Travelers Advantage....

HOT WINTER GETAWAYS

Before it gets cold outside, take the time to book a hot winter getaway to some favorite destinations. Whether you choose ‘hot’ getaways like Hawaii, Mexico, St. Thomas, Jamaica, or Nassau, some of the best bargains are available right now!

Hawaii

It’s easy to say ‘Aloha!’ to what’s new over on the Islands of Hawaii. New air service, recent awards, and lots of developments on the resort scene have made Hawaii as popular as ever every winter (or anytime of year).

It’s easier than ever getting to Hawaii, thanks to new direct service from Atlanta beginning November 1st with Delta Airlines. The flights are timed to provide East Coast travelers to Hawaii with convenient service during the winter months. The airline news comes on the heels of Hawaiian Airlines and Aloha Airlines being ranked numbers 4 and 6 respectively in the 2003 “World’s Best Awards” readers poll by Travel + Leisure magazine for “World’s Best Domestic Airlines”.

That same poll ranked the islands of Kauai (No. 5), Maui (No. 6), and Hawaii (No. 7) in the “World’s Best Islands Top 10 Overall” category. In addition, the Halekulani Hotel ranked as the top hotel in the Hawaiian Islands (but, there are also lots of other great choices with Travelers Advantage).

The hotel and resort front also includes lots of new possibilities and expansions of old favorites. From a $15 million makeover of the legendary Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach to a new spa to top off a $60 million modernization at the Waikiki Beach Marriott, there’s always something new on the Islands of Aloha!

Mexico

It’s also easy to say ‘Si’ to Mexico--especially hotspots like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos. From sun and sand to a million bucks to some lucky visitor, Mexico means mucho fun this winter.

Down in Cancun, they’re in the midst of the second annual Come-n-Stay Million Getaway promotion, which offers once-in-a-lifetime rewards to lucky vacationers staying in one of Cancun’s fabulous hotels and resorts anytime before December 20th. Along with the $1 million first prize (payable in U.S. Treasury bonds over 20 years), five lucky visitors will win $50,000 each and a third place winner will enjoy a millionaire-style Cancun vacation.

There are several other prizes and incentives awaiting Cancun vacationers. The winners will be selected at an official drawing on January 24, 2004, and will be publicly announced at a press conference on February 14th.

Over in Puerto Vallarta, gastronomes will want to get cooking with the upcoming 9th Annual Gourmet Festival. Held November 13-23, the festival serves to showcase a spicy blend of culinary talents between local Mexican chefs and more than 20 guest chefs from internationally acclaimed restaurants and hotels.

Featuring a gourmet dinner every night, the event offers everything from a beach brunch bikini contest to a chef symposium. Lots of great packages are available for this premier ‘foodie’ event.

Finally, Mexico’s Los Cabos is developing into a great golf destination. In a recent Conde Nast Traveler survey, five of the seven top golf resorts in all of Mexico were from Los Cabos.

Views of the Sea of Cortez, breathtaking mountain terrain, and sweeping ocean views are all part of the Los Cabos golf experience. The top courses included: Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar Resort & Spa; Westin Regina Golf and Beach Resort; Palmilla; Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos; and Casa Del Mar Golf Resort & Spa.

St. Thomas

The United States Virgin Islands continue to draw lots of winter vacationers, with St. Thomas leading the way. Thanks to convenient air service and no language barriers, currently exchanges, or required inoculations, St. Thomas is as simple as it gets to reach and enjoy.

Seasonal direct air service from Boston resumes November 1st, marking the beginning of another great winter for St. Thomas. In addition, increased Fast Ferry service between St. Thomas and St. Croix, renovations at Point Pleasant Resort, a new spa for the Ritz-Carlton, and more await St. Thomas-bound travelers.

Jamaica

Jamaica continues to 'jam' with happy tourists, thanks to great resorts, package deals, and lots of unique things to do. The island boasts more than 23,600 guest rooms, including all-inclusive options, five-star hotels, private villas, small inns and guesthouses, condominiums, spa resorts, golf and tennis resorts, and convention hotels.

Air Jamaica continues to expand direct service to the island and several other airlines are following suit. In addition, new activities abound--like the new Dolphin Lagoon experience at legendary Half Moon and lots of unique activities in White River Valley.

Nassau

It’s definitely better than ever in The Bahamas and that’s especially apparent on the island of New Providence and neighboring Paradise Island. Thanks to bustling Nassau and so much more, it’s a perfect pick this winter, with draws including the new National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, a new spa at acclaimed Atlantis, and the ever-expanding ferry service from Nassau.

The National Art Gallery opened on July 7th to rave reviews and was part of the country’s 30th anniversary of independence celebration. The new Mandara Spa at Atlantis offers yet another reason to book a Bahamas vacation at this legendary resort of 2,300 guest rooms, 35 restaurants, an incredible casino, a huge marine habitat, and so much more. Finally, Bahamas Ferries service continues to grow, offering great excursions out of Nassau to the likes of Spanish Wells, Harbour Island, Governor’s Harbour, Exuma, Andros, Eleuthera, and Abaco.

With all of these hot choices, it’s just a matter of booking your winter getaway. Call your Travel Service now to get the best bargains!