Fright Nights presents the Oxford Ghost Fest which starts today November 30^th and will continue until the 9^th of December. If you happen to be in Oxford, England make sure you get a glimpse at its most haunted buildings and walk through the unlocked Oxford Castle.

Although the fest will span a ten day period, the events go well into January. There are Evening Events, Ghost Hunts, Haunted Weekends and Ghost Festivals. A sample of evening events includes Ghost Hunter’s Suppers and ghost tours. Ghost Hunts are pretty self-explanatory but the great thing is that you hunt in various locations such as castles, towers and haunted houses with a paranormal expert. The Ghost Festivals will include a plethora of exciting activities with ghost hunting vigils, clairvoyants and all the pros in the paranormal field.

For a nightmare before Christmas (or during) go to The Oxford Ghost Fest.

Labels: Festivals

Sick of sitting at your desk wondering why you aren’t contributing to something more meaningful? The Earthwatch Institute can fill that need to have more purpose by having you join them on their numerous scientific expeditions around the world.

Earthwatch Institute is a non-profit which supports scientific field research by reaching out and providing teams of scientists with volunteers, i.e. you. Here is a list, from their website) of the expeditions you could be a part of. There are so many more and these were just a couple which stood out. Go check it out for yourself, you never know, you might find your calling in life, for now your biggest challenge is going into Outlook and sending that e-mail that says “I’ll be out from…” to your boss…or your employees.

For more information click here.

Amazon Riverboat Exploration

From the Ayapua, a vintage boat from the Amazon's rubber boom period, you will work with a team of skilled Peruvian biologists to collect information about the wildlife populations in one of two river areas, Lago Preto or the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, depending on the season. Volunteers rotate between aquatic surveys for dolphins, manatees, giant river otters, fish, and river turtles from motorized canoes. You will also count macaws and conduct land surveys of peccaries, tapirs, deer, monkeys, and game birds. At night, you will do spotlight surveys for caimans. With expedition staff, you will meet and talk to local people about their fishing, hunting, and conservation efforts, and practice some Spanish. In your recreational time, you can peruse the well-stocked library, enjoy a selection of Amazon-themed films on movie nights, or simply relax with a glass of wine on deck in one of the Earth's greatest wild places.

Bahamian Reef Survey

In the crystal clear waters of a remote Bahamian island, you'll systematically survey the reefs to document their health and what threats they are facing. You'll learn to conduct a number of ecological field measurements while snorkeling: surveying hard corals and other reef animals and plants, mapping transect sites and taking reef measurements, and testing water chemistry. On land, you'll map corals in tide pools and monitor beach profile changes over the seasons. In the evening, you'll transcribe the day's data, and enjoy films and lectures. Longtime Earthwatch scientists Rollino, McGrath, and Smith continually receive high marks for their patience, humor, and teaching prowess. In your recreational time, you can scuba dive, go spelunking, see where Columbus first set foot in the New World, nature hike, or just enjoy your beautiful surroundings.

Carnivores In Conflict

Working with Dr. William Ogara, Dr. Samuel Andanje, and Dr. Nick Oguge, you you will help identify and geo-reference carnivore dens, establish carnivore presence and density within community areas through spoor sampling, and take photographs with camera traps at dens, kills, and homesteads (manyattas). Once an animal is radio-collared, you will help track and monitor it. You will also visit Samburu homesteads to conduct surveys on livestock management methods and their day to day interaction with these carnivores. All of this will help provide information about predator dynamics. As an integral part of the Samburu Field Center, your work will be combined with data from other projects to help limit conflicts between wildlife and local communities, and promote sustainable natural resource use. In addition to your daily glimpses of African wildlife, you will also go on wildlife drives in nearby reserves.

Carnivores of Madagascar (Ever seen the cartoon? It's The Fossa!!)

Up before the sun, you will rotate between a variety of tasks essential to the project's success. Often hiking more than 20 kilometers a day, you'll learn how to set fossa traps and use radio-tracking transmitters and receivers. You will be trained to check trap lines in the early morning and late afternoon, help measure trapped and sedated carnivores, and possibly, in Kirindy Mitea, help radio-collar fossas. Midday is often free for informal lectures or hikes through the fossa's forest home. In both locations, you will also see numerous lemurs. In Ankarafantsika, your evenings may be spent at local village festivities or sharing stories with the nearby women's cooperative. In Kirindy Mitea, where the camp is much more remote and basic, you will spend evenings around a campfire. Morondava's exquisite white sand beaches are worth a visit before or after your team dates.

Diving WW II Wrecks of Truk Lagoon

In the warm, clear, and current-free waters of this protected lagoon, you will scuba dive among the spectacular remains of coral-draped Japanese ships and aircraft. After an introduction to archaeological and biological recording techniques and diving practices, you will divide into groups and take to the water with waterproof slates, measuring tapes, and waterproof digital voltmeters. Using these simple instruments, you will observe and record information on the lagoon's archaeology and on the corrosion and current decay rates of the wrecks. On the two non-diving days, you will help enter data and take oral histories from local people. You will also have a day to explore some of the volcanic islands and coral atolls that surround the lagoon, as well as other historic sites. All volunteers must be scuba-certified with at least two years' experience diving to 60 feet, and be medically fit to dive.

Labels: Ecotourism, Expeditions

If you are looking for places with a good water sports scene scheck out the “Water Sports Holiday” post on IU Blog. The writer lists some good recommendations around Central America and the Caribbean. Click here for the list.

Labels: Adventure Travel

While I was in New Mexico, there was a lot of emphasis on the Native American culture. It attracts a significant amount of people from all over the world, even to the point of having package tours called Indian Tours in some countries like Germany. Read Robert Miller’s article “Tribe tapping into tourism?” for an in-depth perspective here.

Labels: Destinatons

Tired of the regular, same old Christmas? Why not spice it up a little with these suggestions from Worldreviewer.com's travel pros.

Goldeneye Bungy from the Verzasca Dam, Ticino, Gerra, Switzerland

Immortalised in the opening scene of GoldenEye, the 200-metre jump from the Verzasca Dam in Switzerland is a must for movie buffs hoping to emulate Bond and thrill seekers looking for a challenge. Voted the best movie stunt of all time in 2002, the bungy jump is one of the world’s highest and set against a backdrop of pure concrete is sure to give even the most adventurous an incomparable rush.

Camping with Saharan Nomads, Niamey, Niger

The opportunity to experience an increasingly forgotten way of life is sure to be one of the most unique experiences on this list. Participants spend a week or two with the Tuareg people and discover the history, traditions of their nomadic lifestyle while enjoying the expansive beauty of the Sahara aboard a camel.

Plura River Cave, Mo i Rana, Norway

The scenery of the Plura River Cave has been formed through years of erosion and divers can explore chambers with vast ceilings and remarkably patterned surfaces. The cave itself is expansive and with an entrance of close to 30km and a depth of up to 34m, diving this site is an incredible experience.

Jackson Blue Spring, Marianna, United States

With a length of about 6000ft and depths of 100ft, Jackson Blue Spring is one of the most spectacular settings for cave diving . The cave allows night diving and its rocky caverns are also impressive during the daylight.

Great White Sharks, Gansbaai Western Cape, Hermanus, South Africa

Set close to “Shark Alley”, the world’s densest population of great white sharks, Gansbaai is one of the best locations for cage diving. Diving with the most ferocious predators may be a feat best reserved for thrill seekers but cage diving allows the chance to experience sharks close up with no knowledge of diving or free swimming necessary. Winter is the best time to experience the great whites but there is the opportunity for a sighting all year round.

Antarctic Ice Diving, Antarctica

With constant changes to the frozen landscape, ice diving provides one of the most unique experiences to divers and with penguins and seals as your companions it is also one of the most breathtakingly beautiful enviornments. Enduring the freezing temperatures alone is enough to ensure this is one activity not for the faint hearted but with the chance to explore expansive depths of strinkingly blue ocean it is sure to prove one of the most memorable.

Cave of Swallows, Xilitla, Mexico

A 1400ft deep cave set deep within the Mexican rain forest, the Cave of Swallows is a remarkably beautiful and unusual setting for base-jumping. Arguably one of the most famous caves in the world it provides a stern test of endurance given the rugged terrain, mystical migration of swallows as you dive into the cave and punishing ascent following the jump.

Cresta Run, Cresta, Switzerland

Running for nine weeks from the end of December to February, the Cresta Run is a daring ice run with participants facing a 514ft drop and top speeds of up to 80miles per hour. The course is rebuilt each year and includes 10 hairpin turns and the three quarter mile ice chute winds from “The Leaning Tower” in St Moritz to the village of Celerina.

Sky Diving over Moab Desert, United States.

With spectacular colours and stunning depths, the Moab desert is one of the most memorable landscapes and from a vantage point of 2500 ft it is even more spectacular. Sky diving is considered one of the most thrilling activities and with jumps organised for all skill levels anyone with the courage to leap from the plane at 13,000 feet can experience an incredible adrenaline rush.

Build an Igloo, Churchill, Canada

If you can brave the –33 degrees celcius weather, Northern Canada offers an incredible range of wildlife and nature’s most famous light show with the Northern Lights. For the more adventurous however, there is the opportunity to carve and construct an igloo out of snow and ice and experience the wilderness from a completely unique setting.

Check out http://www.worldreviewer.com for inspirational adventure travel.

Labels: Adventure Travel, Destinatons

If you prefer balloon fiestas somewhere more exotic, how about Pattaya, Thailand? The mayor of the city has announced that a balloon fiesta will be help in the city on the Thammasart Univerity, Pattaya campus.

The balloons themselves will be very unique with shapes like elephants and cartoon figures. Ballooners from various countries such as France, England, Indonesia and The Philippines to name a few, will come to represent their country

In addition to the ballooning, there will be electronic airplane competitions, hovering and a Balloon Night Glow which features fireworks and lanterns.

The Pattaya International Balloon Fiesta will be held between the 8^th to the 12^th of December and according to the Pattaya Daily News, this is one of many events which will commemorate the King’s 80^th birthday on December 5th.

For more information go to http://www.pattayaballoonfiesta.com

Labels: Destinatons, Hot Air Ballooning

The afternoon desert rays made its way through the curtains and cast a warm glow over the wooden room. I looked over at her laying across the room from me, wrapped up comfortably in a white towel. She looked completely relaxed and the slight curl on the corner of her lips indicates that I am, at that very moment, the best boyfriend in the whole universe.

We woke up in Albuquerque at around four-thirty in the morning. A week before, I had told her that I had planned something absolutely amazing for our six year anniversary. That same day I had intentionally let slip that I was going to take her to the top of the Sandia Mountains in New Mexico, which of course was a fib but it had to be done. Her inquisitive nature was inching its way into finding out what the surprise was. So I put on a show in order to derail her Sherlock Holmes-like investigation with much success.

“Is the tram even open?” she asked sleepily as I tried to get her out of bed. I persuaded her into consciousness by telling her that we were going to get picked up and that the “limo” driver might already be there. We waited in the lobby restaurant and had our cheap coffee. Nothing wakes the senses like cheap coffee, not because of its caffeine content but because of the simultaneous attack and shock effect on both taste buds and olfactory sensors. We chased the coffee with some eggs and hash browns and before we knew it our ride had arrived.

“That’s our limo?” all semblance of excitement vanished from her eyes and was replaced by curiosity. “Why is there a trailer attached to it?” The “limo” was actually a van which could fit about fifteen people including the driver. Attached to it was a trailer with all the gear. We were definitely not going on a Tram ride.

As we settle into the van she still has no idea until Tammy, one of the crew asks “First time up on a Balloon?” This was followed by wide eyes and a quick “What?” from my girlfriend. “Surprise!”

I had not been on a hot air balloon ride until that morning, nor had she. When we arrived at the launch site there were other ballooners there. Some were coming back in and some were ready to launch. It was like being in a hot air balloon airport sans annoying baggage check and immigration.

The crew of the balloon asked us to help blow the balloon up which in itself was a very interesting process. Two large fans were used to fill the balloon up and once it was at the right size the burners went off until finally the balloon would right itself and the basket would begin to lift off of the ground.

Riding on a hot air balloon is what I imagined riding a cloud would be like. It’s a gentle ride and it was very romantic. The sun was not overbearing and we could see just about everything in Albuquerque. Early in the ride we crept along the Rio Grande getting close to touching the water. My girlfriend is a photographer as well as an avid traveler like myself, and I thought that this experience was perfect for her; the vantage point, the lighting, being in the air, everything.

One question we had was, “How do we turn this thing?” The answer to that was, we can’t. Just like a cloud, our direction was determined by the direction of the wind currents which were different on each atmospheric level. This basically means you start in one place and you land in another. One of the amazing features of ballooning in Albuquerque is that you can take off and land in the same place because of what they call “The Box.” In the box the wind currents allow for balloons to turn around due to the contrasting currents. On a lower atmospheric level the current travels in the opposite direction as the current in the higher level. By ascending high enough we were able to turn around and “attempt” to land in the original launch zone.

The pilot attempted to land several times but overshot the landing spot. When the pilot found a clearing we got low enough to land. The jack rabbits came out of hiding and for a moment I felt like a National Geographic explorer in Africa, flying a Cessna over the Kalahari Desert and looking below at the wildlife running. The rabbits darted about from one sagebrush to another seeking shelter from the gargantuan hawk from the sky descending upon them. Once our adventure in the sky concluded we had a champagne toast with the crew and drove to Santa Fe for the second part of our romantic itinerary.

Ten Thousand Waves Spa Resort, in the mountains near Santa Fe, is a luxurious spa designed to look and feel like a traditional Japanese bathhouse. We parked at the bottom of the steep hill and made our way up the Japanese stairs to the spa reception. The lobby was beautifully designed and was separated into three sections; a boutique, an entrance to the treatment rooms and entryway to the baths. I had scheduled a session of Yasuragi and thirty minutes in one of their premium private baths for the both of us.

Our Yasuragi session was exactly what they promised us – “…the most powerful twenty-five minute spa treatment on the planet.” Please understand that I am by no means a professional spa critic, nor can I truthfully admit that it was the most powerful on the planet, but it sure felt like it. Looking at my girlfriend’s face confirmed that. The head and neck treatment was exactly what we needed. After the Yasuragi treatment, we sat in the sauna for a few minutes and let the treatment fully sink in.

We couldn’t wait to get into the hot bath and continue to let our entire bodies unwind. I picked the bath called the Waterfall. Ten Thousand Waves has a great selection of outdoor public, private, and premium private baths, including one super premium bath. The Waterfall is a premium private bath and included was a sauna, cold water dipping pool and a hot bath, the only hot bath in the spa which is kept at body temperature.

Overall, the entire experience was fantastic – the friendly receptionists, the location of the spa, its architecture and landscaping; the therapists were amazing and there was only one thing left to complete the romantic adventure: dinner.

The Coyote Café was my choice for such an occasion. Representing modern southwestern gourmet cuisine, the beautifully designed restaurant catered both to aesthetic and gastronomic cravings. The Coyote Cafe embodies fine dining in every way, from ambiance to items on the menu such as the Harris Ranch Beef Carpaccio and Mole Rubbed Dakota Ranch Buffalo Tenderloin. For those with a large appetite their Famous Cowboy Cut boasts a cast iron skillet seared certified 24oz angus ribeye.

The selection of cocktails and wines presented numerous options to complement your dining experience. The signature cocktails were all enticing and bottles of wine ranged in price from $60 well into the thousands.

It was the perfect setting for the conclusion to a romantic day, and one which I will be hard pressed to beat. The one significant factor to the making the entire day a success was Santa Fe itself. This city provides all the elements for a romantic getaway, and New Mexico’s landscape and natural beauty sets the tone for any guy to take advantage of becoming the best boyfriend in the whole universe, even if just for one day.

For more pictures, suggestions and info on reservations click here.

Labels: Albuquerque, Destinatons, Hot Air Ballooning, Japanese Bathhouse, New Mexico, Santa Fe, Spa, Ten Thousand Waves Resort and Spa, USA

Colliding Continents correspondent, Griffin Wholley, an avid golfer himself, is always looking for a new way to swing. He stumbled upon Scottsdale Swing, a travel firm specializing in custom golf vacations for men.

Founded by Scott Samele, the objective of the firm is to create golf travel experiences which are competitive and fun. Golf is a sport which doesn’t require a lot of physical stress but is still as competitive as basketball or football. Scottsdale Swing is marketed towards men in their thirties and they definitely know how to have fun.

After a full day of golfing on top courses such as We-Ko-Pa and Talking Stick, the guys head out for a night of fun. Samele offers a catalogue of post golfing from cabarets and clubs to box seats at a baseball games. Everything is taken cared for except the actual flights.

For more information go to Scottsdaleswing.

Labels: Destinatons, Travel Operators

According to Afrol News, a proposed chemical plant project on Tanzania’a Lake Natron is meeting with stiff opposition from authorities. The project will jeopardize the existence of the Lesser Flamingo and also hamper ecotourism which makes up a significant portion of Tanzania’s foreign income.

The Aftican Tourism and Travel Association is concerned about the construction of the plant and so are 24 African countries who have signed a petition opposing the project. The flamingos attract a lot of tourists and the ecotourism revenue is a major driver in the development of East African economy.

The Flamingos of Lake Naton are claimed by naturalists to be one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth. With an expected one million tourists coming to Tanzania by 2010 maintaining and nurturing this Lake, its inhabitants and ultimately the ecotourism industry would most likely be in everyone’s best interests.

For further coverage visit BirdLife International

Labels: Destinatons, Ecotourism

The New York Times Travel Show will start February 29^th and continue through March 2^nd 2008. It is the largest consumer and trade travel event in the US. It will be showcasing 500 exhibitors focusing on travel packages, destinations, tour operators, cruise lines and seminars from the biggest names in the travel industry. Names such as Arthur & Pauline Frommer and Rick Steves. Travel Channel experts will also be present to take questions from the audience.

The floor will be broken out into pavilions representing regions of the world. Specialty travel pavilions will be set up to highlight adventure travel, culinary travel, wedding travel, and gay and lesbian travel among others.

On Friday, February 29^th the travel show will only be accessible by invitation. The expo will be open to the public on Saturday, March 1^st and Sunday March 2^nd, tickets will be sold for $15 to the public. It will take place on New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. For more information please go to www.nytimes.com/travelshow

For those more specifically interested in adventure travel, the Adventures In Travel Expo will begin its series presenting adventure travel operators offering unique vacation options and travel information. Starting in New York, the expo will make its way into four cities across the US making appearances in Chicago, Washington, DC, and Long Beach.

Each location will feature different operators and seminars, below are the dates and locations for each event. Tickets will be on sale in February. For more information please go to http://www.adventureexpo.com

New York, NY

Pier 94, 755 12th Ave (b/t 54/55th Sts)

Public Show Hours:
Saturday, January 12: 10:30am-6pm
Sunday, January 13: 11am-4:30pm

Travel Trade Hours:
Saturday, January 12: 9am-6pm
Sunday, January 13: 11am-4:30pm

Chicago, IL

Location:
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
(formerly Rosemont Convention Center)
555 N. River Road

Public Show Hours:
Saturday, January 26: 10:30am-5:30pm
Sunday, January 27: 11am-4:30pm

Travel Trade Hours:
Saturday, January 26: 9am-5:30pm
Sunday, January 27: 11am-4:30pm

Long Bach, CA

Long Beach Convention Center

February 9-10, 2008

Washington, DC

Location:
Washington Convention Center,
801 Mount Vernon Place, NW

Public Show Hours:
Saturday, March 29: 10:30am-6pm
Sunday, March 30: 11am-4:30pm

Travel Trade Hours:
Saturday, March 29: 9am-6pm
Sunday, March 30: 11am-4:30 pm

With the death of former authoritarian leader, Saparmurat Niyazov, Turkmenistan is now ready to open up its culture of Islam to the world It is a culture which is spiced with a hint of paganism, Islam and ancient traditions. An example of which is seen at the grave of Jamal al-Din where people leave hairpins and toy cars to wish for the birth of a baby girl (hairpin) or baby boy (toy car).

There is plenty to see and experience in Turkmenistan such as the ruins of an ancient mosque with front paneling displaying serpent shaped bodies of dragons which were uncovered just outside of the capitol Ashgabat.

Ashgabat itself boast numerous historical sites and museums such as the historical site of Nisa which includes the remains of a Parthian fortress dating back from the second century B.C., and museums such as the Turkmen History Museum housing ancient artifacts and the Museum of Fine Arts which and an eclectic mixture of fine arts.

The Mary Historical site is in the city of Mary which is five hours from Ashgabat and is worth visiting. The museum exhibits archaeological finds from the excavation sites in the Mary oasis, Gonur and Ancient Merv.

One hour from Mary is Ancient Merv.” It is the largest ancient site which has been uncovered in Turkmenistan and was once a stop on the Silk Road.

This desert country on the ancient Silk Road has opened up a new untouched destination for adventurous travelers. There aren’t many places left in the world that have not been raided by tourist so travelers should take advantage of this opportunity as soon as they can. The Turkmen government has been working towards creating a bigger and better tourism infrastructure to accommodate as many travelers as possible. Already, it boasts the largest airport in Central Asia with daily flights from England, Germany, India, Iran, Russia and the UAE to name a few.

According to Dcsalsera, here are some interesting facts about Turkmenistan that she learned on her trip:

There are no taxis. You catch "rides" with people and pay them what you deem to be appropriate

-it costs about $1 to fill a car with gasoline

-$4 for a roundtrip plane ticket between cities, that's how plentiful the oil is here

-Don't whistle in homes...it's a bad omen. I found out the hard way!

-watch out for the camels! When driving between cities, you must watch out for the camels on the road, they're a real hazard!

Check out her blog here.

More information on Turkmenistan here.

Labels: Destinatons

El Dario announced that council officials in Sant Josep of sa Talaia are forcing to close down clubs between the hours of six in the morning and noon. This decision is not new to the island of Ibiza, where last year council members in Sant Antoni de Portmany passed a similar measure.

This measure has officially put an end to 24hr clubbing on the island. Clubs that violate these measures will be heavily fined and closed for the entire season. Council member Paquita Ribas is confident that tourism to the island will remain unaffected. The council feels that this decision will limit the amount of “lesser quality” tourists.

Labels: Destinatons

After years of cost cutting and maintaining brand control via use of their own website as their sole customer portal, JetBlue has decided it wants to chase more green. This means reaching out to more customers. JetBlue seats may now be purchased via major online travel sites such as Travelocity, Orbitz and Expedia.

Both air-only fares and customized travel packages can be booked through Orbitz. Travelocity has decided to focus on the more expensive seats and has yet to incorporate JetBlue in its travel packages but intends to do so in the future.

Labels: Airlines

After the sinking of the MS Explorer, Lindblad Expeditions has announced a fund raising endeavor to promote the preservation and awareness efforts of the areas such as the Galapagos Islands, Baja California and within Central America. They are calling it "Travel Now, For The Future."

After hitting an iceberg last Friday in Antarctic waters, the Explorer sank after several hours raising questions as to what regulations should be imposed and more importantly what the environmental impacts of ecotourism are.

In light of this questioning it seems that Lindblad Expeditions has taken a philanthropic approach. It seems as if the Ecotourism industry has come to a saturation point of some sort. It is obviously an industry which will continue to grow and with such growth regulation is inevitable. There was a lot of talk regarding regulation in the industry prior to last Friday and it seems that the sinking of the Explorer may be the catalyst for implementation.

The following is the announcement of the fund raising project found at http://www.expeditions.com/

I’ve spent a lifetime in search of places that provide exciting, inspiring and meaningful travel. I know firsthand how important it is to safeguard their future. When we travel we have an opportunity to make a difference which is either positive or negative. I have always felt that we and our travelers are in the former category. We have made a positive difference in many areas and, frankly, that is largely due to our guests embracing the mission aspect of their travels – to be inspired, to care and to act.

Today, I invite you to help preserve some of the world’s capitals of wildness simply by visiting them with us.

Travel with us to Galapagos, Baja California or Central America in the first 6 months of 2008, and we will donate $250, in your name, to a critical conservation program in the place you visit. In many instances, these funds will be matched by local conservation groups, significantly increasing the impact of the contribution.

If you are new to the world of Lindblad Expeditions, I invite you to explore our website. And then explore the world’s wild places with us, and become part of their future.

Sven-Olof Lindblad

Labels: Ecotourism, Expeditions, Travel Operators

The ninth annual Jakarta Film Festival will take off from December 7^th to the 16^th. Indonesia’s premier film festival is expected to bring out a significant crowd this year. In 2006 63,000 people were in attendance.

The festival will showcase a large collection of international films which will be shown in theatres across Jakarta. The showing of “Chants of Lotus (Perempuan Punya Cerita),” a highly anticipated Indonesian piece which will hit theaters in 2008 has already sold out.

Tickets to events such as the Panasonic Seminar, Producer Panel, Documentary Panel and Behind the Scenes Photo Exhibit are still available. Below are dates and times for the events.

In addition to the films, script development workshops at the Intercontinental Hotel Midplaza,
Jakarta will start on December 8^th and continue through the 12^th.

For more information go to: http://www.jiffest.org

Labels: Destinatons

In order to address the demand for lower cost travel, Korean Air has decided to pursue a plan for a new LCC tentatively called Air Korea. The board has approved an investment of $21.5 billion dollars into the project.

The proposal to create a lower cost carrier was first proposed in June 2007. Before the 2007 is out, a corporate body will be established and by May 2008, Air Korea will launch routs to destinations within China’s Shandong and Hainan provinces from Incheon International Airport, its hub. Routs to Thailand, Malaysia and Japan will soon open gradually expanding its short and long distance network.

While Air Korea will purchase five jets for itself (three A300s and to B737s), maintenance work and operations training will be done by Korean Air. With Korean Air focusing on the higher end luxury traveler and Air Korea targeting budget travelers, both are able to continue providing top of the line services.

For more information go to http://www.koreanair.com/

Labels: Airlines

In an effort to expose the lesser known islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines a new airport being planned to bring in more tourists. Direct flights will soon be available and holiday goes from the UK will flock in droves to the guest houses and B&Bs to enjoy sailing and sun in the fun. An increase in UK tourism to these islands over the past year has allowed for more affordable family packages and naturally more tourism infrastructure.

The multi-million dollar airport project is scheduled to open in four years and with it bring more development. For travelers who enjoy the fact that St. Vincent and the Grenadines are lesser known and less traveled, this surely means one thing: We have four years before these adventure treasures change even faster than they are changing now.

Labels: Airlines

Reaching out and communicating with travelers has won STA Travel the title of Australia’s leading travel agency for 2007 at the annual World Travel Awards. In 2005 STA was also given the ‘Best Services Retailer’ award presented by the National Retailers Association at the 2005 American Express Rewards for Excellence.

STA’s focus on its young and adventurous target market has pushed STA past its competitors. The added value they are constantly providing such as their vice over internet (VOIP) call center, blogs and a new feature called “Map My Adventure” where customers can plan their trips using a Google Maps platform, will continue to attract the younger generation.

According to David Burns, Managing Director of STA Travel Australia and New Zealand, “What we’ve always done well at STA Travel is understand Generation Y - where they want to travel, what they are willing to spend and, most importantly, how they want to interact with a travel agent. By constantly investing in new technologies, we’ve been able to stay relevant to our market and keep ahead of our competitors”.

For more info....

US and Australian sites: http://www.statravel.com.au and http://www.statravel.com

The STA Blog: http://blogs.statravel.com/au

"Map My Adventure": http://au.mapmyadventure.com/uk

Labels: Travel Operators

Baja California, Mexico is a great place to go whale watching but if you happen to be in San Diego between December and April you can catch these giants of the sea passing by on their way south.

Hornblower cruises and events offers a three and a half hour whale watching tour aboard the Adventure Hornblower. With departure times twice daily, at 9:30AM and 1:30PM, Adventure Hornblower is touted as one of the largest and most comfortable whale watching yacht in Southern California.

Having said that, there is no reservation necessary and is open to the public which means that it is very likely that the ship could get crowded. Tickets can be purchased online in advance and are $30 for adults on the weekdays, $35 on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets for children between the ages of 4-12 are $15* each all week. For more information go to http://www.hornblower.com

*Thanks to L. Guinn for the update on children's tickets.

Labels: Destinatons

Feeling the pressure from the market? Is the boardroom feeling a little too stuffy? Maybe you have a little of that Richard Branson adventurer in you? Maverick Business Adventures is letting out the Branson in executives by providing them both an opportunity to be adventurous and a networking experience catered specifically to executives and entrepreneurs of the highest grade.

Based on his own adventurous lifestyle, seasoned entrepreneur Yanik Silver created Maverick Business Adventures, an exclusive club with expeditions and adventures such as their inaugural outing to Baja, Mexico which includes three days of wild off road adventure driving from Cabo San Lucas to Loreto.

“I wanted to design the kind of “club” and experience I’d want to take part in myself.” Mr. Silver explains of his new venture. “One that would attract the kind of like-minded people I’d want to hang out with and share and learn from. Essentially, my goal is to create one-of-a-kind experiences members would be sharing for years with their friends, colleagues and grandchildren.”

Maverick is designed for networking amongst successful entrepreneurs and business owners. In order to maintain an exclusive group, membership to Maverick is by application only. Upon acceptance an initiation fee of $10,000 is required and annual membership renewal of $5,000 thereafter. Members are invited to go on outings for which they pay separate fees.

Baja, Mexico is the site of their first adventure outing entitled the “Ultimate Baja Experience.” It is a five day/four night escape starting January 29^th to February 2, 2008. The “ultimate experience” starts off with the wild off-road run from Cabo San Lucas to Loreto followed by some R&R at Scorpion Bay featuring some surf, sun bathing and jet skiing. To top off the experience, the members get an up close encounter with Grey Whales in San Ignacio Lagoon. As an optional addition to the adventure, members are invited to extend their stay for one more day for a Superbowl celebration in Cabo San Lucas with a former NFL player. An itinerary like that is guaranteed to provide an experience the members can share and talk about for years to come.

For more information and to apply for membership go to http://www.MaverickBusinessAdventure s.com or call 240.744.0165

Labels: Adventure Travel, Travel Operators

After breaking the record travel time of 2 hors and 3 minutes on Sept. 7^th, 2007 between London and Paris, Eurostar’s move to a re-vamped terminal in St. Pancras International station London will knock off 20mins from the total travel time to Paris. These guys are serious about cutting travel time.

The newly remodeled terminal is designed to hold the 400 meter (984.25 foot) long trains and is also positioning itself to be the new gathering place for locals and tourists alike. A mix of old Victorian architecture and modern design come together to present a train station with class. “The best of continental chic and cutting edge London design” according to their website, St. Pancras is marketing itself as a retail and hospitality center. Boasting 82,000sq ft of retail space, the longest champagne bar, a farmer’s market and gourmet dining.

London to Paris round trip tickets on the high speed Eurostar trains can go anywhere from $150 or $816. The “added value” of boutique stores and champagne bars highlights Eurostar’s, and St. Pancras’, target market of luxury travelers. With the weakening of the US dollar against the Euro and Pound, easyjet.com still shines pretty bright in the eyes of the many budget travelers.

For more information about Eurostar and St. Pancras visit:

http://www.eurostar.com/

http://www.stpancras.com/

Labels: Trains

Round Island Resort, a new luxury private island resort in the Seychelles is scheduled to open for Christmas 2008. Presenting ten chalets designed in traditional Creole architecture, eight of which with only one bedroom and the rest featuring two bedrooms, is positioning itself to be among the most exclusive reports in the Seychelles.

The resort is to be managed by Jebel Ali International Hotels, Round Island being its first of two in the Indian Ocean. Jebel Ali is well known for its exquisite luxury hotels and leisure packages in Dubai.

Boasting beautiful beaches, rocky outcrops and alcoves, the island is situated in the heart of a National Marine Park providing some of the best snorkeling spots in the Indian Ocean. In addition to Round Island Resort, the five acre island will be host to Lifestyle Spa and Wellness Center, making a trip to this island a purely relaxing experience.

For more information and updates check back with us here at Colliding Continents or go to: http://www.jebelali-international.com/

Labels: Destinatons, Hotels, Islands

Boasting works by over 1500 artists, Art Basel Miami, the American sister event of Art Basel in Switzerland, will take place from December 6 – 9 2007. It is billed as the most important art show internationally and has been for the better part of four decades. The event includes exhibitions in film, music and even architecture and design.

Based in Miami’s Art Deco District, artists, leading art galleries and internationally renowned art dealers from across the globe will be in attendance. Public show days are from Thursday, December 6 to Saturday, December 8, 2007, from 5 to 8p.m. Prices for admission and ticketing are below. For more information go to: http://www.artbaselmiamibeach.com/

One Day Ticket $30
Two Day Ticket $45
Reduced One Day Ticket (children, students, seniors, groups of 10 and more) $15
School Class One Day Ticket $6
Evening Ticket $15
Permanent Pass $65

Admission is free for children under 16 when accompanied by an adult.

Tickets are available from ticketmaster starting October 2007.

To order tickets call ticketmaster or click here.
Phone: +1 305.358.5885

For advanced group sales call: +1 796.276.2611

Labels: Art Festivals, Festivals

Got time for a hot air balloon ride? How about some cliff diving? Some extra cash for a $14,500 Sri Lankan desert? Whatever your adventure is this is where you need to be…

This is Colliding Continents where you will be updated on the some of the most innovative ideas and events redefining the world of travel. From adventure and eco travel to high luxury and exclusive adventures, I’ll have it all for you right here. In addition to breaking news, Colliding Continents will feature a fellow traveler’s personal experience. At the end of which will be a link to our travel guide pages which lists out how to get to, and experience, what our adventurers were just talking about. Included are recommendations and ‘must see’s,’ from the locals themselves. Check it out here or click on the link 'To All Gates:' on the left under 'Resources.'

There is so much to see, so much to experience in the world and I have found that over the years travel guides and magazines can only keep up so much. There is only one true way of keeping up, and that is by reaching out to the people who are in the forefront of what truly determines the direction of the industry; the adventurers and locals themselves.

The exciting and expansive landscape of travel is constantly shifting with every new development in the world. Politics, environment, economy, fashion, industry developments and trends dictate the way we move around the world and how we experience it. New technologies and emerging economies bring cultures together faster, causing cultural continents to collide. With these changes, new ways to experience the world present themselves and this is where you will find out all about them.

Welcome to Colliding Continents. Hang on tight, and be ready to fall in love with the world all over again.

Sebastien Tobler

Labels: Travel Blog