Yipeeeeee – Turks & Caicos Is On Sale!

Those of you who know me well, know that although I’ve traveled all across the globe, Turks and Caicos is the only destination I’ve ever seriously considered moving to.  Yes, it’s that wonderful!  Spectacular beaches, aquamarine and electric blue ocean, friendly locals, world renowned bone fishing, an eclectic array of restaurants, and gorgeous upscale resorts await.  The fact that it was protected from major development until a dozen years ago, helps to explain why it remains a pristine paradise that attracts movie stars and beach lovers alike.  But alas, as luxury resorts have gone up, so have the prices.  It’s been rare to see dramatic sales in Turks and Caicos – so when promotions are announced, it’s time to celebrate and book a trip.  Here are details of the best current promotions:

American Airlines has announced a Caribbean airfare sale (including Turks and Caicos) for flights between April 1 – May 22nd, purchase by March 22, 2010.

The West Bay Club – One of Turks and Caicos’ newest and most appealing boutique properties on celebrated Grace Bay, is tempting you to stay longer with free night offers that continue from April 11th through November 22, 2010.  Book three nights in a luxury one bedroom or larger accommodation and receive an additional night free.  Or relax for 5 nights and receive two additional nights free.  This offer is valid for stays from 4/11 – 5/31/10.  Beginning June 2nd, the resort offers a 5th night free plus 10% off their great summer rates for stays of five nights or longer. Read more

The Ultimate Slumber Party – Sleep ON The Great Wall Of China!

A journey to China is filled with dozens of unique travel experiences for first time visitors. The miles of neatly parked black bicycles, the first time you’re offered a “1000″ year old egg to eat, the brightly painted Ming Dynasty temples, the sheer size and breadth of the highways and public squares, and the pace of new construction, all create a juxtaposition that is staggering.  At the top of most traveler’s sightseeing list is a visit to The Great Wall, located about 3 hours outside of Beijing.  What a shame it would be to travel all the way to China, and all the way to The Great Wall only to be herded like lemmings onto a restored section of the wall with hundreds (maybe thousands) of other sightseers.  Forget about jogging on The Great Wall… you’ll be lucky to find a spot to peep over the parapets and glimpse the countryside beyond.  If you’re like me, there will be way too many heads and necks in your view!  And don’t spend too much time walking along the wall, for you’ll surely want to visit the gift shops and purchase your requisite “I Climbed The Great Wall” t-shirt before the bus leaves.  The picture above was shot on May Day with a few of my fellow sightseers!!!  Fortunately there’s another way….

The folks at TheChinaGuide.com (an American managed/Beijing based travel company) offer a unique and intriguing tour to The Great Wall that includes a “Sleep On The Wall” experience.  (Less adventurous travelers can opt to stay in a traditional courtyard hotel at the base of the wall instead.)  The tour visits a section of the wall that is less frequented by tour buses, so you will have plenty of opportunity to roam.  Following dinner in the village and an evening hike along the wall, tour participants who opt to ’sleep on the wall’ climb to a watchtower along with their guide, and bed down in a cozy sleeping bag with sleeping mat.  After a night of imagining you’re a trusty tower scout watching for an invading Mongol army, breakfast arrives (hot coffee, muesli and fruit) and it’s off for a 6 mile walk to discover more mysteries of the wall along with your guides.  Imagine the stories you’ll have to tell when you return home.  “I not only climbed the wall, I lived on it like Chinese soldiers did thousands of years ago”!  Here’s a link that will bring you to a full description of this unique Sleep On The Wall tour.  You might also like to read the trip report and watch a video by a Toronto Star reporter.

Now for the rest of us who are not entertaining a trip to China in the near future…. TheChinaGuide website has an outstanding feature -   360 degree panorama videos of  major sights in and around Beijing including The Great Wall,  Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, The Forbidden City, and Olympic stadiums – you’ll almost feel like you’re there.   Enjoy this virtual tour of Beijing!

ps – the photos in the article were not taken on The China Guide tour – they are my photos from a previous visit to China.

Virgin Atlantic Wants To Know – Are You A Swinger?

No, we’re not talking about stepping out with the Virgin Fly Girls (although I’m sure they’d get plenty of volunteers), we’re talking about exuberant golfers who love competition!  Members of Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club (the free to join frequent flyer program), are invited to join Virgin’s online Golf League where you can find golf buddies across the globe.

Here’s what’s in it for you!

• Find a golf partner wherever you travel around the world
• Monthly contests for photo of the month, video of the month and player of the month
• Connect with other golfers through the Virgin’s Golf Blog
• Read course reviews by other members and contribute your own
• Win a spot in a Ryder Cub style competition – Europe versus the rest of the world.  The golf championship  will take place in September in the UK for the top 12 Swingers!
• The first 100 Swingers to submit a score will receive a special Swingers goody bag.

All great reason to join Virgin Atlantic’s Flyers Club whether you plan a cross-Atlantic journey in the near future or not!

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Celebrate Chinese New Year With Great Deals In San Francisco

Pies On Parade – Take A Bite Out Of Winter

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