This fall and coming spring, Israel will play host to two of the world's unique birding festivals, the Hula Valley Bird Festival (Nov. 11-18) and the Eilat Birds Festival (March 13-20, 2013). Israel's Hula Valley annually welcomes such rare migratory species as the Greater Spotted and Eastern Imperial Eagles, along with local species including the Black Francolin and Pygmy Cormorant. The Hula Valley Bird Festival will offer comprehensive birding workshops, a photography seminar, a bird-watching competition and tours led by local birding experts. Organized by the Israel Ornithological Center,...
While many hotels are encouraging love birds to share a romantic getaway, The Edgewater Hotel in Seattle is reaching out to encourage the newly single to break free of their old ball and chain and celebrate freedom with the "Its Not Me, It's You"campaign. Available through Dec. 30 and starting at US$649/night divorcées celebrate the beginning of a new era with the ultimate break-up bash, where they are free to indulge in all of life's pleasures. The package includes: All About Me Makeover; Consultation with a local stylist to create a new look; Love Potion Cocktail; Signature drinks that...
With the recent announcements of new routes and increased airlift to the Hawaiian Islands, the Hawaii Tourism Authority anticipates even greater growth in air seats this year. Total scheduled air seat capacity is expected to surpass 10 million seats in 2012, a 9% jump over last year. That's up from the 7.7% increase originally projected in February 2012. By the end of the year, total air seat capacity to the state is expected to reach 99% of the peak capacity established in 2007....
The Vancouver Writers Festival (previously named the Vancouver International Writers and Readers Festival) celebrates its 25th year with a new name and fresh look. The festival is one of North America's top literary events and attracts some of the world's best writers, including this year's headliners Margaret Atwood, Alistair MacLeod and Martin Amis. Taking place on Granville Island, Oct. 16-21, the festival features a variety of conversations, panel discussions, on-stage interviews and musical collaborations. Whether attending an author reading, poetry bash or passionate debate between...
Day-long guests of Waikiki Ocean Club, the popular floating playground that is moored in the waters off Waikiki, will now receive a free lunch, including entrée, chips and soft drink. In addition, the attraction has introduced a half-day rate of $49 for guests who want the flexibility of a four-hour introduction to the many activities on board, including snorkelling, trampoline, stand-up paddling, slides, helmet diving and even PADI-certified scuba lessons. Childrens' rates are $39. Waikiki Ocean Club has recently partnered with Waikiki Trolley to provide complimentary round-trip...
Porter Airlines is preparing for another year of service to Burlington, Vt. from Toronto's Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport beginning Dec. 15 until April 8, 2013. Four weekly roundtrip options are now available compared to two last season. This is Porter's second year flying to Burlington, a popular destination for skiers. Weekly flights are available on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Between Dec. 15 and Jan. 6, 2013 flights will operate on Saturdays in place of Fridays. Special Porter ski packages and shuttle bus service for Jay Peak, Smugglers' Notch Resort, Stowe Mountain Resort...
Boomerang Tours is offering travellers a chance to experience a small group tour with its new local operator MoaTrek. The operator is not only a new addition to this year's line-up, but also available exclusively from Boomerang. David Boign, vice-president of Boomerang Tours, explained that each MoaTrek group has a maximum of 18 guests. Small and personal groups offer opportunities to meet the locals -- farmers, winemakers, gardeners and chefs. There are special occasion lunches and dinners in wonderful locations with warm hosts and fine wine and food included in the tour cost. As well, there...
Opening this fall, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel will be Victoria's newest, yet one of its most historically rich hotels. Guests can consider booking the "Putting on the Ritz"package for the hotel's grand opening. Guests will be greeted by a chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce, starting a stay with one night's accommodation in a king or double queen guest room, breakfast for two, full access to the seaside therapeutic mineral pools/fitness centre and dinner for two in the David Foster Foundation Dinner Theatre. Room rates start at $199 p.p....
The Waimea Ocean Film Festival is a dynamic, world-class film festival held on Hawaii's Big Island each January. The event includes films, breakfast talks, Q&As with filmmakers, presentations, receptions, art exhibits and morning activities, such as paddling and yoga on the beach. Designed to be fun and inspiring, the festival also brings increased understanding and awareness of the ocean and island culture. The third annual edition of the festival will take place Jan. 3-6 at Waimea and the Kohala Coast, and Jan. 8-11 at the Four Seasons Resort, Hualalai....
With the Canadian dollar retaining its strength against the US dollar, more Canadians are flocking south of the border for their vacation than ever before and to keep up with this demand Sunwing has expanded its US program with the debut of its new "USA Collection"brochure. Sunwing continues to offer flights, hotels and vacation packages to such destinations as Florida and Las Vegas. Travellers booking Florida with Sunwing can take advantage of flights and packages to Orlando, St. Petersburg/Clearwater and Ft. Lauderdale, as well as a range of hotel and resort offerings in nearby cities such...