Video Camera: Flip Mino. This is an easy to use video recorder that is lightweight and compact enough to fit in a small handbag or pocket.  They have 60 minutes of recording time, a rechargable battery that lasts about four hours and a USB plug built onto the device that lets you plug it into a PC or MAC and automatically upload your movies to YouTube.  With its modest 640×480 resolution, you won’t be winning any Academy Awards for cinematogrpahy.  But then again, the most prescious moments are the ones you capture with family and friends and now you can share them easily.  Sensational Travel has recently won this model and will be soon having fun recording!

This year the 97th Tour de France runs from Saturday July 3rd to Sunday July 25th 2010.  The 2010 Tour will be launched from the south side of Rotterdam and inspires both cycling trips for those not competing as well as travel to France to see the stars of cycling completing the grueling race.

Thanks to the famous race, the French Alps has become one of cycling’s most important pilgrimages.  Not only do Tour de France fans flock to the French Alps to watch, but many nore cycling enthusiasts book trips to ride their own bikes over passes such as The Alpe d’Huez, the Col de Galibier and the Col d’Izoard.

From Alsace to the Rhone-Alps, there are a variety of cycling tours including the Champagne Bicycle Tour which is based in Epernay, gateway to the vineyards of the Champagne region.  The Champagne vineyards are a spectuacular sight all year round.  Discover the secrets of Champagne, visit the cellars and taste the king of wines, including Hautvillers where Dom Perignon “invented” the Champagne method.

If cycling isn’t your pleasure, there are hiking tours as well.  Contact Sensational Travel at 978-745-2575 for cycling, hiking or walking tours of Europe.

Too Far, Too Expensive?  

East Coast Travelers want to visit the South Pacific, Society Islands  however travelers are concerned about Too Far, Too Expensive.  From Los Angeles you can be in Tahiti in 8 hours and packages with airfare start at $1799.00 per person for a 7 night stay.  Concern about nothing to do except swimming?  There are many activities in the Society Islands such as snorkeling, diving, dolphin encounters, surfing, golf, 4×4 jeep tours, ATV tours, para-sailing, museums, spas, black pearl shopping and of course just relaxing.  Dinning choices from fine dinning to open-air casual meals with residents.  Now U.S. citizens can have a legal destination wedding with only 3 days prior to the ceremony requirement in beautiful chapels.  And if you want to experience the Society Islands by unpacking only once, consider the Paul Gauguin Cruise or Princess Cruises for 10 day voyages.

Here are some companies who are providing aid for earthquake victims in Haiti.

Continental OnePass members can donate to the American Red Cross directly, and CEO Jeff Smisek is reported to be matching co-worker donations up to $50,000.00. Miles are donated to The American Red Cross and AmeriCares.  OnePass members can visit www.continental.com and click “Donate your miles” to participate.

Royal Caribbean Cruises plans to provide at least $1 million in humanitarian relief, partnering with Food for the Poor, Pan American Development Foundation and other charitable organizations as well as the Solano Foundation, the company’s foundation in  Haiti.  They’ll also deliever goods & supplies to Haiti via their cruise ships.  To contribute and for more information, visit www.foodforthepoor.org/royalcaribbean

American Airlines will give you 250 miles if you donate $50.00 to the American Red Cross or 500 miles for a $100.00 donation.

Hyatt Gold Passport members can donate increments of 5,000 points by calling 1-800-228-3360. Hilton members can convert 10,000 points to a $25.00 donation on their website.   Starwood Hotel members are matching all donations, where 4,000 points will equal a $50.00 donation.

Sources: http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/19/donate-and-earn-miles-when-you-give-to-haiti-relief and http://eturbonews.com/13869/travel-and-tourism-industry-rallies-bring-aid-haiti

Sensational Travel is Sponsoring an iTunes gift card contest. All you need to do is become a fan to enter. The contest closes January 31st, 2010 and is open to all new fans who are 21 years plus. Not only that, refer a friend and your friend wins a chance as well. There are no other requirement to win and your information will not be shared with any third parties, so your information is safe with us.

Once you become a fan of Sensational Travel’s fan page, you’ll have access to the latest travel deals, news and tips including the top 2010 vacation destinations, travel gadgets that make travel better, group trips such as the Philadelphia Flower Show and much more.

Click here for your chance to win.

Best travel locations in 2010.  Cliffs of Moher – Ireland. Great Wall of China. Paris Skyline. The Matterhorn. Grand Canyon. Machu Picchu. Tigers Nest – Bhutan. Great Barrier Reef -Australia.  Contact Sensational Travel for your 2010 trip!

 

Winter is here, Cold Temperatures, and soon Snowfall.

What to look forward to?   Join us as we leave  Salem Mass to Philadelphia for a weekend of sights and smells.  Yes, smells….. we will spend an entire day at the Philadelphia Flower Show to  “smell the roses” and enjoy the theme of -Passport to the World. Also included in the weekend is one full day of freedom to visit the Liberty Bell, or any of the wonderful museums in Philadelphia.    Visit our website for details:
www.sensationaltravel.com/groups 

Looking for a perfect gift for the holidays. Consider an Adventure Vacation with Cruise West, Lindblad Expeditions, Metropolitan Touring, Alpine Adventures, Backroads, Rocky Mountain Vacations, International Expeditions, Natural Habitat Adventures.  http://documents.virtuoso.com/VAST/dvd/vast_video.html

Honeymoon Travel Tips

Countdown to a wonderful & stress-free honeymoon.

1. Nine months prior; work up your honeymoon wish list and make your first contact with your local travel consultant.
2. Six months prior; firm up your honeymoon budget, and make your honeymoon travel plans with your first deposit.
3. Four months prior; secure your U.S. Passport, and advise your credit card banks of your itinerary so card charges will not be declined due to tighter credit card security.
4. Three months prior; finalize your travel honeymoon plans with your local travel agent
and list your honeymoon on your bridal shower registry for unexpected travel gifts.
3. Two months prior; review your travel wardrobe and sizes of suitcases & weight limitations due to TSA and airline restrictions. Refill any prescriptions you will need for your honeymoon.
5. One month prior; review your travel documents with your local travel consultant. Begin packing. Leave copies of your travel arrangements with family at home.

Bon Voyage for a wonderful honeymoon!

Now is your opportunity to send in your favorite travel photos to enter our contest.  

Top three photos will win: 

First place: Travel gift certificate $100.00

Second place: Custom Photo Album value $35.00 

Third place: exclusive Custom Camera Cake

              cakes4occasions     

                          

Have fun, review your photos and send one in for our contest.  Include name, address & email address.  Please include 

location & date photo was taken.  All photos remain the property of Sensational Travel and will not be returned. Submission of photos gives Sensational Travel the right to use photos.

 

Contest ends July 15, 2009. Winners will be notified by

August 1, 2009 by email and on Sensationaltrvl blog. 

Travel photos judged by  Bobbie Bush Photography

Email photos to: photos@sensationaltravel.com or 

Mailing address:

Sensational Travel

203 Washington Street PMB314

Salem MA 01970