Monday, April 27, 2009

FAIRMONT'S FAMILY ADVENTURES...

Enjoy a family adventure this summer and get out to enjoy the great outdoors! Escape the daily grind, grab the kids and head to Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, which offer exclusive adventures for children and a range of family-friendly activities ideal for any budget. Whether it’s bear watching in Montebello, outrigger canoeing in Hawaii, or exploring a legendary castle in Quebec City, Fairmont destinations are easy to access by car, train, or a short plane ride and promise a memorable experience for all. As an added bonus, families can also take advantage of Fairmont’s kids dining program, which offers complimentary meals from the buffet or children’s menu for little ones 5 years of age and under, and 50% off the regular menu for children aged 6–12.

For more information, visit: www.fairmont.com

Monday, April 20, 2009

DREAM BIG!


Dream Escape

LDPR is pleased to announce a new addition to our list of clients. Prepare to expand your imagination through travel with Dream Escape, offering the newest, most creative travel options in Scotland imaginable.

Husband and wife David and Holly Tobin began Dream Escape in 2004 as a means to provide access to the best Scotland as to offer. They work to piece together personalized bespoke itineraries for groups and individuals, using only the most luxurious hotels, estates, castles and restaurants. Anything is possible and everything is tailor made.

Make the most out of your family’s summer vacation and take advantage of this great time to visit Scotland!

For a sneak peak into your own dream experience, visit www.dreamescape.co.uk and keep checking the site for the upcoming redesign!

Friday, April 17, 2009

Scotland's Homecoming Stretch!

Deep Discounts and Free Homecoming Festivities:
Time to be Bullish on Scotland

On Monday, April 6, National Tartan Day, Highland Athlete, Harrison Bailey III (L) and Scotland’s Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, the Honorable Jim Mather (R), visited New York to share ways to stretch the dollar for travel during the Homecoming year.

Top Ten Ways to Stretch Your Dollar
During Homecoming Scotland 2009

1. Dooley Vacations is offering a week-long “Scotland Tartan B&B” package starting at $999 air-inclusive: www.dooleyvacations.com

2. Get 25-30 percent more for your dollar with sterling at a 10 year low

3. Based on the average spent in 2008, Americans will save more than $300 visiting Scotland in 2009

4. The UK Government has reduced retail tax (VAT) on goods and services by 2.5 percent

5. The year of Homecoming Scotland 2009 is serving up more than 100 free cultural events and festivals Scotland-wide

6. More than 300 free traditional music sessions will take place in bars and pubs Scotland-wide from April - September 2009; that’s 1 per day!

7. In September, visitors will have free access to more than 800 historic buildings – some never opened before -- during the Homecoming year’s Doors Open Days

8. In Edinburgh, visitors have free entry to more than 30 top attractions, free return airport and city centre bus transport, and a free comprehensive guidebook

9. For golfers the legendary St Andrews Links Trust has frozen green fees for 2009 (high season green fee’s for the Old Course are now $195 per person, down from $260 in 2008)

10. And most importantly -- leave it to the Scots to measure value in pints – A pint from Pub chain JD Wetherspoon’s (with 50 pubs in Scotland) is selling for 99 pence (less than a pound!). That’s just $1.40 USD for a pint of real ale!


For more information about traveling to Scotland, great deals and Homecoming festivities, visit www.cometoscotland.com.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

DO IT FOR MOM!


This May, give Mom or a loved one (and yourself!) the gift of ultimate relaxation – for FREE! Snake River Lodge & Spa, A RockResort in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is offering a “Spa For Free” package including a $999 credit to use at the 17,000 square-foot Avanyu Spa.

For more info, click here...do it for mom!

Newly-Renovated RockResort Offers Santa Fe’s Only All-Inclusive Luxury Package


La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa, A RockResort, is offering travelers a chance of a lifetime to escape to sunny Santa Fe, New Mexico. For only $175 per person, visitors can experience some of Santa Fe’s finest lodging, cuisine, and spa experience at an unbeatable value!

Click here to find out more!

YOU + PETER ISLAND = 2 NIGHTS FREE



Peter Island Resort & Spa, the largest private island resort in the British Virgin Islands, invites savvy travelers to take advantage of "Peter Island Math" when calculating their summer or fall vacation budgets. Available for travel July 7 through October 31, 2009, island-lovers who book a seven-night stay, will receive the rates for a five-night stay. This represents a savings of 28 percent (equaling two nights free!) off the already reduced summer rates.




Rates start at $422 per night (for the seven night stay).

Click here / or call 1-800-346-4451 for more information.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Tweet tweet, early birds get a deal in Aspen!

Hotel Jerome, A RockResort in Aspen Colorado is offering an exclusive special for Tweeps (Twitter Peeps). Stay at a great rate of $125 per night now through June 6, 2009.

This offer is ONLY available by calling Hotel Jerome’s front desk at 1-800-331-7213. Please mention that you’re calling for the Twitter Special!

Twitter alert: Early birds get…a free drink. First 50 callers who book this deal will receive a complimentary cocktail at the popular J-Bar! Sample a delicious Aspen Crud!
Subject to availability and blackout dates apply, including May 2-22, 2009.
Tax and gratuity not included.


Hotel Jerome, A RockResort, is more than a place to stay; it’s a place to experience. Located in the heart of Aspen, Hotel Jerome is celebrating its 120th anniversary in 2009. The iconic hotel offers 94 richly appointed guestrooms and spacious suites, an elegant and relaxed ambiance, impeccable service, and exquisite dining in two award-winning restaurants. Favorites of locals and guests alike, the celebrated J-Bar is a lively spot for mingling. The hotel embodies the philosophy of Aspen – a balance of body, mind and spirit. It is often said, “If you haven’t been to the Jerome, you haven’t been to Aspen.” For more information about the resort, visit http://hoteljerome.rockresorts.com/

Come “Home” to Scotland in 2009


“Whisky, Castles and The Gathering” Tour

To celebrate Scotland’s Homecoming year, Drumscot Tours is offering a “Whisky, Castles and The Gathering” tour. Book by April 30, 2009 to receive a 10% discount!

Package details:
Cost Per Person: £1805 UK pounds (approx $2707 USD based on £1 = $1.5 USD)
Dates: July 20 - 27, 2009
  • 7 nights accommodations and full Scottish Breakfast
  • Dinner at your hotel for first 5 evenings
  • Ferry crossing from Mallaig to Isle of Skye
  • VIP Tour of Talisker Whisky Distillery
  • Admission to Dunvegan Castle
  • Admission to Armadale Castle & Gardens
  • Admission to Eilean Donan Castle & Inverewe Gardens
  • Loch Ness Boat Trip to Urquhart Castle & Admission to Culloden Battlefield
  • Admission to the Gathering 2009, Highland Games on Sunday, July 26th
To book this package, either email info@drumscot.com or call toll free to Scotland on 1-866-441-9936. Use code: 10% offer. For more information about Homecoming 2009, please visit www.homecomingscotland.com.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

ANTARCTIC TRIP OF A LIFETIME


Abercrombie & Kent: Travel Off the Grid For Hot Deals on Ice

Save up to $2,539 per person on Antarctic Philanthropic Adventure

Travel far out of Blackberry range to experience an adventure of a lifetime on an Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropic Journey to Antarctica. Book by June 30, 2009 and save 20-25% per person on select cabin categories, including spacious Deluxe cabins with separate sitting areas, full baths and large picture windows.

Nowhere is the Earth’s changing climate more apparent than in Antarctica, where some areas are warming at a rate of two to three times the global average. This is your chance to see and help protect this endangered landscape.

For details, go to www.abercrombiekent.com and click on “Special Offers.”
To talk to an expedition specialist, call (800) 554-7094 or (630) 725-3400.

Monday, April 13, 2009

GREAT TASTE IS IN SESSION

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Presents a Summer Series of Weekend Culinary Experiences

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes invites guests to learn from the expertise of The Ritz-Carlton Culinary Team through cooking school sessions. Led by Executive Chef Sean Woods, participants will bring the latest food trends, tips and tricks home to the dining room table. For three weekends this summer, gourmet sessions will be offered in exclusive overnight packages. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando Weekend Cooking School Series takes place on June 6 – 7, July 18 – 19 and August 29 - 30, 2009.

Session themes include:
• Slow food - cooking with locally grown products
• Small plates - tapas style delights guaranteed to impress any cocktail party
• Barbecue – techniques in smoking, grilling and indirect grilling

Each weekend cooking school session includes overnight accommodations for Saturday night in a deluxe room, a Chef’s Tasting Menu for two at The Vineyard Grill and a cooking class for two alongside an exclusive group of no more than 20 guests. Over the course of two days from 9am – 2pm, guests will first assist the Chefs in preparing a gourmet lunch on Saturday. On Sunday, guests take over the kitchen to prepare a lunch for the Chefs to test newly acquired knowledge and skills.

This culinary weekend experience is priced at $699 for two people. A welcome amenity, overnight valet parking and 4pm late checkout is included. Availability is limited and advance reservations are required. Price does not include taxes or gratuities. An optional Friday night stay is available at a discounted room rate and guests must inquire at time of booking.

To reserve The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando Weekend Cooking School Session, use code “LOCC” and call 800-576-5760.

For more information about Grande Lakes Orlando, visit www.grandelakes.com.

Friday, April 10, 2009

MELBOURNE MEANS BUSINESS


Major development sees Melbourne benefit from business events, despite economic downturn...

Despite the global financial crisis, and a resulting reluctance to commit to major new developments in many parts of the world, one Australian destination is investing in its vision to further its reputation as a world leading Business Events destination.

The new AUD$1.4 billion South Wharf development in Melbourne, one of the world’s top business, convention and event destinations, is about to cement the city’s reputation for innovation, style and sustainability, and is already seeing the city reap the rewards from the high-yield business tourism sector.

For information, visit www.mcvb.com.au.

There's never been a family vacation like this...

All-Inclusive Four- and Seven-Day Trips
Feature Best of Colorado at Attractive Prices

"In these challenging times, we're seeing a return to the basics of a classic family vacation with 'luxury' now defined as companies providing a good value and people spending quality time with friends and loved ones. Our 'Epic Summer' vacation will have the best that Colorado's Rocky Mountains have to offer with everything included at one very attractive price," said Rob Katz, chief executive officer of Vail Resorts. "

Seven-Day Epic Summer Itinerary includes all of the following activities:
  • Trip to world-renowned Rocky Mountain National Park
  • whitewater rafting
  • horseback riding
  • gondola ride to the summits of Vail and Keystone mountains
  • family-friendly naturalist hikes and mountaintop picnics
  • historical walking tour through the old Victorian mining town of Breckenridge
  • an authentic gold mine tour and hands-on gold panning
  • Wild West cowboy campfire dinner, complete with wagon rides and storytelling
The six-night, seven-day all-inclusive package is priced at $1,195 for adults and $895 for children (ages 12 and under). It begins on Sunday evenings with a welcome reception and dinner in Keystone Resort and ends after breakfast on Saturdays.

A condensed three-night, four-day package is $695 for adults and $545 for children (ages 12 and under). It begins on Thursday evenings with a welcome reception and dinner in Keystone Resort and ends after breakfast on Sundays.

For more info, click here

FAIRMONT TAKES YOU BACK...TO SCOTLAND

Trace your ancestry while staying at The Fairmont St. Andrews! For the remainder of the Homecoming Year in Scotland, The Fairmont St. Andrews is offering guests an opportunity to explore their Scottish roots with Dr Brian Thomson, the leading Scottish authority on ancestral searches (Dr Thomson is the lead researcher for the BBC celebrity ancestor show ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’).

Ancestry at Fairmont St Andrews package:
  • Private meeting with Dr Brian Thomson to discuss family history
  • Tailored ancestral search with Dr Thomson, from basic search to a full family record
  • Copy of famed photographer Andy Hall’s beautiful book of images called ‘A Sense of Belonging to Scotland’
Rates start at $256 US per room per night, a savings of 25%!

Booking/travel window: bookable starting April 6, 2009 -- National Tartan Day in the US -- and available through December 31, 2009
Bookable at www.Farimont.com/St. Andrews (booking code: PAPB)

For more information about the year of Homecoming Scotland visit www.visitscotland.com

Let the sun shine...let the sunshine in...




Tons of travel deals are “out there,” but this one stands out from the rest. Last Friday, April 3, the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau began offering a “Deal of the Week” as part of its “Bundles of Free Smiles” campaign. Lasting through June 30, the “Deal of the Week” will provide a bonus savings of up to $100 in added value.

For the first two weeks, there will be a special deal offering more than $300 in savings! Go to VisitOrlando.com/smile from April 3 – 17 and take advantage of staying four nights at the Orlando World Center Marriott with the 4th night free, a room upgrade to a pool view and free hot breakfast buffet daily for 2 adults and children under 12!

Each deal posted for the “Deal of the Week” on VisitOrlando.com/smile will be valid for booking only during that one particular week for travel to take place during 2009. Once the next deal is posted, the previous offer will expire. For real-time alerts on the offers going live, follow Orlando on Twitter at twitter.com/VisitOrlando.

POP ART IN PARIS

Ethel Scull 36 Times - Andy Warhol

Andy Warhol fans take note! With trans-Atlantic flights more affordable and the American dollar getting stronger against the Euro, forego the "staycation" and spend springtime in Paris. From March 18 to June 29, six Concorde Hotels & Resorts have exclusively partnered with the Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais to offer VIP passes to a new exhibit, "Warhol's Wide World," a collection of 250 works by the King of Pop Art. In fact, within the last 30 years, Andy Warhol's work has not been assembled in one place until now!

Concorde Hotels & Resorts' Warhol package offers:
* Double room accommodation
* Buffet breakfast for two
* Two tickets with priority access to the Andy Warhol exhibition
* A Warhol-themed box of delicious Parisian sweets

Rates begin at approximately $269 per room, per night, based on availability.

For more info, click here

LIFE HAPPENS...


Antigua’s Classic, Luxury Fully-Inclusive Resort Offers Travelers Peace of Mind and Summer Value with 5th Night Free

Curtain Bluff is offering travelers a stress free vacation this spring and summer. In addition to an all-inclusive value offer, the resort just announced a "Life Interruption” policy for guests: if you lose your job or income prior to your vacation and choose to cancel, you will get a full refund.

For more info, click here

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Sweet Deal a la Montréal



Get the experience of Europe without the Euro, culture without much cash and Joie de Vive at a value.

Book one night at a participating hotel and get the second night at half price – a savings of 50%




Room rates start at $127 CAD. Valid from January 1 – May 31, 2009
Minimum of 2-night stay. Offer valid from January 1 to May 31, 2009 and are subject to availability and vary according to the selected hotel.

For more information, visit www.tourisme-montreal.org

LDPR

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For over 20 years LDPR has guided some of the world’s most prestigious travel brands through an evolving media landscape with creativity, professionalism and enthusiasm. We are a highly driven and innovative travel and lifestyle public relations agency based in New York City with a global roster of clients from destinations and tour companies to exclusive private islands, hotels and resorts. Our unique culture is defined by our collaborative and strategic approach to working with clients, media and our staff, leading to a strong partnership with measurable results.