On the eve of the 2010 Singapore Airshow, America's low-cost leader, AirTran Airways, received the coveted Market Leadership Award from the editors of Air Transport World (ATW) at the publication's 36th annual awards ceremony. The award, the first to be presented during the international gala at the Swissotel The Stamford, was given to AirTran Airways for its ground-breaking deployment of Wi-Fi Internet access on every flight as well as its innovative blending of the traditional low-cost carrier model with features not typical of low-cost carriers, including an affordable Business Class, complimentary XM Satellite Radio and a wide array of on-board beverages on every flight.
AirGuide and AirGuideBusiness
ISSN 1544-3760 - Copyright © 2009 AirGuide / Pyramid Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Cheapflights.com Sweetens Valentine's Day With a Guide to Top Chocolate Destinations
Cheapflights.com is indulging chocolate lovers this Valentine's Day by combining a love for sugar with a love for travel into a list of destinations that melt every heart's desire. Cheapflights followed its sweet tooth to highlight the best chocolate destinations. Our sister site, Cheapflights UK, details the top five international locales, while we at Cheapflights.com took a look at destinations a little closer to home. We'll let you decide whether to head to the big city, the rainforest or the mountains for your chocolate indulgence.
The top five Valentine's Day chocolate destinations chosen by Cheapflights UK are:
1) Belgium
2) Guatemala
3) Lebanon
4) New Zealand
5) Ghana
The top five chocolate destinations chosen by Cheapflights US for this Valentine's Day are:
1) Hershey, PA
2) San Francisco, CA
3) Asheville, NC
4) Las Vegas, NV
5) Grenada, West Indies
Hershey, Pennsylvania, often called the sweetest place on earth, has declared that February is "Chocolate-Covered" with a month long celebration of all things chocolate. Come to Hershey in February to realize the many creative ways to appreciate chocolate and take advantage of specials ranging from chocolate spa discounts, hotel specials for families and romance packages for couples. Flights to Hershey start at $179 from the east coast. San Francisco, California is well known as the home of Ghirardelli Chocolate. Ghirardelli Square is more than just delicious chocolate -- dine at some of the finest restaurants in San Francisco and stop at the original Ghirardelli store for a hot fudge sundae. While you are there you can view authentic chocolate making equipment that has manufactured Ghirardelli for more than 150 years. Flights to San Francisco departing from New York start at $194. Asheville, North Carolina may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a great chocolate destination. That probably means you haven't heard of "The Chocolate Fetish," home of America's best truffles. The store is independently and locally owned by Sue and Bill Foley who use only the finest ingredients for its chocolate making with no preservatives. Voted best chocolate in West North Carolina for 12 years, Chocolate Fetish is definitely worth a visit. Flights to North Carolina start at $199 from Chicago. Las Vegas, Nevada has a little something for all types of indulgences, including chocolate. Visit M&M world located next to MGM Hotel and Casino. Here you will find 28,000 square feet dedicated to America's favorite chocolate candies -- M&M's. Pick up custom M&M's and view the free 3-D movie, "I lost my M in Vegas." This is one stop on the Strip where you can't lose. Flights from the west coast to Las Vegas start at $124. Grenada, West Indies is home to award winning organic dark chocolate. The Grenada Chocolate Company farms its cocoa 100 percent organically on more than 150 acres of land and has total control of the cocoa it produces. The factory is located less than one mile from the cocoa farms and uses solar power as the energy source. In 2008 Greneda Chocolate Company was awarded the silver medal from the Academy of Chocolate for the Best Organic Chocolate Bar. Flights to Grenada departing from Miami start at $647.
AirGuide and AirGuideBusiness
ISSN 1544-3760 - Copyright © 2009 AirGuide / Pyramid Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
The top five Valentine's Day chocolate destinations chosen by Cheapflights UK are:
1) Belgium
2) Guatemala
3) Lebanon
4) New Zealand
5) Ghana
The top five chocolate destinations chosen by Cheapflights US for this Valentine's Day are:
1) Hershey, PA
2) San Francisco, CA
3) Asheville, NC
4) Las Vegas, NV
5) Grenada, West Indies
Hershey, Pennsylvania, often called the sweetest place on earth, has declared that February is "Chocolate-Covered" with a month long celebration of all things chocolate. Come to Hershey in February to realize the many creative ways to appreciate chocolate and take advantage of specials ranging from chocolate spa discounts, hotel specials for families and romance packages for couples. Flights to Hershey start at $179 from the east coast. San Francisco, California is well known as the home of Ghirardelli Chocolate. Ghirardelli Square is more than just delicious chocolate -- dine at some of the finest restaurants in San Francisco and stop at the original Ghirardelli store for a hot fudge sundae. While you are there you can view authentic chocolate making equipment that has manufactured Ghirardelli for more than 150 years. Flights to San Francisco departing from New York start at $194. Asheville, North Carolina may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a great chocolate destination. That probably means you haven't heard of "The Chocolate Fetish," home of America's best truffles. The store is independently and locally owned by Sue and Bill Foley who use only the finest ingredients for its chocolate making with no preservatives. Voted best chocolate in West North Carolina for 12 years, Chocolate Fetish is definitely worth a visit. Flights to North Carolina start at $199 from Chicago. Las Vegas, Nevada has a little something for all types of indulgences, including chocolate. Visit M&M world located next to MGM Hotel and Casino. Here you will find 28,000 square feet dedicated to America's favorite chocolate candies -- M&M's. Pick up custom M&M's and view the free 3-D movie, "I lost my M in Vegas." This is one stop on the Strip where you can't lose. Flights from the west coast to Las Vegas start at $124. Grenada, West Indies is home to award winning organic dark chocolate. The Grenada Chocolate Company farms its cocoa 100 percent organically on more than 150 acres of land and has total control of the cocoa it produces. The factory is located less than one mile from the cocoa farms and uses solar power as the energy source. In 2008 Greneda Chocolate Company was awarded the silver medal from the Academy of Chocolate for the Best Organic Chocolate Bar. Flights to Grenada departing from Miami start at $647.
AirGuide and AirGuideBusiness
ISSN 1544-3760 - Copyright © 2009 AirGuide / Pyramid Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
Monday, February 1, 2010
American Airlines Enhances Inflight Service Between U.S. and Tokyo
Beginning today, American Airlines First and Business Class customers traveling to and from Tokyo can savor a new, enhanced menu that artfully blends the deep traditions of Japanese cuisine with the flavors of Western fare.
Sam Choy, celebrity consulting chef for American, has created new Asian-fusion entrees to augment the American Airlines premium cabin inflight experience.
"We are excited to have the opportunity to utilize Chef Choy's award-winning culinary expertise for our Japanese menu," said Lauri Curtis, American's Vice President â Onboard Service. "Our refreshed menu, the traditional Japanese amenities offered inflight, and American's premium class seats combine to provide our customers with a premier travel experience."
New, signature dishes from Chef Choy featured on American's premium class menus will include:
Edamame Hummus with Pita Chips â roasted garlic edamame hummus with pita chips
Gingered Scallops with Lobster Sauce â ginger-marinated scallops with lobster sauce served over penne pasta with sauteed carrots, red peppers, and zucchini
Grilled Beef Filet with Mushroom Medley â grilled filet of beef accented by a mushroom truffleyaki sauce served with mushroom bread pudding, sauteed broccoli, carrots, and red peppers
Hibachi Miso Chicken â hibachi miso-marinated chicken breast served with brown fried rice with bacon, sauteed broccoli and carrots
Pulehu Filet with Shiitake Mushroom Cream Sauce â grilled filet of beef paired with a shiitake mushroom cream sauce served with spinach and corn mashed potatoes and sauteed seasonal vegetables
Tahitian Crabmeat Soup â a hearty, creamy soup with coconut milk, spinach and crabmeat
Teriyaki Filet with Braised Pineapple â grilled filet of beef complemented by a braised-pineapple teriyaki sauce served with Japanese rice and grilled asparagus
Wok BBQ Shrimp â barbeque shrimp accented by spicy, papaya-pineapple chutney, paired with fried brown rice with bacon, shimeji mushrooms and mixed-vegetable ratatouille
Wasabi-Crusted Salmon â wasabi-crusted salmon topped with a sweet papaya-pineapple marmalade, paired with Dauphinoise potatoes and seasonal, sauteed vegetables
American offers its First and Business Class customers traveling to and from Tokyo traditional Japanese meals inflight upon request. To ensure that a Japanese meal is available, customers must pre-order this selection at least 24 hours prior to their flight. For more information on American's Japanese meals, please visit www.aa.com/specialmeals. In addition to Chef Choy's new menu options, American offers familiar Japanese elements on flights to and from Tokyo. Sake, traditional Japanese slippers and Japanese newspapers Asahi Shimbun and Nikkei, as well as Asian editions of the Wall Street Journal and USA Today are available for customers to enjoy inflight. For Tokyo flights, American operates Boeing 777 aircraft, which boasts one of the most comfortable and popular First Class seats in the industry, the Flagship Suite. Each Flagship Suite transforms into a fully flat six-foot, six-inch bed with drop-down armrests that allow for easier access and more sleeping space. Each suite also features privacy dividers, power ports, leather headrests, two large tray tables, a swivel seat and a host of other comforts. American Airlines, a founding member of the oneworld Alliance, offers regularly scheduled service between Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), and New York's John F. Kennedy (JFK). To book travel, please visit www.aa.com.
AirGuide and AirGuideBusiness
ISSN 1544-3760 - Copyright © 2009 AirGuide / Pyramid Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
Sam Choy, celebrity consulting chef for American, has created new Asian-fusion entrees to augment the American Airlines premium cabin inflight experience.
"We are excited to have the opportunity to utilize Chef Choy's award-winning culinary expertise for our Japanese menu," said Lauri Curtis, American's Vice President â Onboard Service. "Our refreshed menu, the traditional Japanese amenities offered inflight, and American's premium class seats combine to provide our customers with a premier travel experience."
New, signature dishes from Chef Choy featured on American's premium class menus will include:
Edamame Hummus with Pita Chips â roasted garlic edamame hummus with pita chips
Gingered Scallops with Lobster Sauce â ginger-marinated scallops with lobster sauce served over penne pasta with sauteed carrots, red peppers, and zucchini
Grilled Beef Filet with Mushroom Medley â grilled filet of beef accented by a mushroom truffleyaki sauce served with mushroom bread pudding, sauteed broccoli, carrots, and red peppers
Hibachi Miso Chicken â hibachi miso-marinated chicken breast served with brown fried rice with bacon, sauteed broccoli and carrots
Pulehu Filet with Shiitake Mushroom Cream Sauce â grilled filet of beef paired with a shiitake mushroom cream sauce served with spinach and corn mashed potatoes and sauteed seasonal vegetables
Tahitian Crabmeat Soup â a hearty, creamy soup with coconut milk, spinach and crabmeat
Teriyaki Filet with Braised Pineapple â grilled filet of beef complemented by a braised-pineapple teriyaki sauce served with Japanese rice and grilled asparagus
Wok BBQ Shrimp â barbeque shrimp accented by spicy, papaya-pineapple chutney, paired with fried brown rice with bacon, shimeji mushrooms and mixed-vegetable ratatouille
Wasabi-Crusted Salmon â wasabi-crusted salmon topped with a sweet papaya-pineapple marmalade, paired with Dauphinoise potatoes and seasonal, sauteed vegetables
American offers its First and Business Class customers traveling to and from Tokyo traditional Japanese meals inflight upon request. To ensure that a Japanese meal is available, customers must pre-order this selection at least 24 hours prior to their flight. For more information on American's Japanese meals, please visit www.aa.com/specialmeals. In addition to Chef Choy's new menu options, American offers familiar Japanese elements on flights to and from Tokyo. Sake, traditional Japanese slippers and Japanese newspapers Asahi Shimbun and Nikkei, as well as Asian editions of the Wall Street Journal and USA Today are available for customers to enjoy inflight. For Tokyo flights, American operates Boeing 777 aircraft, which boasts one of the most comfortable and popular First Class seats in the industry, the Flagship Suite. Each Flagship Suite transforms into a fully flat six-foot, six-inch bed with drop-down armrests that allow for easier access and more sleeping space. Each suite also features privacy dividers, power ports, leather headrests, two large tray tables, a swivel seat and a host of other comforts. American Airlines, a founding member of the oneworld Alliance, offers regularly scheduled service between Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), and New York's John F. Kennedy (JFK). To book travel, please visit www.aa.com.
AirGuide and AirGuideBusiness
ISSN 1544-3760 - Copyright © 2009 AirGuide / Pyramid Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
Spring break flights filling up
Spring break travelers should book their flights now - and be prepared to pay for services that used to be free. For the first time in about a decade, almost every school in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky has scheduled the same week - March 29 through April 2 - for the annual vacation. That means that seats on airlines headed to Florida, the Caribbean and Mexico are at a premium. "Now all the requests are coming in for the same week, and with all the cuts we've had at CVG, it's making it hard to find a seat," says Vicky Mary, owner of Victoria Travel agency in Hyde Park. "Flights are definitely filling up." One of Mary's clients opted to find another destination for his family after fares to Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, shot up 20 percent between December and January. Currently, a non-stop Delta Air Lines flight to Cancun from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, leaving March 27 and returning April 3, is $1,140 round-trip. Low-cost carrier USA 3000 is selling scheduled charter seats from CVG for $905 per round-trip. "The cost wasn't the overriding factor, but it was much more than we usually spend," says Tom Gelwicks, a lawyer from Blue Ash who has taken his wife and two high-schoolers on a spring break trip for 13 years in a row. "We even thought about staying home or just driving somewhere." In the end, the Gelwicks decided to travel to Ixtapa on the western coast of Mexico. Officials with Delta, which controls more than 80 percent of flights at CVG, wouldn't comment directly on advance sales for spring break. But in the Atlanta-based company's earnings conference call last week, Delta president Ed Bastian said that bookings for "key leisure periods" had seen increases over last year, even while most of the company's optimism is coming from an uptick in corporate bookings. In addition, Delta is adding another flight to one popular vacation destination in March. The flight to Cancun, which currently operates three times a week, will soon feature four flights a week - on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Once travelers get to the airport, they may find unexpected, and new, fees. Delta raised fees earlier this month to $25 for the first checked bag and $36 for a second checked bag, up from $15 and $25. Many other airlines have followed suit. But Delta has made it possible for passengers to pre-pay the fees online before arriving at the airport, at a $2 discount for each checked bag. Travelers flying first-class or business-class or who are members of Delta's SkyMiles Medallion frequent-flyer program don't have to pay any bag fees. Everyone else must pay them at the luggage counter; the fees cannot be paid to sky caps. "People who don't travel frequently certainly are flummoxed by the entire situation," Mary says. "That causes emotional distress and even causes people to get angry they booked the ticket." Delta officials add that travelers can use their smart phones to check in through a program recently installed at CVG. The program allows people to download the bar code from their boarding pass onto their phone, which is then scanned instead of a paper ticket.
AirGuide and AirGuideBusiness
ISSN 1544-3760 - Copyright © 2009 AirGuide / Pyramid Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
AirGuide and AirGuideBusiness
ISSN 1544-3760 - Copyright © 2009 AirGuide / Pyramid Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Interest in International Travel Flying High So Far This Year, According to Cheapflights
Despite heightened security concerns and policies, interest in international travel is on the rise, according to Cheapflights.com, which is seeing an increase in searches for international airline tickets. Cheapflights data for the first three weeks of January shows a 25% increase in search for international destinations versus the same three weeks last year. Top search destinations include Cancun, Mexico; London, UK; Manila, Philippines; San Juan, Costa Rica and Frankfurt, Germany. Likewise, the volume of Cheapflights users searching for international flights from January 1-20, 2010, is up 28% compared to searches from December 1-20, 2009, only weeks preceding the recent security changes. "While airports have implemented more restrictions in the last month, it hasn't deterred consumers from pursuing their travel plans," said Melanie Nayer, consumer travel expert at Cheapflights.com. "With the right preparation and research, now is a great time for international travel. Airlines are working hard to win your business, which means, with a little homework, you can get where you want to go on your terms, and budget." To help international travelers stay on schedule and get the best deal while flying, Cheapflights.com has compiled some essential tips for booking flights. Highlights include:
Get Informed
Are you aware of how the new security directives affect international travelers? If not, your first stop should be the TSA Guidance for Passengers on Heightened Security Measures. The new rules require travelers flying to the U.S. via countries on the Department of State's watch list to pass through enhanced screening. Other passengers may be randomly screened for U.S.-bound international flights.
Shop Around
To secure a great deal on international travel, be sure to plan ahead and explore your options. Private and unpublished fares are more common on international routes as airlines may give the cheapest deals to select partners and smaller agencies. Take advantage of our deals database and search for your cheap international flights at http://www.cheapflights.com/book-flights-online/.
Check Insurance
The travel industry is changing on a daily basis, so it's always a good idea to insure your trip in case of last-minute cancellations or other issues. In fact, you might already have some trip insurance coverage you might not know about -- check with your credit card company or auto club to see what type of insurance you qualify for before you travel. Some travel plans include overseas medical insurance, while others cover personal property and transportation expense. In addition, some airlines offer medical travel insurance for one-time trips. Consult your airline for more information. Check with your providers before takeoff in case your trip hits unexpected turbulence.
Fly Off-Peak
Worried about security lines at your local airport? An easy solution is to travel at off-peak times to avoid the long waits. Off-peak times are usually midday on weekdays for international flights. Besides landing a shorter delay at the airport, you will probably secure a better price on your flight, and more options for a better seat, as well. Be sure to check security line wait times in advance by visiting the Web site of your local airport.
Stay Updated
The TSA and other agencies make it a priority to keep international travelers informed of security changes, and provide tips on navigating airports easily. Visit http://www.tsa.gov/blog before flying to make sure you're up to date on recent travel news and how it affects you.
To stay informed on the latest travel news and updates, visit the Cheapflights.com blog at http://news.cheapflights.com/.
AirGuide and AirGuideBusiness
ISSN 1544-3760 - Copyright © 2009 AirGuide / Pyramid Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
Get Informed
Are you aware of how the new security directives affect international travelers? If not, your first stop should be the TSA Guidance for Passengers on Heightened Security Measures. The new rules require travelers flying to the U.S. via countries on the Department of State's watch list to pass through enhanced screening. Other passengers may be randomly screened for U.S.-bound international flights.
Shop Around
To secure a great deal on international travel, be sure to plan ahead and explore your options. Private and unpublished fares are more common on international routes as airlines may give the cheapest deals to select partners and smaller agencies. Take advantage of our deals database and search for your cheap international flights at http://www.cheapflights.com/book-flights-online/.
Check Insurance
The travel industry is changing on a daily basis, so it's always a good idea to insure your trip in case of last-minute cancellations or other issues. In fact, you might already have some trip insurance coverage you might not know about -- check with your credit card company or auto club to see what type of insurance you qualify for before you travel. Some travel plans include overseas medical insurance, while others cover personal property and transportation expense. In addition, some airlines offer medical travel insurance for one-time trips. Consult your airline for more information. Check with your providers before takeoff in case your trip hits unexpected turbulence.
Fly Off-Peak
Worried about security lines at your local airport? An easy solution is to travel at off-peak times to avoid the long waits. Off-peak times are usually midday on weekdays for international flights. Besides landing a shorter delay at the airport, you will probably secure a better price on your flight, and more options for a better seat, as well. Be sure to check security line wait times in advance by visiting the Web site of your local airport.
Stay Updated
The TSA and other agencies make it a priority to keep international travelers informed of security changes, and provide tips on navigating airports easily. Visit http://www.tsa.gov/blog before flying to make sure you're up to date on recent travel news and how it affects you.
To stay informed on the latest travel news and updates, visit the Cheapflights.com blog at http://news.cheapflights.com/.
AirGuide and AirGuideBusiness
ISSN 1544-3760 - Copyright © 2009 AirGuide / Pyramid Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
New York's "Miracle on Hudson" plane for sale
A U.S. Airways passenger jet that made a spectacular landing on New York's Hudson River a year ago is for sale. All 155 passengers and crew aboard Flight 1549 bound for Charlotte, North Carolina, escaped after pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger glided the crippled plane to a textbook emergency landing on the icy river within view of Manhattan skyscrapers. The severely damaged Airbus A320 is being sold online by Chartis insurance firm, minus its engines which were knocked out when the plane flew into a flock of birds shortly after takeoff from La Guardia airport on Jan. 15 last year. New York Governor David Paterson at the time described the landing as the "miracle on the Hudson." The online auction description was less emotional: "Aircraft suffered severe bird strike event resulting in water emergency landing." The plane is kept in Kearny, New Jersey and the online auction at www.aigaviation.com closes on March 27. No sale price estimates were given for the damaged plane.
AirGuide and AirGuideBusiness
ISSN 1544-3760 - Copyright © 2009 AirGuide / Pyramid Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
AirGuide and AirGuideBusiness
ISSN 1544-3760 - Copyright © 2009 AirGuide / Pyramid Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
Winter storm snarls flights at Phoenix airport
Flights into and out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport were severely curtailed on Thursday afternoon because of high winds from a winter storm that dumped heavy rain and deep snow on much of Arizona and California. A limited number of Phoenix planes were still taking off and landing. Southwest Airlines canceled all arriving and departing flights at Sky Harbor and didn't plan to resume them until Friday. The airline also canceled flights in Tucson, Ariz., and at Southern California airports. All Southwest takeoffs and landings at airports in Burbank, Ontario and San Diego in California were suspended, most were canceled at John Wayne airport in Orange County, and some are canceled at Los Angeles International Airport. Airline spokesman Brad Hawkins said hundreds of California and Arizona flights had been canceled as of early afternoon. Passengers were booked on later Southwest flights. Operations were expected to resume at 4 p.m. in San Diego and at 6 p.m. in Burbank and Ontario. The exact number of Southwest flights affected in Phoenix wasn't available, but the airline has 173 daily nonstops from Phoenix to 44 cities and additional service to 22 cities, said spokeswoman Olga Romero. There are a similar number of arrivals. US Airways trimmed its Phoenix flight schedule and had canceled 14 mainline and 12 US Airways Express flights. Other operations were continuing as weather allowed, said airline spokeswoman Valerie Wunder. US Airways has 265 daily departures from Phoenix. United Airlines and other carriers severely curtailed operations at Sky Harbor.
AirGuide and AirGuideBusiness
ISSN 1544-3760 - Copyright © 2009 AirGuide / Pyramid Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
AirGuide and AirGuideBusiness
ISSN 1544-3760 - Copyright © 2009 AirGuide / Pyramid Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
HotelsCombined.com Names the Top 10 Places to Propose This Valentine's Day
February 14 is widely considered the most romantic day of the year, causing countless women to dream about a perfect Valentine's Day proposal while men feverishly plan unforgettable engagements to fulfill their loved one's fantasies. To help couples find their ideal destination for a wildly romantic, fairy-tale engagement, HotelsCombined.com names the Top 10 Places to Propose this Valentine's Day. Whether seeking a traditional romantic setting like the Eiffel Tower, Cinderella's Castle and Venice Grand Canal or surprising off-the-beaten-path backdrops such as the secluded Lake Okareka in New Zealand and the International World Peace Rose Garden in Sacramento, California, travelers rest assured they found the perfect proposal destination and the best hotel deals at www.HotelsCombined.com -- the world's leading hotel search engine and price aggregator.
HotelsCombined.com Top 10 Places to Propose this Valentine's Day
1. Vienna, Austria -- Hotel de France. Regarded as one of Europe's most beautiful romantic spots, the Hotel de France sits alongside Vienna's famously alluring Ringstrasse Boulevard where a horse-drawn carriage ride under the stars creates a perfectly poetic proposal.
2. Rotorua, New Zealand -- Lake Okareka Lodge. This luxurious three-suite lodge accessible only by private boat or plane is one of New Zealand's most breathtaking secluded retreats. As the lodge is booked to only one party at a time, it is the perfect sequestered spot for the most private and intimate of proposals.
3. Paris, France -- The Plaza Athenee Hotel. The elegance and glamour of the Plaza Athenee sets the stage for the most classic of proposals at the top of the Eiffel Tower. After popping the question, couples bask in the romance of this dazzling Parisian symbol of love over a candle-lit dinner at the hotel.
4. Kauai, Hawaii -- Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. Couples staying at the Grand Hyatt discover an oasis of natural wonders with freshwater pools, salt-water lagoons and white sand beaches that ensure an abundance of opportunities for the most picturesque of proposals.
5. Galway, Ireland -- Glenlo Abbey Hotel. The Claddagh ring, the traditional Irish symbol of love that originated in a medieval village located just outside of Galway, inspires a mystical proposal at the legendary Glenlo Abbey Hotel, a representation of Ireland's historic charms.
6. Agra, India -- The Gateway Hotel. Originally built by an emperor to display his devotion of love to his queen, the Taj Mahal is the ultimate monumental proposal site. Couples further enjoy the magic of their engagement on private Gateway Hotel balconies with views of this iconic architectural marvel.
7. Hershey, Pennsylvania -- The Hotel Hershey. Known as the "Sweetest Place on Earth," Hershey is the ultimate destination for a chocolate lover's decadent proposal. The Hotel Hershey celebrates "Chocolate-Covered February" with daily delightful treats to help plan a tantalizing engagement.
8. Venice, Italy -- Centurion Palace Hotel. After a passionate proposal during a romantic gondolier ride, couples savor the moment in private, behind the Centurion Palace Hotel Venetian-style picture windows that provide stunning views of the Grand Canal.
9. Orlando, Florida -- Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This Victorian-style Disney Deluxe Resort works closely with the Magic Kingdom's wedding division to ensure fairy-tale proposals in front of the enchanting Cinderella's Castle live up to Disney's magical mission to make dreams come true.
10. Sacramento, California -- La Rivage Hotel. Nothing says "I love you" like roses, and the aromatic charm of the International World Peace Rose Garden leaves couples swirling in a sea of romance. After a sensual proposal in the garden, couples unwind at the La Rivage with complimentary champagne and roses.
HotelsCombined.com is the world's leading hotel meta-search engine and largest online hotel rate aggregator with 200,000 hotels in 20,000 destinations. HotelsCombined.com laser targets its resources to deliver more than 900,000 real-time hotel deals which can be compared and booked directly through leading supplier partners such as Expedia.com, Booking.com, Travelocity.com and Hotels.com as well as via corporate hotel partnerships with InterContinental, Hilton and many others. For more information or to find unbeatable hotel deals, visit www.HotelsCombined.com.
AirGuide and AirGuideBusiness
ISSN 1544-3760 - Copyright © 2009 AirGuide / Pyramid Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
HotelsCombined.com Top 10 Places to Propose this Valentine's Day
1. Vienna, Austria -- Hotel de France. Regarded as one of Europe's most beautiful romantic spots, the Hotel de France sits alongside Vienna's famously alluring Ringstrasse Boulevard where a horse-drawn carriage ride under the stars creates a perfectly poetic proposal.
2. Rotorua, New Zealand -- Lake Okareka Lodge. This luxurious three-suite lodge accessible only by private boat or plane is one of New Zealand's most breathtaking secluded retreats. As the lodge is booked to only one party at a time, it is the perfect sequestered spot for the most private and intimate of proposals.
3. Paris, France -- The Plaza Athenee Hotel. The elegance and glamour of the Plaza Athenee sets the stage for the most classic of proposals at the top of the Eiffel Tower. After popping the question, couples bask in the romance of this dazzling Parisian symbol of love over a candle-lit dinner at the hotel.
4. Kauai, Hawaii -- Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. Couples staying at the Grand Hyatt discover an oasis of natural wonders with freshwater pools, salt-water lagoons and white sand beaches that ensure an abundance of opportunities for the most picturesque of proposals.
5. Galway, Ireland -- Glenlo Abbey Hotel. The Claddagh ring, the traditional Irish symbol of love that originated in a medieval village located just outside of Galway, inspires a mystical proposal at the legendary Glenlo Abbey Hotel, a representation of Ireland's historic charms.
6. Agra, India -- The Gateway Hotel. Originally built by an emperor to display his devotion of love to his queen, the Taj Mahal is the ultimate monumental proposal site. Couples further enjoy the magic of their engagement on private Gateway Hotel balconies with views of this iconic architectural marvel.
7. Hershey, Pennsylvania -- The Hotel Hershey. Known as the "Sweetest Place on Earth," Hershey is the ultimate destination for a chocolate lover's decadent proposal. The Hotel Hershey celebrates "Chocolate-Covered February" with daily delightful treats to help plan a tantalizing engagement.
8. Venice, Italy -- Centurion Palace Hotel. After a passionate proposal during a romantic gondolier ride, couples savor the moment in private, behind the Centurion Palace Hotel Venetian-style picture windows that provide stunning views of the Grand Canal.
9. Orlando, Florida -- Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This Victorian-style Disney Deluxe Resort works closely with the Magic Kingdom's wedding division to ensure fairy-tale proposals in front of the enchanting Cinderella's Castle live up to Disney's magical mission to make dreams come true.
10. Sacramento, California -- La Rivage Hotel. Nothing says "I love you" like roses, and the aromatic charm of the International World Peace Rose Garden leaves couples swirling in a sea of romance. After a sensual proposal in the garden, couples unwind at the La Rivage with complimentary champagne and roses.
HotelsCombined.com is the world's leading hotel meta-search engine and largest online hotel rate aggregator with 200,000 hotels in 20,000 destinations. HotelsCombined.com laser targets its resources to deliver more than 900,000 real-time hotel deals which can be compared and booked directly through leading supplier partners such as Expedia.com, Booking.com, Travelocity.com and Hotels.com as well as via corporate hotel partnerships with InterContinental, Hilton and many others. For more information or to find unbeatable hotel deals, visit www.HotelsCombined.com.
AirGuide and AirGuideBusiness
ISSN 1544-3760 - Copyright © 2009 AirGuide / Pyramid Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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