by Will McGough

Sedona is best known for its beautiful red-rock landscape and its reputation as a place of concentrated energy. It is a hot bed for psychics and new-age thinkers, as well as tourists looking to find (or lose) themselves in one of the area’s four energy vortexes.

Boynton Canyon in Sedona, Arizona. Photo by Wake and Wander.

When I told one of my friends and fellow travel writers that I was going to Sedona, he insisted that I get a reading done. He was admittedly “into” that scene, believing in the advice of horoscopes, signs, and astrology, but he raved about a specific psychic who had given him a reading last time he was in Sedona: Claudia Granger (formerly Coronado).

I had never had a psychic reading before, but that had little to do with a lack of curiosity. I had always wondered what the experience would be like, but I suppose I just rationalized the interest right out of my head. So I’m going to pay for someone to tell me my life’s good? Or, better yet, that it’s good but it’s going to take a turn for the worse? Yikes — no thanks.

But, as with many things in life, time changes the way you see things. I wanted to try it, if only for the story. I figured the “future prediction” I would receive could only impact and influence me as much as I let it. And with so many stories out there of psychics digging deep into the soul of their subjects, and with Sedona being the psychic capital of the United States, I decided I might actually learn something about myself. As with so many great travel stories, this one began with a gigantic “what the hell?“

Now, I obviously can’t dish on every detail Claudia told me about myself and my future, but I can tell you some of the general things that made an impact on me. She did a half-hour reading and asked for my birthday (with year) before we started (she also knew I was a travel writer). During the reading, she asked if I was currently in a relationship and if my mother was still alive.

Claudia identified “power” and “authenticity” as the two strongest points of my personality. She said how I deal with this power over the next few years will determine much of my fate and success. She said my level of devotion to the truth and to being myself would play a large part in how others perceive the power that I wield. I found this insight to be interesting and accurate considering my path as a writer.

A lot of the discussion that followed was much more specific. Claudia gave me an overview of the next two years into 2015, giving me a timeline of sorts, “sneak peeks” into the type of work I would do, how I would feel emotionally at different times, who I would date, and what outside factors would have influence on my life and decisions.

I think one of the biggest mistakes I had about getting a reading was expecting to be “floored.” You always hear people talk about how they had a “crazy” reading and how it all “came true,” so I went into my experience hoping to lay ears to a top secret piece of information. What I realized is that while much of the insight is indeed amazingly perceptive, the reading is not centered around delivering the secret keys to your life – it’s about providing you a new perspective on the person you are, the influence you can have, and the unique path you must take to achieve your goals.

For me, the reading was just as grounding as it was cosmic, and that’s something that I enjoyed about Claudia — I could actually use, process, and think about her insights. She also made a recording of the session and e-mailed it to me afterwards. You bet I’ll listen to it next year and see how I’m doing, see if she was in fact correct in her predictions. If she’s right, I’ll be one hell of a happy camper come 2015!

Claudia Granger (former Coronado) and the School of Wholeness Navigation gives readings on-site by appointment only and over the phone 9am-4pm mountain time, Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday and after hours only on special request. Sessions in Japanese upon request. Don’t be afraid of a phone reading (which is what I did) as 90% of Claudia’s business is done in this fashion.

  ZSL Whipsnade Zoo • Bedfordshire, England 

So you'd like to have an authentic safari experience without trekking off to The Bush in Africa. No problem. Lookout Lodge has all the elements of a typical luxury travel safari in suburbia.

You'll see wild game-drives and eat barbecue style under the night sky. Hear the lions roar! Now remember you're not in the Africa. You're at the Lookout Lodge located within the ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, in Bedfordshire, England.

The park offers a special tours after all the day visitors have motored home to suburbia. Its now time to get your safari hat on and head out for an adventure in the park.

After you've trekked the park and experienced the wilderness at night head back to your cabin for a night cap. Post some beauty shots of the elephants to and lions to Facebook.

Cabin at Lookout Lodge • ZSL Whipnade Zoo

Lookout Lodge is open 27 March to 27 October 2013 at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England (0844 225 1826; www.zsl.org). Price from £135 per person

Princess Cruises has added several new Exotics cruise options in spring 2014, giving passengers additional vacation choices in the popular destinations of South America and the South Pacific. Options include a new South America grand adventure aboard Crown Princess – the first such voyage for the vessel. In addition, Pacific Princess will add new departures of the line’s signature Tahiti & French Polynesia cruises plus additional Hawaii and South Pacific voyages.

During Crown Princess’ South America debut, passengers can enjoy highlights such as an overnight call in vibrant Rio de Janeiro during the city’s famous Carnaval celebrations, sailing around legendary Cape Horn, an optional overland tour to the dramatic Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, and Princess’ first call to Ilhabela (“beautiful island”) an island that lives up to its name with lovely beaches and natural beauty. The new 49-day voyage travels from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles, sailing first to Brazil, then around Cape Horn along the Chilean Fjords and up the Pacific coast. Shorter segments of 16- to 33-days are also available.

To add more of the line’s signature Tahiti & French Polynesia voyages, Pacific Princess will move to the South Pacific to offer three additional departures of this popular 10-day itinerary. The ship will also offer new departures of a 16-day New Zealand & South Pacific sailing from Sydney to Tahiti; a 12-day Hawaii & Tahiti sailing from Tahiti to Honolulu, and a 10-day Hawaiian Islands crossing from Honolulu ending in Vancouver, British Columbia. Many voyages can be linked for a Grand Adventure of 22 to 26 days.

“South America and the South Pacific have been among our most popular cruises recently, so these new voyages offer wonderful additional opportunities for passengers to explore the natural beauty and colorful cultures of these destinations,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Whether passengers want to meet a penguin or learn to hula, these cruises offers a great way to find the experience of a lifetime.”

The new Exotics sailings include:
49-day South America Grand Adventure – Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles
Featuring an overnight stay in Rio de Janeiro during Carnaval and Princess' maiden call to Brazil’s Ilhabela, this adventure also starts off with calls in St Thomas, St Kitts, Barbados, Trinidad, and Recife. After an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, the cruise then sails around the famed Cape Horn at the tip of South America and features scenic cruising of the Chilean Fjords, plus calls in Montevideo, the Falkland Islands (Port Stanley), Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego), Punta Arenas (Chile) and Puerto Montt. While traversing South America’s Pacific coast, this voyage offers the opportunity to take an overland tour to the famed Inca ruins at Machu Picchu, plus port calls including La Serena (Coquimbo), Pisco (San Martin), Lima (Callao), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), San Juan Del Sur (Nicaragua), and Puerto Vallarta.
Departs February 15, 2014 on Crown Princess

10-day Tahiti & Polynesia – Roundtrip Papeete
One of Princess’ classic voyages, featuring an overnight in Papeete, Tahiti, plus visits to the idyllic isles of Huahine, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Bora Bora (for a two-day call), and Moorea.
Departures on March 12, March 22, April 1, 2014 aboard Pacific Princess

16-day New Zealand & South Pacific – Sydney to Papeete
From Sydney, the ship heads for three calls in New Zealand – Tauranga, Auckland, and Bay Of Islands. After crossing the International Date Line, passengers can relax in paradise with visits to Pago Pago, Bora Bora, and Moorea, before arriving in Tahiti.
Departs February 25, 2014 on Pacific Princess

12-day Hawaii and Tahiti – Papeete to Honolulu
The Polynesian paradises of Tahiti and Hawaii will enchant passengers on this cruise featuring calls in Moorea, Bora Bora, Hilo, Kona, Maui (Lahaina), and Kauai (Nawiliwili)
Departs April 11, 2014 on Pacific Princess

10-day Hawaiian Islands – Honolulu to Vancouver
Passengers can revel in visits to Kauai (Nawiliwili), Kona, and Hilo before heading across the Pacific for relaxing time at sea on the way to British Columbia.
Departs April 23, 2014 on Pacific Princess

Pacific Princess’ 2014 World Cruise will be cancelled to allow for these new sailings; however the first segment of the cruise departing January 20, 2014 will remain available for purchase. The 35-day sailing from Ft. Lauderdale to Sydney will feature a transit of the Panama Canal, calls to Ecuador, Peru, Easter Island, French Polynesia and New Zealand before arriving in Sydney on February 25, 2014.

Crown Princess’ previously scheduled Caribbean cruises from February 15 to April 26, 2014 have been cancelled to allow for the new South America voyage. Passengers on the rescheduled sailings are being notified and assisted with finding alternate cruise options.

Source:- Princess Cruise

Dream Getaway Sweepstakes

In the U.S., sweepstakes entries must be available with no purchase required. That’s to distinguish them from lotteries, which are subject to more rigorous federal oversight. So while the sweepstakes may be worded in such a way as to suggest that a purchase is required to enter, there’s almost certainly a clause buried in the terms and conditions that explains how to participate without buying anything.

"Super Bowl Experience” Sweepstakes

Music fans are invited to join Mark McGrath, lead vocalist of Sugar Ray, when he and his friends set sail on the Carnival Imagination from Miami Oct. 18-21, 2013, for three music-filled days. Joining McGrath and Sugar Ray for the cruise is an all-star lineup that includes popular bands such as Smash Mouth, Gin Blossoms, Cracker, Spin Doctors, Vertical Horizon, The Verve Pipe, and Marcy Playground, along with special acoustic performances by Ed Roland of Collective Soul and Ed Kowalczyk of Live.

Presented by Flying Dutchmen Travel, the Mark McGrath and Friends Cruise is a terrific opportunity for fans to get an up-close-and-personal look at their favorite bands while spending three days at sea enjoying exciting live performances, intimate concerts and much more.

A full-blown 90s musical extravaganza, the Mark McGrath and Friends Cruise features live performances each night in the Carnival Imagination’s 1,300-seat Dynasty Lounge, as well as in different venues throughout the ship.  Exclusive perks include:

    Surprise unplugged performances and jam sessions
    Question and answer sessions and photo opportunities
    Late night dance parties and other events

In addition to a stellar lineup of some of the most popular bands of the 1990s, participants can enjoy all the Carnival Imagination has to offer — an expansive water park with a 300-foot-long water slide, a completely renovated spa, a variety of delicious dining options, including a 24-hour pizzeria, a Serenity adults-only retreat, full casino gambling and more.  The ship also spends a full day in Nassau, The Bahamas, home to white-sand beaches and interesting sites and landmarks.

Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival

As Colorado completes its transformation into a winter wonderland, the destination features special celebrations and festivals, ranging from ski joring competitions to a milestone winter carnival. Following are some of the top winter festivals for Colorado in winter 2013. 

WinterBike, Copper (January 19). Winner of the NSAA’s “Most Unique Event” in 2012, the 2nd annual festival encourages participants to slip, slide and ride their way through Copper Village to a finish line celebration complete with fireworks. The kids can join in the fun this year with LittleBike, the free kids-only ride. Registration for WinterBike is $20.

Winter Brew Fest, Denver (January 25). A celebration of craft beverages from around Colorado and beyond, the Winter Brew Fest features live local music, food tastings, and other entertainment.

Snowdown, Durango (January 30 – February 3). Celebrate snow at Durango’s annual quirky winter festival, where this year’s theme is “Get Your Geek On” iSnowdown 2.0.13. Guests will enjoy more than 60 unique and zany events: evening torchlight parade, ski softball tournament, Snowdown Balloon Rally, wine tasting, beard growing contest, Snowdown Follies, Bed Race, a magnificent fireworks show and more.

Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival, Steamboat Springs (February 6 – 10). This historic winter festival, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2013, pays tribute to the area’s skiing and ranching heritage and is a celebration of all things winter. Events include: the snow sculpture contest, ski races, snow tubing, live entertainment and performances by the Steamboat Springs High School marching band — the world’s only marching band on skis. The event also supports continued athletic development and education for competitors involved in Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, the oldest and largest winter sports club in the country.

WinterFest Weekend, Pagosa Springs (February 7 – 10). Join in three snow-filled days of fun as Pagosa Springs celebrates winter. Some events include Nordic races for kids and adults, Anything Goes Downhill Sled Race, Snow Sculpting Contest, Snowshoe Stop and more.

Telluride’s Gay Ski Week, Telluride (February 23 – March 3). This spirited yet unpretentious week offers a unique blend of top-rate skiing and entertaining events. From the Academy Awards watching party, to the popular White Night Party, ski week guests will enjoy 10 days of skiing and events.

The Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival, Leadville (March 1 – 3). Ski joring is a competition where a horse and rider pull a skier at a fast pace through a course that features gates, jumps and rings. The skier is timed through the course, and penalties are assessed by missing gates or jumps, and by missing or dropping any of the rings. Additional activities include a children’s parade, Nordic and winter mountain bike races and more.

Big Air on Elk, Crested Butte (March 9). Each year, Crested Butte is home to an epic ski jumping competition in the middle of its downtown. A snowmobile tows top local skiers and snowboarders, launching them off of a five-story, park-style jump at Third Street and Elk Avenue.

Weddings - Engagements: Tahiti - Bora Bora

Bora Bora Wedding
Under a one hour flight from the island of Tahiti or Moorea, the island of Bora Bora, with a lagoon resembling an artist's palette of blues and greens, is love at first sight. Romantics from around the world have laid claim to this island where the castle-like Mount Otemanu pierces the sky. Lush tropical slopes and valleys blossom with hibiscus, while palm-covered motu circle the illuminated lagoon like a delicate necklace. Perfect white-sand beaches give way to emerald waters where colored fish animate the coral gardens as they greet the giant manta rays. This could be easily be described as the center of the romantic universe, where luxury resorts and spas dot the island with overwater bungalows, thatched-roof villas, and fabled ambience.

Pora Pora - the ancient name, meaning "first born," came from legends describing this as the first island to rise when Taaroa, the supreme God, fished it out of the waters after the mythical creation of Havai'i, now known as Raiatea. Although the first letter "B" does not exist in the Tahitian language, when Captain Cook first heard the name he mistook the softened sound of the Tahitian "P" for "B" and called the island Bola Bola.

Tahiti Honeymoon
From the dramatic scenery to the privacy and amenities of the overwater bungalows, everything in Bora Bora equals a 10 on the romance scale. Resorts have been welcoming couples for over 40 years and their special amenities have been fine tuned to perfection. From sunrise to sunset, each resort has designed their own blend of unique romantic experiences for their guests to choose from.
And if you are planning to take the vows this year, just escape to the Bora Bora island to make your special day all the more special.

 

Dinosaur Island Sea World

Hear Dinosaurs Roar At Sea World in 2013
Sea World’s newest attraction takes visitors back 65 million years to the age of dinosaurs. The amusement park’s first animatronics attraction features an indoor jungle display, a full-size skeleton and real dinosaur fossils.
 

Dinosaur Island Sea World
 

Dinosaurs Roaring Sound Effect

Outside gets wilder with 14 life-size dinosaurs that move and roar including favorites like the Triceratops, a Velociraptor and the fearsome, 18-metre long Tyrannosaurus Rex. Kids can get involved in a dig at the Excavation Site or use interactive panels to control some of the dinosaurs’ movements.


 

SCOUT KEY, Florida Keysrime viewing of southern constellations, comets and stars is to draw hundreds of amateur and professional astronomers to the Lower Florida Keys Monday through Sunday, Feb. 4-10. 

Winter Star Party
The 29th annual Winter Star Party is to take place at Camp Wesumkee, a Girl Scout camp at mile marker 34.5 off U.S. Highway 1 on Scout Key, formerly known as West Summerland Key. The Lower Keys’ southern location and relative absence of artificial lighting at night create optimal viewing conditions. 

Professional Astronomers 
As many as 600 amateur and professional astronomers from around the world are to participate, attracted by the chance to view the Southern Cross and other southern constellations. The Florida Keys are among the only places in the contiguous United States where those celestial objects can be seen. 

Tim Khan - Astro-Photographer
In addition to nightly stargazing opportunities, Winter Star Party participants can attend lectures and presentations by nationally recognized astronomers and guest speakers. They include astro-photographer and event director Tim Khan and star party founder Tippy D’Auria, a widely renowned planetary astronomer and astro-photographer.

 Astronomy Photo Contest
Participants also can shop for astronomy equipment from on-site vendors, display their skills in photo contests, take lessons to enhance their mirror-grinding prowess, compete for raffle prizes and exchange information with fellow astronomy aficionados. Special “Kids Kamp” activities are arranged for young astronomers.

Miami’s Southern Cross Astronomical Society
The gathering is hosted by Miami’s Southern Cross Astronomical Society. Founded in 1922, the SCAS is one of the oldest amateur astronomical societies in the Western Hemisphere. 

Camp Wesumkee
Viewing of the night skies is scheduled to begin at approximately 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, Feb. 4-9, and continue until dawn. Event participants must depart Camp Wesumkee by 10 a.m. Sunday. 

The Winter Star Party is open to the public as well as to SCAS members, though advance registration is required for the event. Tickets are not available for sale at the event. 

New wireless-tracking wristbands designed to make the "Most Magical Place on Earth" even more hassle-free will hit Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., over the next few months.

The "MagicBands" will be linked to customers' credit-card information and function as room keys and park entry passes, thanks to radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips, which are most commonly used in wireless toll collection and public-transit turnstiles.

The MagicBands are part of a bigger system called "MyMagic+," which also allows the theme park to collect sensitive personal information, including names of guests both young and old, their purchasing and riding patterns and real-time location data.

"Imagine booking guaranteed ride times for your favorite shows and attractions even before setting foot in the park," wrote Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, in a blog posting on Monday. "With MyMagic+, guests will be able to do that and more, enabling them to spend more time together and creating an experience that’s better for everyone."

Consumers Can Control Data
Compared with many companies foraying deeper into the world of data collection, Disney seems to make it very easy for customers to control what and how much information is shared with whom or to opt out of the program completely.

The New York Times reports that, for example, mascot characters could use the information transmitted by the MagicBands to greet visiting children by name — and even wish them happy birthday if so informed. But parents could also choose not to share their children's information with park employees in that manner.

The Times said a new part of the official Disney World website, called "My Disney Experience," makes it fairly straightforward to manage MagicBand privacy controls for each member of a family. (There's already a MyDisneyExperience app for iOS and Android devices.)

Parents could share more information about themselves and less about their children, or choose whether to link a credit card to the wristband or simply use it as a ticket to a park or attraction.

Is Mickey Watching Me?
The operation is a huge one. Analysts told the Times that they estimate the cost of installing the system, which will impact 60,000 employees and more than 100,000 guests every day, at somewhere between $800 million and $1 billion.

Some commenters on the StitchKingdom Disney fan site said they felt "a bit creeped out" and "not terribly comfortable with the idea" in response to an article on MyMagic+ posted in March. But most commenters there and on other Disney fan sites either thought MyMagic+ was a great idea, or lamented that its users would be able to jump queues ahead of holders of other premium Disney ticket options.

There's no word on when the MyMagic+ program will spread to the four other Disney theme parks in southern California, Japan, Paris and Hong Kong.

G’day USA 2013
Tourism Australia is building on the momentum of recent growth in US visitor numbers to Australia by showcasing Australia’s destination appeal at this year’s 10th anniversary of G’day USA 2013.

US visitor numbers to Australia grew steadily over 2012, with a more than four percent increase in the calendar year to October and eight percent growth in the month of October compared with the same month the prior year.  Further, International Visitor Survey data showed US visitor expenditure grew 12 percent in the year to September to over $2.3 billion.

Tourism Australia’s Vice President, the Americas, Jane Whitehead, said:  “These numbers are encouraging and show that more Americans are recognizing Australia’s many attractions as a vacation destination.

“We are seeing particularly high growth in the target segment that is the primary focus of our marketing efforts, the 45 years + affluent traveler.  This segment grew 12 percent in visitor numbers, 23 percent in expenditure and spent 26 percent more nights exploring Australia’s many attractions beyond the gateway cities,” Mrs. Whitehead said. 

“Australia is also being increasingly recognized as a premier destination for business events.  In the year to October, convention and conference visitors from the US to Australia rose 30 percent.”

The improvement in arrivals comes as Tourism Australia has undertaken a major investment in the North American market with the latest evolution of its ‘There’s Nothing like Australia’ campaign across broadcast, print, digital and social channels.

Mrs. Whitehead said ‘There’s Nothing like Australia’ is resonating with Americans, “With this campaign, we are leading with some of the best experiences we have to offer and showcasing why, whatever you may be looking for from a vacation, you will find it in Australia.”

"This week we will also kick off a four month campaign with Qantas that will build on the momentum we are seeing," said Mrs. Whitehead.

Ellen Degeneres Show
Australia is also attracting many high profile Americans.  On The Ellen Degeneres Show this week, Ellen announced that she will be heading to Melbourne and Sydney.  With Swisse Wellness ambassador Nicole Kidman, she told 400 of her excited audience members that they would also be offered trips to Australia.  The trips are a joint initiative of Swisse and Qantas Airways.

“Ellen has a strong following in the US and will do a fantastic job in shining the media spotlight on the country, just as Oprah did in 2010,” Mrs. Whitehead said.

“As with Oprah, she’ll be sending a big audience to Australia and the Australian tourism industry will reap the benefits as those people explore the delights of Sydney and Melbourne.”

Mrs. Whitehead said the initiative was a huge win for Australia as recent consumer research undertaken by BDA Marketing Planning for Tourism Australia showed that once Americans visited Australia, they rated it top amongst all destinations on many factors that influence their choice of vacation destination.

“While Australia is generally recognized by Americans as having outstanding natural beauty, great beaches, friendly people and unique wildlife, the research showed that Americans that visited Australia were surprised to discover the exceptional standard of the country’s food and wine and rich native heritage and activities and in fact found it led the world in these areas.”

As part of its strategy to support the US travel industry in marketing and selling Australia effectively, Tourism Australia this week ran an inaugural two-day Tourism Summit as part of the G’Day USA program and in partnership with Destination NSW, the South Australia Tourism Commission, Tourism and Events Queensland, Tourism Victoria and Qantas Airways.

The event was attended by around 115 travel industry leaders who came to hear insights from dozens of experts from leading travel and related brands including American Express, Google, Facebook, Travel Channel and Afar on a range of topics from consumer behavior to infrastructure changes and digital and social media strategy.

Source: Tourism Australia.

Dubai Airport

Dubai Airport Terminal 1
A major refurbishment of Dubai International’s Terminal 1 is due to begin in the first quarter of this year which when complete will offer passengers a vastly improved traveling experience.
 
The refurbishment includes more efficient and streamlined baggage screening in the departures hall, the replacement of all check-in desks, upgrade of baggage systems and the modernization of all public areas. The upgrade is expected to be completed by the end of next year.
 
Dubai Airport
The new baggage screening process will greatly improve passenger flow by eliminating a queuing point, reducing the time it takes passengers to move from the forecourt in Terminal 1 to the departure gates. The additional space created by streamlined baggage process will be used to transform the departures hall into a more spacious and welcoming environment and when combined with upgraded wayfinding signage, provide a more easily accessible building for the travelling public.
 
Dubai Airport Shopping
The refurbishment program also includes the reconfigured and expanded arrivals hall where all meeters and greeters will be accommodated within a fully air-conditioned space with new food and retail outlets. The arrivals immigration hall is also being refurbished to improve passenger flow and reduce processing times for arriving passengers. The adjoining arrivals forecourt will be reconfigured to improve traffic flow and create a safer pedestrian environment for all passengers leaving the Terminal 1 arrivals hall.
 
Once the refurbishment of Terminal 1 is complete, it will be linked via a new elevated train system to Concourse D, which is currently under construction. Concourse D will become the new home of the more than 100 airlines that fly to and from Dubai International when it opens in 2015.
 
“Dubai Airports is continually striving to enhance the service we offer all our passengers while expanding our facilities to meet the growing number of passengers passing through the airport. In addition to significantly increasing our capacity, the upgrade of Terminal 1 together with the construction of Concourse D will offer our passengers a more inviting and comfortable environment in line with the newer facilities across the terminals at Dubai International,” says Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. 

 

The Caribbean was overflowing with celebrities, who may account for the recent spike in holiday bookings to Barbados and St Lucia – both up by at least 130 per cent compared to last year.

A favorite with the rich and famous, Barbados welcomed Simon Cowell, Coleen Rooney , Olly Murs and native Rihanna to its crystal clear waters, while St Lucia, already a favorite with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, was the choice for Gwyneth Paltrow who posted pictures of her family enjoying a blissful beach break.

Meanwhile the draw of the ‘Spanish Caribbean’ attracted Alexa Chung, Pixie Geldof and Nick Grimshaw who partied in Puerto Rico together, while couples Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux , Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, and Jessica Alba and Cash Warren enjoyed romantic breaks to Mexico.

Claire Bentley, British Airways Holidays managing director, said: “The start of the year is always the busiest time for bookings – people are back at work and need something to look forward to. The wet weather over Christmas, combined with lots of enticing pictures of celebrities on holiday has clearly influenced the rise we’re seeing in beach holidays.”

The airline has also seen a rise in bookings to Hawaii, up by 100 per cent in the past year. Blessed with beautiful beaches and natural beauty, it’s no surprise that it’s popular with the jet-set, including Katy Perry and John Mayer, Steven Tyler, Jude Law and even the President of the United States, who all vacationed on the islands during the recent holidays.

Other top destinations for stars included Dubai, enjoyed by Rita Ora, Denise van Outen and Nell McAndrew, and Australia – popular with Leonardo DiCpario, Mariah Carey and fellow Aussies Kylie Minogue and Nicole Kidman returning for New Year celebrations. 

 

To mark the launch of the new dishes signed by Michel Roth, on 1st February 2013, the Michelin- starred Chef offered Business customers a preview of his gourmet creations on board an Air France flight to Montreal on Monday.

During this flight, they were able to exclusively discover four dishes prepared by Michel Roth and two Servair chefs: Michel Quissac and Roger Passet. The three chefs replied to passengers’ questions and share their passion with a view to making this in-flight gourmet experience an exceptional interlude.

The in-flight menu comprised:

• Veal simmered with verbena, vegetable fricassee.
• Glazed duckling with rare peppercorns and citrus honey, caramelized mango and pineapple, vegetable bâtonnets.
• Pollock fish, mussel broth with Menton cured lemon zest, simmered vegetables.
• Shrimp and squid with tarragon lobster sauce, red rice and baby spinach.

With menus featuring dishes signed by renowned Chefs, Air France intends to surprise its customers and promote its role of ambassador of fine cuisine and art of French hospitality. As from 1st February and for a period of 8 months, Air France’s Business class customers will be able to enjoy one of the six dishes signed by Michel Roth for Air France. This dish, one of the four main dishes on the menu, will be renewed twice a month for the pleasure of frequent travelers.

Originally from Lorraine, Michel Roth worked at the best restaurants in France, finally stopping at the Ritz, where he earned his second Michelin star as head chef of the restaurant “L’Espadon”. In 1991, he won the “Bocuse d’Or” award and the title of “Meilleur Ouvrier de France”.

Michel Roth’s cuisine, a mixture of authenticity, simplicity and humanity, has its roots in local French produce, where the authentic taste of French cuisine is respected. This rigor and creativity are shared and passed on to the Servair Chefs who make the dishes created by Michel Roth for Air France passengers.

As part of its Transform 2015 plan, Air France places customer satisfaction at the heart of its strategy and is developing initiatives geared to providing exceptional service. The Company is therefore inviting its customers to discover a unique gourmet experience in its Business class cabin and offers dishes signed by renowned French chefs on the menus on board long-haul flights departing from Paris. After Joël Robuchon and Guy Martin, Michel Roth is taking over as the next ambassador of fine French cuisine.
 

Dream Getaway Sweepstakes

In the U.S., sweepstakes entries must be available with no purchase required. That’s to distinguish them from lotteries, which are subject to more rigorous federal oversight. So while the sweepstakes may be worded in such a way as to suggest that a purchase is required to enter, there’s almost certainly a clause buried in the terms and conditions that explains how to participate without buying anything.

Dream Getaway Sweepstakes

In the U.S., sweepstakes entries must be available with no purchase required. That’s to distinguish them from lotteries, which are subject to more rigorous federal oversight. So while the sweepstakes may be worded in such a way as to suggest that a purchase is required to enter, there’s almost certainly a clause buried in the terms and conditions that explains how to participate without buying anything.