Summer Travelers Book Far in Advance, Travel Far and Away in 2007

Data Shows International Travel on the Rise, but as Prices Climb, Travelocity Offers Savings Tips for Summer
SOUTHLAKE, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--According to recent Travelocity data, international and domestic trips are up this year but there are some changes to the usual summer travel routine. With some lesser-known international destinations growing in popularity, many savvy travelers are finding ways to reach exotic locales around the globe AND stay on budget, despite most travel costs being up for summer.
Recent summer data show that travel booking windows have grown significantly. In 2002 the average trip was purchased 115 days before departure but this year, thus far, the average trip is being purchased 126 days before departure. International travelers tend to book tickets 17.3 days farther in advance than domestic travelers. Still, cost-conscious consumers have chosen to make some sacrifices this season, shortening their length of stay by 4% over last year in order to save on the final tab. "The good news," according to Amy Ziff, Travelocity's editor-at-large, "is that savvy travelers can have their cake and eat it too. They can save by exploring international destinations that are a little farther afield or sometimes less popular."
Industry insiders prove that if you’re equipped with the right information this summer, there are still opportunities to save. But, without good direction, travelers may quickly become discouraged OR get lost in a rabbit hole of research in an attempt to uncover the best prices.
Whether traveling by land, air or sea, Travelocity has taken the guesswork out of how to travel this summer by looking to industry data to find which destinations are showing price decreases or remaining steady over 2006.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL: Early predictions show that pricing overall is up 3.7 percent from last year on all international destinations. However, following is a list of popular hot spots showing a decrease in airfares from last year:

-- Travel to the Caribbean is up 22 percent year over year. To find the best deal head to: Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, and Guadeloupe

-- Travel to Asia is up 17 percent overall. But, fares are down to some of the best tourist destinations: China, Sri Lanka, and India

-- Travel to Central America is up 14 percent overall and travel to South America is up 7 percent. Save on:
-- Central America: Belize, Guatemala, and Costa Rica
-- South America: Peru, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay

-- Travel to Europe is actually on the decline, with Western Europe down 2 percent and Eastern Europe down 15 percent. For the best deals look up:
-- Eastern Europe: Ukraine, Croatia, Lithuania, and Poland
-- Western Europe: Denmark, Austria, Iceland, Spain, and Italy

-- For warmer travel options, head to Mexico this summer, which is showing a decrease in travel and offers several amazing steals: Yucatan, Baja Peninsula, and Central Mexico
DOMESTIC TRAVEL: Early data indicates that domestic travel prices are up 3.8 percent over 2006. Top booked destinations for summer include:


-- Las Vegas
-- Los Angeles Area
-- Orlando Area
-- San Francisco Bay Area
-- New York City Area
-- Denver Area
-- South Florida
-- Honolulu
-- Seattle Area
-- Chicago Area
SAVINGS SECRETS:
Board a Ship - According to Cruise Lines International Association, just over 12.6 million travelers will take a cruise in 2007. The good news about the summer seas – is on pricing. Many cruises are being offered at prices we haven't seen since 2003. Although prices have gone down, the number of cruise ships, ports and itineraries have grown. Set sail to see exotic locales and cover multiple destinations in one trip:
Northern European cruises (Baltic Cruises, including ports such as St. Petersburg, Estonia, and Lithuania, are increasingly popular)
For more offbeat sailings head to places like Iceland, Greenland, or even the Norwegian fjords
Hawaii is convenient, popular, and well priced with 7-night roundtrip cruises to and from Honolulu
Alaska cruises remain ever-popular (particularly cruise tours)
Rent a Car Off-Airport - Car rentals can heavily affect the budget unless the provider outlines a rental car plan in advance. Based on Travelocity’s car tax study in December 2006, Ziff says, "travelers can save more than 10 percent on car rental taxes if they go off-airport to a neighborhood location."
Finding a car off airport can save you money but may take you more time
Evaluate your travel schedule and allow time to travel to a neighborhood
General Savings Tips for Summer 2007:
Book early!
Utilize alternate or near-by destinations for flights, cars, and hotels
Enjoy a tax deductible volunteer vacation
Use your Travelocity credit card and utilize points for future travels
Search for hotel savings with alternate date tools and “one night free” promotions
For more information visit www.travelocity.com.atoz or write to askamy@travelocity.com.
About Travelocity
Travelocity® is committed to being the traveler's champion -- before, during and after the trip – and is the only online travel company that guarantees not just the price, but the entire travel experience – see www.travelocity.com/guarantee for details. This customer-driven focus, backed by 24/7 live phone support, great prices and powerful shopping technology has made Travelocity the sixth largest travel agency -- booking $10.1 billion in travel worldwide in 2006. Based in Southlake, Texas, Travelocity also owns and operates Travelocity Business® for corporate travelers, lastminute.com, a leader in European online travel and ZUJI, a leader in Asia-Pacific online travel. Travelocity is owned by Sabre Holdings Corporation, a world leader in travel commerce. The Roaming Gnome is a trademark of Travelocity.com LP.

Phuket Beaches

Few islands can boast of such an abundance of sandy beaches and clear waters as Phuket. The winding coastal roads along the west coast of this 540-square-km island offer stunning views and easy access to some of the world's finest beaches.
Whether one wants to sample the frenetic pace of Patong or find solitude on a remote stretch of sand in the north, Phuket's beaches have it all for the sun seeker. The monsoon rains of May-October can bring unpredictable swimming conditions, so heed the posted flag warnings.

Phuket Thailand tourist information

Phuket Thailand tourist information
Recommended Hotels
1
Novotel Phuket Resort
2
Amari Coral Beach Resort
3
Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket
4
Kamala Beach Hotel
5
The Royal Phuket Yacht Club
6
Woraburi Resort & Spa
7
The Mangosteen Resort & Spa
8
Sugar Palm Resort
9
The Aspasia Phuket
10
Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket
PHUKET MAGAZINE
This MonthHidden Gems in Phuket
Sawasdee khrup! Welcome to Phuket.Com Magazine's March edition. This month's theme is 'Hidden Gems in Phuket' and in this issue we explore Phuket's waterfalls, review the aptly named Secret Cliff Resort and give you 10 reasons why to stay at two of the island's best resorts. Read More...
Spectacular scenery, stunning tropical sunsets and warm blue sea awaits you at Asia’s most popular beach destination. This fun island provides an unbeatable combination of perfect silky soft white palm-lined beaches, superb hospitality and great value accommodation!
Whether it's world class diving in the Andaman Sea, golf at world-standard championship courses or exciting eco-adventures in tropical forests, Phuket is a place to extend your horizons.
Take an exhilarating speedboat trip to the surrounding islands, or enjoy a serene cruise around mystical Phang Nga Bay. Or why not simply enjoy Phuket’s vibrant nightlife in Patong Beach? Total enjoyment! Not convinced yet? See our 10 Must See and Do list.
Parents and children, beach bums and barflies, newlyweds and 90-year-olds: Phuket has everything you’re looking for. It caters to all tastes, every budget, and promises to deliver a smile-filled holiday in the exotic surrounds of one of the planet’s most exciting island getaways.
Whether it is luxurious and secluded, vivacious and untamed, or somewhere in the middle; your niche is here. You will find it. And you will be back for more!

Samui Island

Samui Island Beach Resort & Hotel combines traditional Thai culture with modern Western comforts: included of Air condition, cable TV, swimming pool; and many other amenities, such as tour & travel desk, traditional Thai massage and Kayaking.
Samui Island Beach Resort & Hotel is situated on the north of Chaweng Beach; which is located on Koh Samui Island in Thailand. Chaweng Beach, a coastline internationally famous for its gently swaying palm trees, and popular dining and nightlife area. You will be delight of the warmth of Thai hospitality in a sanctuary setting amidst a garden of lush tropical flora and fauna, yet ideally situated close to shops, markets, restaurants and nightlife.
When you stay at Samui Island Beach Resort & Hotel, you will notice that our architecture is traditional Thai but with modern facilities.
Samui Island Beach Resort & Hotel is designed for travelers who like adventure, comfortable maximum privacy and quiet. Offering guests luxurious accommodations in a sanctuary setting, Samui Island Beach Resort & Hotel offers our customers also a Kayak boat for exercise for a journey to the mystery Mat-Lang island.
Should you decide to cool off or get some sun, you might want to enjoy our swimming pool or a dip in the clear blue ocean

Why go Hiking?

Hiking is a recreational activity where we walk because we want to, not because we have to. The journey is more important than the destination. The reason we make this journey varies from person to person and from occasion to occasion. Most people like Hiking for one or more of the following reasons:
Hiking is a great body exercise which will greatly improve your overall physical condition. The natural walking motion provides you with a relatively low impact but effective workout. Furthermore, you are able to set the exact pace and length of your workout. Many people use walking as part of their Fitness routine.
Hiking is a great way to explore nature. Most people enjoy Hiking as it brings them back to nature. It can bring you to the most beautiful places on earth and into contact with amazing plants and wildlife. Beaches, deserts, woods, jungle forests, hills, and mountains all facilitate in different Hiking conditions, each with their own unique appeal.
Hiking is easy to start and it does not require high tech equipment. A solid pair of Hiking Boots, some basic (outdoor) clothing, and a small Hiking Backpack will be enough to get you started on basic day-hikes. The Walking Technique is something you possess from childhood and for basic Hiking, there is nothing else you need to learn.
Hiking is an activity that allows you to grow in your knowledge and skills as you progress. In its easiest form, Hiking is a very safe walk using clearly defined trails. In its extremer form, it would require Mountaineering, survival, hunting, and Navigation Skills.
Hiking is the starting point of a whole range of other outdoor activities that require hiking. It is often a part of Rock Climbing, Mountaineering, Camping, Para Gliding, and a lot of other outdoor/mountainous activities.
Hiking is a year round activity. In fact, being able to hike in different conditions is one of the activity’s most appealing and challenging factors. Autumn leaves, the winter snow, the new green of spring and the heat of summer - you can go hiking at any season.
Hiking is a great way to get away from things and forget about the everyday stress in your life. It could be an experience you share with others or something that you do all alone. Many people take a walk to clear their heads or to think about issues. Hiking could be a way of relaxing or something that can test your own capabilities.We hope this website will teach you enough about Hiking & Trekking to make you enthusiastic about it and Get Started with Hiking.

Historical Background of Hawaiian island

the oldest Hawaiian island (Kaua’i) was formed some 5.1 million years ago, the Big Island is the newest addition, and is still growing. There were once five active volcanoes contributing to the island's growth: Mauna Kea, Kohala, Hualalai, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Hualalai last erupted in 1801, while Kilauea and Mauna Loa are still considered active. The early Hawaiians...By the time Westerners discovered Hawai'i (in the late 18th century), Polynesians from the Marquesas, Tahiti and the Cook Islands had lived on the islands for more than 1,200 years. These island people had traveled over 3,500 miles by sea, bringing with them the plant life and animals necessary for their survival. They had established a way of life based around agriculture and a government based around ali'I (chiefs) and kahuna (priests). The system of kapu dictated the rules of society. The Hawaiian people were, for the most part, peaceful. Because there were only While a limited number of able-bodied warriors, a fighting lifestyle was not practical. Pre-contact life on the Big Island was quite prosperous. As one of the primary taro producers in the island chain, it managed to maintain a relatively high standard of living through inter-island trade.The ancient Hawaiians were a highly religious people; many gods and goddesses affected their behavior in everyday life. On the Big Island, the most powerful of these was the Volcano Goddess, Pele. Big Islanders believed that Pele’s wrath showed itself in the form of the molten lava that frequently ran down the mountainside and (less frequently) destroyed villages and killed their inhabitants.Captain Cook's ArrivalJanuary 17, 1779 was the date of Captain James Cook's arrival into Kealakekua Bay. Coincidentally, the British ships sailed into the bay during a celebration known as Makahiki. More than 10,000 Hawaiians had flocked to the area to honor the god Lono. According to Hawaiian legend, Lono was a 'white god' accompanied by white banners-a remarkably similar description to that of Cook, who arrived by sea with his white flags flying. The Big Islanders greeted this British navigator as though he were in fact a god. He was treated with complete deference during the remaining two weeks of Makahiki: entertained, honored and plied with gifts. In return, Cook presented the Hawaiians with gifts and with British-style entertainment (fireworks). Apparently, the initial goodwill was not enough to maintain peaceable relations between the British and the Islanders. Cook sailed out of Kealakekua, only to turn back due to ship damage. At that point, Makahiki had ended and a kapu (rule) that forbade entrance to the bay was being enforced. In respect for this kapu, the Hawaiians confiscated the British shore boat. The British responded by attempting to kidnap the Hawaiian chief Kalaniopu'u. They planned to use the chief as hostage until their boat was returned. This attempt was Cook's fatal mistake: he was killed by a group of Hawaiians as soon as he reached the shore.Hawaiian SovereigntyAfter Cook's death in 1779, a young Big Island ali'i named Kamehameha was inspired to seize a British ship. With the cannon and guns on the ship, he was able to obtain control of the entire Hawaiian Island chain. Under Kamehameha's rule, Hawaii became an organized sovereignty for the first time, and was recognized by the world as such. The king built his court on the Big Island and established a system of trade and taxation. As the islands were forced to become more and more involved with trade in the western world, it became increasingly difficult to preserve Hawaiian culture. Kamehameha managed to maintain the delicate balance until his death in 1819.The island population had been fairly small to begin with, numbering about 300,000. After the arrival of the westerners, disease ran rampant on the islands, killing off all but about 50,000 people by the year 1880. As the population diminished, so did the strength of the Hawaiian nation.Hawaii's LandIn the 1840s, an attempt was made by the British Consul to seize control of the Hawaiian Island chain. Although British government changed their position, thereby rendering the attempt unsuccessful, this event raised the issue of land ownership on the Islands. Foreigners decided that the time had come to claim their piece of paradise. Up until that time, the Hawaiians had measured land in terms of its resources. In order to qualify as an ahupua'a (the Hawaiian unit of measurement), the land had to contain timber, fresh water, farmland and water for fishing. This concept was beyond European understanding, and they set about divvying up the land as they saw fit. In 1845, an event later known as the Great Mahele occurred. This event surrendered all lands for redistribution: a third was to go to royalty, another third to the government, and the last third was to be divided amongst the people. By 1850, land ownership rights were given to any foreigner who cared to purchase them. The majority of the land held by the island people passed into the hands of the foreigners in the course of just a few decades.Once the Hawaiians began to lose control of the land, it was a slippery slope downward to the total decline of their island culture. The last queen, Liliuokalani, was forced to relinquish power into the hands of the businessmen who had won control of the sugar industry. Annexation followed shortly thereafter: on August 12, 1898, Hawai'i became a territory of the United States. On July 27, 1959, Hawai'i became the 50th of the United States, with the Big Island constituting one of its four counties.The Big Island of Hawai'i TodayWhile much of the Big Island's culture was lost through the course of the past 200 years, recent times have seen a resurgence of interest in Hawaiiana. The dance, song and legend of ancient Hawaii have not yet been lost, although they no longer represent the beliefs of a nation. Perhaps more amazing than the perseverance of the Hawaiian people is the fact that, today, so many races live harmoniously in what was once a land of conflict.

Hawai'i (Big Island)

Overview
It’s an island of extremes--and of constant change. Ski or stargaze on Mauna Kea, and view evolution in action while sipping honey wine at fiery Kilauea. Hike through Hilo’s rainforests and waterfalls, or view the black lava desert of the Kohala Coast