advance because they know this. To get the location you want and a balcony room you should be thinking six months to a year in advance booking time.

3) Specialized cruises. Once you stray from the popular itineraries and move into the more exotic ports, cruise lines may only visit these places once or twice a year. You definitely want to plan early for these departures.

4) Limited space trips. More and more tour operators are moving towards smaller, more specialized group trips. Although they may offer the same trip with two or three departure dates, you will need to book in early to make sure you get the dates you want.

I know planning ahead isn't the easiest thing to do with our complicated lives these days, but it does open up your vacation options. Why not have a look at our websites to see some of the really great travel ideas and then start making some plans for next year.

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Friday, October 13, 2006

NCL National Cruise Vacation Month Deals!

Hey, come celebrate NCL’s exciting National Cruise Vacation Month. All month long our agency is giving you a FREE two-category upgrade when you book an NCL cruise. We’re talking any cruise, anywhere NCL goes. Great, huh? And that’s not all. Book this week and you will also receive a free $150 shipboard credit!

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Thursday, October 05, 2006

Need some sunshine?

There is a Charter flight sale to Florida on right now. Fly into Ft. Lauderdale or Orlando for only $99 return!

There has to be a catch right? Well, taxes will run you about $200 and this sale is only good for depatures between Nov 6 - Dec 11 for Ft. Lauderdale and Nov 2 - Dec 14th for Orlando.

Still, its an excellent rate if you want to hook up with some excellent cruise specials right now, and you can visit Disney for as low as $37/day with a 7 day "Magic Your Way" base ticket. Plus we can get you a free upgrade on a rental car.

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travelmyway.ca - NEW LOOK!

I had been hoping to post more regularly, but the past week has been dominated with getting our new website up. travelmyway.ca has been live for about two years and we wanted to relaunch with a new look.

Sometimes I wonder if technology is really making our lives easier. I am a early adopter of most things electronic thanks to my dad, but coming up with a new look for the front page has been a bit painstaking.

The biggest issue I found with our old look was that some of our really innovative products were getting lost on the site. Sure lots of people come to search for flights or sun packages, but we have great Internet rates for hotels, we have this amazing condo engine and a last minute weekend getaways engine that will make you never want to stay home again.

So reorganize we did. Have a look and let me know what you think. Normally I like a much more designerly, clean look - but the current marketplace has busy sites filled to the brim with content - so we followed suit.

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