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Embracing Classic Europe
The classic Europe traveler appreciates the history and culture of our neighbors across the Atlantic. From the pubs in Great Britain to the museums in Italy to the shopping in France to the castles in Germany, this traveler is ready to soak up the unique ambience that is Europe. Visiting ancient Roman ruins, perusing renaissance-era works of art, floating in Venetian gondolas, shopping local markets, exploring architecture in quaint medieval villages – it doesn’t get much better than this. The classic Europe traveler expects knowledgeable tour guides that know the language and can give them a unique local perspective. When evening falls, nothing speaks Europe better than fine wine and gourmet dining at a quaint café in the shadow of a local landmark. Bon appétit!
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 Featured Destination
Sicily, Italy
Sicily is the ideal destination for the classic Europe traveler. The largest island in the Mediterranean, this unique haven is filled with art, archeology, folklore and, of course, great food. Sicily’s coast and its small islands sit at the foot of Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe.
The world’s first multicultural society, Sicily is Italy’s most historically cosmopolitan region, having been ruled by Asians, Africans and Europeans. In recent years coastal Sicily, like much of the Mediterranean coast, has experienced a surge in tourism. The island has emerged as something of an international travel hot spot, drawing increasing numbers of visitors from around the world.
Learn more about Sicily.
San Domenico Palace Hotel, Taormina
For a true taste of Europe, nothing compares to a stay in the historic San Domenico Palace Hotel. This former 14th-century monastery offers the ultimate in luxury with breathtaking views of Mount Etna. The hotel’s unique atmosphere and unsurpassed hospitality attract the world’s most discerning clientele, including international jet-setters who choose this venue for its heritage, sophisticated atmosphere and excellent facilities.
A member of the “Leading Hotels of the World,” this property simply oozes charm and character with its original frescoes, antique furnishings and ancient walls. Guests may relax in the fitness center and spa or sunbathe around the pool on the panoramic terraces. They may sample the best of traditional Sicilian cuisine at the hotel’s wide choice of restaurants and bars. The restaurants and hotel have won a series of awards and acknowledgements, including the 2009 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List of the world’s best places to stay.
Learn more about San Domenico Palace.
Travelers Night In - Come Join Us
The Go-Girls invite you to join them for Travelers Night In, an online tweet-up every Thursday, from 3:30 EST – 5:00 PM, to chat about the latest and greatest of the travel world.
This week’s topic: Mexico and the Caribbean
Our theme for each week will be different, so check out the Twitter Events page for the latest topics. The more the merrier, so invite all your adventure-minded tweeters for a fun, spirited exchange on everything travel!
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What's the Buzz
Mexico Attracts Visitors Despite Drug-Related Violence
U.S. tourists are continuing to travel to Mexico, saying they are not letting fears of drug-related violence spoil their vacations.
Source: Travel Weekly (3-25-10)
Harry Potter Attraction Opens June 18 at Universal Orlando
The $200 million Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction, an addition to the Islands of Adventure theme park, will open June 18, according to Universal Orlando.
Source: Orlando Sentinel (3-25-10)
Wisconsin is First State to Ban Hotel Smoking
Wisconsin will become the first state to ban smoking in all hotels this summer when its Act 12 takes effect.
Source: The Washington Post (3-28-10)
Cuts to Alaska Cruise Ship Passenger Tax Proposed
Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell has submitted a bill to slash the cruise passenger head tax to $19.50, a 59% drop from the current level of $46.
Source: Travel Weekly (3-26-10)
New York-Area Airports Involved in 41 of 50 Tardiest Flights
Forty-one of the 50 most-delayed flights in the U.S. start or conclude at Newark, LaGuardia or Kennedy airports, according to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Source: Bloomberg (3-10-10)
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Shopping Shuttle
Paris on Monday, Venice on Wednesday, Barcelona on Friday – here are some tips on what to pack for a European holiday.
Vintage Recycled Rubber Small Model … Old Glory Great new bag to throw into the mix and knowing it's made from recycled rubber is even more appealing.
The North Face Hot Shot Backpack - 2000cu in
GoApril’s motto: only pack what you can carry.
Patagonia Women's Rain Shadow Trench Patagonia
Don't leave home without a light rain jacket, especially in spring!
220V Travel Converter - 200 Watts Deluxe Converter
A must for European Airports
Tumi Voyageur Super Leger International Carry On Luggage
Never wonder which bag is yours again - love this high-quality Tumi!
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Deals and Steals
Starwood offers new deals for meeting planners. Book now until April 30, 2010, and receive the following incentives:
* 4% Credit to master
* Up to 100,000 Starpoints® signing bonus
* And at resort properties, a complimentary opening reception
Plus, if you book and hold your meeting by April 30, 2010, you will receive:
* An additional 1% credit to master
* A complimentary meeting space
For more information, visit: Starwood Hotels and Resorts
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Travel Tips
* Tapping your nose means confidentiality, or a secret, in Great Britain.
* While in England, Scotland and Wales avoid wearing striped ties as they may be copies of British Military dress.
* In Iceland, tipping is considered an insult.
* Italians drink a good cappuccino at breakfast only, and not dinner.
* When visiting European churches or cathedrals, remember that shorts or beachwear are not acceptable; please dress appropriately
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Open Mic
What is Your Favorite Destination?
By: Michelle (Livingston) Mettler, Vice President of Business Development, Intercontinental Travel Company (ITC Italy)
For anyone who travels regularly, you know friends and family often ask “What is your favorite destination?” For me this is a challenging question. As I think through my travel experiences to answer this, I remember, with smile after smile, highlights from each adventure. There are so many favorite destinations, each in its own amazing memories. There is my favorite from a cultural stand point; there is the one that has the most romantic beach; the “extreme” destination where I bungee jumped for the first time; the destination where the warmth of the people surprised me the most; the destination that took me away from my comfort zone, in a surprisingly wonderful way. In the end, it seems that each travel experience has its favorite moments that can make it a favorite destination in its own way. to read more ...
Michelle (Livingston) Mettler, Vice President of Business Development, Intercontinental Travel Company (ITC Italy), P: 636-225-2422 M: 314-283-2824 F: 636-825-9406
michelle.itc@sbcglobal.net www.intercontravel.com
Do you like to be heard? Open Mic is your opportunity to voice your opinion or share your expertise on travel-related topics. To submit an article for Open Mic, send an email to dcondron@zipsetgo.com.
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