News Update

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  2. DOT Finalizes Tokyo Decision


    The battle over take-off and landing slots at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND) is over. U.S. regulators have finalized a decision that gives Delta Air Lines slots for two daily flights. American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will each get one slot. United Airlines and Continental Airlines were denied access to airport slots. A new runway will open in October and flights will begin shortly thereafter.

     

     



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  3. Airport Scanners Linked To Cancer


    Do airport body scanners heighten the risk of cancer among frequent travelers? The jury is still out on that question, but according to Dr. David Brenner, director of the Center for Radiological Research and the Higgins professor of Radiation Biophysics at Columbia University Medical Center, the average radiation dose from a front and back scan is about 0.15 µSv. While statistically small, the exposure amounts to 20 times the average dose.

    Brenner sent Global Traveler a copy of the PowerPoint presentation he referenced during a June 2010 speech on Capital Hill. “The implication is that as you lower the dose, you proportionately lower the risk, but there is no dose where the risk is zero. This is where we need more research,” Brenner told Congress.

    While individual risk is statistically small, Brenner said the population risk has the potential to be significant. Among his concerns: X-rays are effective at breaking molecular bonds in organic molecules, such as DNA, resulting in damage to chromosomes and chromosome damage in a single cell can be the first of many steps on the path to cancer.

    According to Brenner’s research, susceptibility to X-rays differs by individual. At-risk subsets of the population include children, developing embryos and fetuses and genetically sensitive groups.

    Brenner told Congress the new full-body backscatter scanners do not emit a uniform dosage of radiation throughout the body. Some parts of the body will receive larger doses than others and the largest doses from this type of technology will affect the skin. The 0.15 µSv is a relatively low dose of radiation, but still higher than average.

    His report also cited basal cell carcinoma as one of the most common cancers associated with X-ray exposure, particularly after exposure in childhood. Radiation acts as a multiplier of natural cancer rates, so any increases in cancers as a result of X-ray scanner irradiation of children would not likely appear for decades.

    Brenner, who throughout his speech, reiterated his belief that the overall risk is very low, is rallying for more research into the effect of full-body scanner exposure on the general population balanced with the potential benefits of safer flying.

     

     



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  4. Airlines Await Fines


    United Airlines and Delta Air Lines face fines following violations of the three-hour tarmac delay rule. During the month of May, five flights were delayed for more than three hours. United operated four of them; Delta operated one. The airlines face fines of up to $27,500 per passenger and are currently awaiting the results of a Department of Transportation investigation into the incidents. Carriers are not fined if planes were delayed for safety and security reasons.

     

     



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  5. Delta, US Airways To Sue FAA


    Delta Air Lines and US Airways are headed to court, announcing they plan to sue the Federal Aviation Administration over the conditions the FAA imposed for a proposed slot swap between the two airlines. The airlines announced their decision in a letter sent to the general counsel of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the chief counsel of the FAA.

     

     



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  6. Holland American Line

    MS Rotterdam/Alaska Cruise
    300 Elliott Ave. W.
    Seattle, WA 98119
    tel 877 932 4259


    by J.D. Brown and Margaret Backenheimer North to Alaska by sea, roundtrip from Seattle, via Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan — with whales and glaciers, eagles and totems along the way — what better way to explore America’s true wilderness than in luxury? Holland America’s newly outfitted cruise ship MS Rotterdam makes this weekly foray along the beautiful shores of the last frontier a midsummer’s delight.

    The Rotterdam looms large on the water, although it is now but a boat among mega-ships, carrying up to 1,400 passengers and 600 crew at a swift pace with ease. It is massive enough to contain its own casino, a $2 million art collection and a Las Vegas-style theater, but not so vast as to drown its passengers in a labyrinth of endless decks and corridors.

    This is the first season in Alaskan waters for the Rotterdam, Holland America’s standard-bearer. Before venturing up the northern shoreline of the 49th state, the Rotterdam underwent exhaustive enhancements in December 2009. What we came to admire about the redesign of this vessel is how it now seamlessly combines the classic elegance of upscale sailing with the latest technological and recreational advances of a sleek deluxe hotel.
    Between ports of call we sampled the Culinary Arts Center, where smiling Executive Chef Thomas Schumann and his team offered interactive gourmet cooking lessons in a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen. We also wedged our way into the Digital Workshop, where instructors can get you up-to-speed with that new camera or put you online with the latest tips on social networking. We even treated ourselves to ocean views and stone massages in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, and more than once we dipped our toes into The Retreat, a resort-style facility with lounges anchored in shallow outdoor pools.

    The accommodations on the Rotterdam are freshly redesigned, too. The upper-deck Deluxe Verandah and Penthouse Verandah Suites include a private lounge with concierge, very much like the executive floor of a 5-star hotel. Our particular cabin, a few decks below, was a Lanai stateroom, Holland America’s latest innovation, in which the deck windows have been refitted with reflective-glass sliding patio doors. The Lanai doors afford wide views of the sea, as well as wonderful opportunities for people-watching. These 39 new staterooms are not only spacious and luxuriously appointed, but equipped with enough storage to unpack fully, something we always seek, but seldom find, on a seven-day cruise.

    The Rotterdam’s showcase is its Explorations Café, a sprawling coffeehouse with baristas on hand, an extensive, well-organized library lining the walls, tables for the largest jigsaw puzzles and comfortable sea-view seating for reading and napping. Above all there is an abundance of workstations with the latest PCs for Internet browsing. This is the finest media complex we have seen on a cruise ship — no tiresome waits for a computer or for a latté.

    Less to our taste was the Rotterdam’s inviting, but maddeningly slow, buffet line, the Lido. Its cooking stations proved to be understaffed. While the Lido’s offerings were abundant and tasty, we soon gave up on the slow lines and phoned for room service, which was always a prompt delight.

    The dining was better in the main La Fontaine Dining Room, but heading our list was the Pinnacle Grill, renowned for its steaks, wine list and table settings. Reservations and a $20 surcharge are required here, but the ambience, service and cuisine are worth the investment.

    All in all, our voyage to Alaska on the “new” Rotterdam was extremely well run, and the upgraded facilities, refreshing. The vessel’s state-of-the-art engines were able to turn on a dime when we explored the scenic highlight of this voyage, an unobstructed close-up survey of Alaska’s spectacular Hubbard Glacier, with nary another vessel in sight. Topping it off almost every night with the classic dessert of the north, baked Alaska, we decided there was nowhere else north by northwest we’d rather be.

    Score: 4/5

     

     



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  7. Aloft Minneapolis

    900 Washington Ave. South
    Minneapolis, MN 55415
    tel 985 624 3697


    by Barbara & Jim Twardowski Aloft Minneapolis is less than two years old and located in the downtown, revitalized Mill District. In the 1800s, the mills built along the Mississippi River, near St. Anthony Falls, jettisoned the area into the largest producer of flour in the world. By the 1960s, flour production ceased and the buildings stood empty or were demolished. Today, the remaining mills have been converted to loft homes. Across the street from the hotel are the Mill City Museum, a National Historic Landmark, and the internationally acclaimed Guthrie Theatre.

    The modern exterior of Aloft blends well with its neighbors. The hotel is a new brand for Starwood and describes itself as “a vision of W Hotels.” A hip, happy and hospitable hotel, every room was reserved on the day we arrived.

    Hotel guests are greeted with neon-colored signage, 42-inch LCD televisions mounted to the wall, music that complements the time of day (soothing in the morning and a club beat at night) and chic, modern decor. Self-parking for $15 a day is available in an outdoor lot or at a condo complex beside the hotel.

    Staff members work inside a circular desk. From this strategically placed spot, they assist guests who are checking in and out of the hotel, serve as concierge — dispensing maps and information — and ring up items bought at Re: fuel (the 24/7 grab-and-go gourmet station). No matter what time of day we passed the front desk, the staff was busy and always paused to say, “Hello.” Young and professional, they could be students from the nearby University of Minnesota.

    The first floor of the hotel is the heart of the property. During our visit, patrons sipped drinks at the Wxyz bar and young men were racking up balls at a fuchsia-colored pool table. Another guest was leaning over a computer checking Mapquest and a couple sat chatting on the couch by the fireplace. Just down the hall are a glass-enclosed indoor swimming pool and a workout room. In the evening, the courtyard space became the stage for a local band.

    Our fourth-floor room had two queen-size beds, huge windows and a long desk. A plug-and-play connectivity station allowed us to view a PowerPoint presentation on the 42-inch television mounted to the wall. Internet service is free throughout the property. The room was nearly 300 square feet with an oversized bathroom. Amenities included a safe, a mini-refrigerator and a coffee/tea set-up. Complimentary newspapers were located in the lobby.

    Aloft Minneapolis, like the city, is energetic, engaging and exciting.

    Score: 5/5

     

     



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  8. Rebak Island Resort

    P.O. Box 125, Kuah Langkawi
    Kedah Darul Aman
    Malaysia
    tel 604 966 5566


    by Alexandra Young On a Saturday morning, I decided to leave the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur and hop a 50-minute flight to the famed Malaysian island of Langkawi. Landing in Langkawi, I disembarked the aircraft to a small, clean and modern airport. Walking through the arrivals gate, a friendly member of the Rebak Island Resort, Langkawi, a Taj Hotel, staff was waiting to greet me.

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  9. Solar Plane’s Overnight Flight


    A solar-powered experimental airplane completed a 24-hour test flight last week. The flight took place overnight and was powered by energy collected from the sun during the day. According to The New York Times, the flight was the longest and highest solar-powered aircraft. It reached an altitude of more than 28,000 feet above sea level. The plane took off and landed in Payerne, Switzerland and was in the air for exactly 26 hours and nine minutes.

     

     



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  10. Aegean Airlines Joins Star Alliance


    Just 14 months after its acceptance into the Star Alliance, Aegean Airlines, Greece’s flagship carrier, is officially the network’s newest member, further expanding its reach and proving to the world that despite the country’s economic woes, its aviation industry remains as vibrant and viable as its European counterparts.

    Since its founding 11 years ago, Aegean has grown exponentially, accumulating both passengers and a bundle of honors. In 2009, one year after surpassing Olympic as the country’s largest carrier, Aegean was named “best regional airline in Europe” by SkyTrax. For each of the past 10 years, Athens International Airport has recognized the young airline for its industry-leading on-time performance.

    With 98 percent coverage of the domestic market and service to 20 international destinations — Madrid (MAD), Vienna (VIE), Belgrade (BEG) and Tel Aviv (TLV) were added last year alone — Aegean is well-positioned as the 28th member of the Star Alliance.

    “This country has always been a center for trade and tourism,” Star Alliance CEO Jaan Albrecht told an overflowing audience at Elefthérios Venizélos International Airport (ATH) on June 30. “Greek people were traveling the world long before many others…You have set the stage for further growth by combining the Greek airline industry forces in the interest of the traveling public,” he said, referring to the merging of Aegean Airlines and Olympic Airways, announced last February.

    The Aegean–Olympic merger was a product of necessity, said Aegean Airlines Chairman and CEO Theodoros Vassilakis: “We believe it’s the only answer to the size of Greece and to the financial situation.”  – Patrick Adams

     

     



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  11.  

News

Testimonials

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testimonialsInterested in joining us on a Journey but want to hear a different opinion? Here are some quotes from our past travelers, in their own words. Learn what it's like to meet the people, savour the cuisine and experience the culture with us

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"" Dear Mr.Tony
A huge thank you for the help with organising our recent trip to Vietnam. We had a wonderful time, thoroughly enjoyed every minute and have been singing the praises of the country and Indochina-holidays since we returned. It was the best holiday we have had in years. Everything went so smoothly, Claire was a joy, quietly organised and Nam and Viet both great sources of knowledge and good fun. Nothing was too much trouble for any of them. They were all great ambassadors for Vietnam Royal Tourism."
Carolyn and Tony Herrick., Australian
Submitted 6 January 2009""

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A huge thank you for the help with organising our recent trip to Vietnam. We had a wonderful time, thoroughly enjoyed every minute and have been singing the praises of the country and Vietnam Royal Tourism since we returned. It was the best holiday we have had in years. Everything went so smoothly, Do was a joy, quietly organised and NAm and Viet both great sources of knowledge and good fun. Nothing was too much trouble for any of them. They were all great ambassadors for Vietnam Royal Tourism."
Carolyn and Tony Herrick., Australian
Submitted 16 January 2009

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Just a quick note to say my 10 day highlights of Vietnam was AWESOME... the tour totally exceeded my expectations. The hotels were awesome and Huong, our guide, was fantastic as were the local guides! Loved EVERY minute of it, I can't even find a fault or complaint if I tried! I can't talk highly enough about it ...I really want to say thank you so much for organising it all for me. Definitely recommend to ALL ages and people! "
Natasha Dunn, Australian
Submitted 18 January 2009

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I knew nothing about Vietnam as a holiday destination but I had the holiday of a lifetime. Every day living history was witnessed, transport between events and venues was excellent, the food was wonderful and it was top value for money!"
Geoff Burton, Australian
Submitted 26 January 2009

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Awesome country. Awesome people. Awesome trip. Awesome!"
Arron Dann, New Zealand
Submitted 28 January 2009

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The itinerary was well thought out and I feel I have a real sense of all aspects of life in Vietnam – the history, its political system, food and culture."
Anne McCarthy, Australian
Submitted 06 February 2009

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The Vietnam tour was FANTASTIC....our tour guide, Huong, from Vietnam Royal Tourism was one out of the box !!! It was so good having someone organise internal flights, where to eat, what to expect to pay etc. etc. He was our eyes, ears and tastebuds. The pace of the tour was also great. Do put Vietnam on your agenda before it becomes too commercial. The food, people, countryside, history and shopping are all soooo amazing!"
Ann Hitchings, New Zealand
Submitted 08 February 2009

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Hanh vitality, enthusiasm and general caring and warm personality really made this experience for me so rewarding. Nothing was too much trouble for her. She is a real asset to your organisaton. I wish I had staff like her… I would love to do another tour in the future but don’t know how any tour leader can now measure up to Ms Hanh."
Jill Martin, Australian
Submitted 16 February 2009

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We really enjoyed everything - the sights and sounds, the people (both Vietnamese and fellow-travellers) and May, our tour leader was excellent. Our minds are still buzzing with images and recollections from Vietnam and Cambodia while we get back to 'normality', whatever that it!"
Sandra King, Australian
Submitted 28 January 2009

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Had a fantastic holiday....Nam was great, positive, professional and kept everyone happy. Not easy the age range was 30-80! Fantastic small group, no problems at all.! Going to China for holidays next year and will definitely use you guys, can I have Nam again though?"
Louise Kenna, Australia
Submitted 08 January 2009

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I do want to go on record to say that our trip last November/December to Cambodia and Vietnam was a huge, huge once-in-a-lifetime experience for us two. We have been praising your company every chance we've had since we returned home. Your planning, your timing, your sensitivity, your professionalism were extraordinary! "
Charles & Anne Gilson, UK
Submitted 26 February 2009

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It was great to have a local guide who had amazing knowledge of his country. I really enjoyed hearing Mr Tuan ’s experiences and his running of the tour was superb. I loved the boat ride down the Mekong, and it was amazing to see the giving of the alms by the monks."
T Johnson, Australia
Submitted 06 April 2009

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Our leader Han is a natural treasure. The local restaurants, shopping and history are amazing. Hue’s Saigon Morin was pure bliss – I enjoy the colonial/planter atmosphere - that Vietnam Royal Tourism uses."
Phillip Rankin, New Zealand
Submitted 28 May 2009

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Our trip to Vietnam was an incredible experience. Words cannot fully explain how much we enjoyed the trip. Our tour guide was marvellous. She was not only a great organiser and guide, but a great person who went well outside her responsibilities to ensure that our trip was a memorable one. Next year we are looking to visit Cambodia and I will contact you when we begin planning!"
Peter Laing, Australian
Submitted 18 March 2009

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