With its dramatic black volcanic rock, stunning seascapes, and impossibly tasty coffee, Kona, Hawaii, is one of the world’s most unexpected destinations. And when Lynn Regan booked a condo there last year, she was looking forward to experiencing the Big Island’s differentness.

She didn’t expect to get a different condo than the one she’d reserved – but that’s exactly what she says happened. Although her story touches on a lot of current consumer travel problems with vacation rentals, such as reputation management, user-generated reviews and product consistency, it all comes down to a single question: Should I try to help this aggrieved customer?

Back in April 2011, she says she began looking for vacation rentals in Hawaii. She found t

Find more…

* Vision Airlines is offering nonstop flights from Springfield, Ill., to Myrtle Beach, S.C., for just $99 each way (taxes included) beginning May 31. For schedules, or to book flights call 1- 877-359-2538 or on line at visionairlines.com.

* Save $1,200 to $2,200 per couple on the Grand Circle Cruise Line’s European river cruises—The Great Rivers of Europe and Romance of the Rhine & Mosel.  The offer is available on remaining July departures as well as on select August and September departures. Just

Find more…

The Infotower, however, will be open as usual between 10 am and 6 pm.

From Wednesday 2nd May 2012, the visitor centre will be open again providing visitors with information and entertainment centring on the new Berlin Brandenburg Airport at its regular times from Mondays to Fridays between 10 am and 6 pm.

According to the survey, a vast majority (87%) of Americans indicate that they plan to take more or about the same number of trips this summer compared to what they did last year. Further, over two-in-five (42%) Americans report that they plan to take two or more trips this summer.
 
Results also indicate that a vast majority (84%) of Americans who will take vacations plan to travel primarily by car for at least one of their trips and plan on racking up an average of 1,172 miles on their leisure travel this summer.

Find more…

Even though it is landlocked, Switzerland has a staggering 65,300km of rivers and 7,000 lakes. Much of this water comes from glaciers, and so it is beautifully clear and blue. Located near Zurich, Lucerne has a stunning lake to enjoy. This medieval city sits on the River Reuss, and with plenty of water sports and lake cruises to enjoy, it is a wonderful Swiss retreat.

Murcia, Spain

Once described by actress Esther Williams as the worlds largest swimming pool, Murcias Mar Menor is a 70km sea lagoon that is separated from the rest of the Mediterranean by the La Manga sandbar.

Find more…

Tourists, right, attending a church service watch as members of the clergy file in at the Mother AME Zion Church in New York, Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012. The New York City’s Harlem churches have become popular tourist attractions for visitors from all over the world who want to listen to soulful gospel music at a black church service.

Find more…

Come May 11-12, the City of Brotherly Love just might gain another nickname: the City of Strong Backs. Once again, Philadelphia will host the Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta, the largest collegiate rowing regatta in the United States with more than 100 universities participating from the United States and Canada. Dating back to 1934, the event continues to be one of the city’s most exciting traditions and the perfect excuse to book a Philadelphia vacation. The free event runs on both days from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pack a picnic lunch or buy snacks in the food court to enjoy along the Schuylkill River. F

Find more…

In the Christian world, this Sunday is Palm Sunday, which marks the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem in the days before his suffering and death.  As a reminder of this, Christians around the world follow the final days of Christ by re-enacting or praying the Stations of the Cross. The Shrine of Christ’s Passion in St. John, Indiana is a pilgrimage destination, honoring the last days of Christ from the Last Supper to the resurrection.

Visitors will find a half-mile, winding, but handicapped accessible pathway that leads through each of the final events in Christs life, depicted by 40 life-size bronze statues.  Each station includes an audio-recorded description of the scene told by CBS veteran journalist Bill Kurtis. Bac

Find more…

Known as one of this country’s greatest illustrators, N.C. Wyeth did most of his work in the period of time just prior to photography’s overtake of commercial art. His signature style was one of simplicity and drama. Although he had it in him to be a great painter, Wyeth’s personal artistic ambitions had to take a back seat, for many years, to his familial responsibilities. His m

Find more…

• Recommended Links
• Read our Kenya Travel Guide
• Take a look at Unique Eco Rental in Kenya, Ol Lentille

With an already unique collection of award-winning luxury retreats, Sir Richard Bransons Virgin Limited Edition has announced that it will be introducing an exciting new property to its portfolio next year: Mahali Mzuri in Kenya.

Mahali Mzuri meaning beautiful place in Swahili will be a luxury safari camp. The camp will consist of 12 sleeper tents and cater for a maximum of 24 guests at any one time.

Find more…

Trying to organise a holiday during economically difficult times can be challenging, and many people may think that they simply wont be able to get away at all. However, with a number of top European destinations slashing their hotel prices, a trip away could be cheaper than many believe.

Portugals Albufeira is one such place, and with cheap flights to Faro readily available, a trip to this European country is inexpensive. This popular Algarve city can offer the ideal family getaway this summer, and with the average hotel price per night falling from 2011s £82 to just £47, the budget could go far further than many may think.

Alternatively, the beautiful French retreat of Arles has also seen similar price drops. H

Find more…

Minister St.Ange of the Seychelles expressed his desire to invite a Rodrigues island delegation to the Seychelles to participate in the 3rd edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria 2013.

Minister Nicolas Von-Mally said from his Port Louis Office in Mauritius that he “would encourage this cultural exchange program between Rodrigues island and the Seychelles. T Find more…

AUSTIN, Texas - Austin’s South by Southwest festival is over for 2012. The “Welcome SXSW!” signs have been peeled from club facades, movie marquees, hotels and gas stations. The handbills advertising movies, bands and the newest interactive apps are gone for another year.

The streets around the Austin Convention Center are reopened to traffic. There are parking spaces. There are parks. The exclusive parties are memories – if the attendees can remember them.

Austin, Texas, is just plain Austin, Texas, once again.

In other words, it’s safe to book your vacation.

I’ve looked at Austin from both sides now – the “just” Austin, and the SXSW (or “South by,” as some call it) Austin – and I think I vote for the former. Yeah, I

Find more…

“In APCOA we have acquired a first-rate operator with extensive experience in taxi management at European airports for the new Berlin Brandenburg Airport”, said Dr. Norbert Minhorst, Head of Non-Aviation Management at Berlin Brandenburg Airport. “BER will be the first German airport to use the APCOA system, which will enable extensive cooperation with taxi operators.”

New taxi control system in operation at BER

APCOA will apply a modern taxi control system at Berlin Brandenburg Airport to regulate taxi traffic at the ranks.

Find more…

One of them, the Omni San Francisco, offered a $120 savings and was closer to his meeting. “It was right where I needed to be,” says Kimmel, who owns a health food company in Montreal and had heard about BackBid from a friend. “I call

Find more…