The Gourmet-Inclusive concept elevates the all-inclusive experience to a new level. Here you are pampered with premium services and amenities including world class gourmet cuisine, beach butlers, concierge, 24-hour room service and premium beverages.

The  El Dorado Spa Resorts and Hotels reflects a high level of luxury that caters to adults only. The resorts beachfront accommodations include in-suite Jacuzzis, the Gourmet á la carte cuisine, private outdoor showers along with a dinner on the beach experience not to be missed.

While the  Azul Hotels, by Karisma redefine family vacations with its three hotels that feature family-oriented suites, kid’s clubs, infant equipment, child toys and more.

Romance is also ensured at Azul Hotels with its Jacuzzi swim-up suites, candlelight beach dinners, Beachfront Sky Massages and tropical settings that make it perfect for a destination wedding.

For more details on Dorado Spa Resorts and Hotels and Azul Hotels, by Karisma  Gourmet-Inclusive vacations, just navigate over to TravelImpressions.com

In the last episode, I introduced you to one of two of our new domestic destinations, Boston. For this episode, I want to tell you about another new member of the Travel Impression’s family. Washington, D.C.
Touch a moon rock, marvel at the Hope Diamond, View Dorothy’s Ruby Red slippers or explore Native American culture at the Smithsonian. Discover treasures at the Library of Congress and view documents like the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives. The choices are endless in the nation’s capital.
Away from these celebrated sites and landmarks, Washington, D.C. unwinds into a fascinating network of neighborhoods where visitors discover trendy boutiques, hip bars and restaurants, plus art galleries, historic homes and lush parks and gardens.

Shoppers will love the store-lined streets of Georgetown, while jazz music fans won’t want to miss a beat on U Street. Washington, D.C. international character shines through in its neighborhoods, including Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle, two prime destinations known for eclectic dining, nightlife and embassy community.

Just navigate over to TravelImpressions.com and click the USA tab for complete information on this new addition to the Travel Impressions family

In other Insider information:

As of November 1st, our partners at SuperClubs start a new era with the re-branding of the Grand Lido Resorts to Breezes Resorts and Spas.

In Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril becomes Breezes Grand Resort and Spa Negril and Grand Lido Braco becomes Breezes Grand Resort and Spa Rio Bueno. At both resorts guests will find the same great service, ambiance, restaurant options, premium brand drinks, and other amenities clients have come to expect over the years. The only features no longer included are manicures, pedicures and laundry and dry cleaning services.

Additionally, at Breezes Grand Resort and Spa Rio Bueno The Au Natural area will now be exclusive for guests booked in that section of the property. Breezes Rio Bueno will now include a 9-hole executive golf course right on the property. Plus guests at both hotels will now have the option for Full in-room dining in select room categories.

The Starfish Trelawny has become Breezes Resort and Spa Trelawny and upgraded to create the first Super-Inclusive Breezes resort in Jamaica for families of all ages.

Log on to TravelImpressions.com for all of the super details.

As I mentioned, this is our 1st anniversary of the Travel Insider Live and before we conclude, I wanted to take a moment to thank the thousands of followers who have accessed the broadcasts over the past year. I hope you enjoyed the presentations and found the information informative and enlightening.

Book online at www.travelimpressions.com
Agents: To book, log on to Quest.
Travelers: To book, search our locator to find a Travel Agency.

For this audiocast, we are highlighting the warm and welcoming destination of the island of Barbados.

Sunny days, pleasant nights and miles of picture postcard beach fronts make Barbados one of the most desirable Caribbean destinations. Infused with elegant British heritage and history. Barbados sits as a refined jewel in the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.

Here, vacationers find the atmosphere of old-world charm wrapped in gracious local customs.

Travel Impressions offers a wide variety of hotels and resorts in this island paradise, from all-inclusives, where all meals, drinks and activities are all part of the package, to family-run boutique style hotels and everything in between. For it doesn’t end with the landscape or resorts, but begins with the people of Barbados, who will make you feel from welcome from the minute you arrive.

Now couldn’t be an easier time to visit Barbados with new non stop service from New York via Jet Blue and from Philadelphia on US Airways. Match this up with the great deals and offers found at TravelImpressions.com and you will be packing in no time.

Just navigate over to TravelImpressions.com and search Barbados for more information.

Closer to home, Travel Impressions is proud to announce the addition of Boston, Massachusetts to our Domestic Family.

Boston is a blend of stylish sophistication and New England charm.  Here you can easily uncover the city’s past while enjoying its distinctively modern edge.

Year round, Boston is brimming with exceptional musical and theatrical productions, sporting events, exhibitions and timeless favorites such as walking tours and festivals. Boston’s shops and galleries are inviting any time of year, whether you’re a serious and seasoned shopper, a bona-fide bargain hunter or a whimsical window shopper. You can browse glass-enclosed arcades, meander open-air marketplaces and stroll among the local boutiques.

 Along with the shopping, you can enjoy fine local seafood, sample award-winning cuisine at local restaurants or mingle with the locals at a neighborhood bistro.

The choices are endless in Beantown.

In Boston, Travel Impressions offers 10 hotels ranging from 3 to 5 star accommodations. Additionally, we offer the Boston Go Card that allows travelers to save on admissions to Boston area attractions.

Hertz or Alamo car rentals can also be booked with your Travel Impressions Boston package, if you want to tour and explore this exciting destination at your own pace.

Just navigate over to TravelImpressions.com and click the U.S.A. tab for complete information on this new addition to the Travel Impressions family

Speaking of car rentals…

You can now reserve Hertz Green Collection with Travel Impressions. These fuel efficient, environmentally-friendly cars including the Toyota Corolla, Camry or Prius Hybrid, Ford Fusion and the Nissan Altima. These green cars are both easy on the wallet and suitable for families and small groups traveling together.

In the last bit of Insider information:

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is now  open at. Universal Studios® Florida You can you  can take the music for a ride on the most personalized and immersive roller coaster experience in the world. For the first time ever, you can pick your soundtrack, while onboard cameras record the high speed flight in, around, and over Universal Studios® Florida. Once back on the ground, you can even purchase a music video of your experience.

To preview the sights and sounds of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, just search for “Travel Impressions” on You Tube and click on the Rip Roaring video clip.

Book online at www.travelimpressions.com

Agents: To book, log on to Quest.

Travelers: To book, search our locator to find a Travel Agency.

With a wide range of properties and accommodations including the spectacular Iberostar Grand Hotels in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and now in Jamaica, Iberostar has a fit for every budget and vacationers needs.

For a complete list of Iberostar Resorts and Hotels and current promotions, just visit travelimpressions.com today.

In other Insiders news…

Congratulations to our partners at SuperClubs on the opening of Breezes Resort and Spa Panama!  The first Super-Inclusive resort to grace the shores of the Pacific Ocean.

This newly built; upscale resort with 280 rooms and suites is an adventurer’s dream come true. With mountains on one side, and the Ocean on the other, there’s plenty to do from eco-tours and hiking, to windsurfing and more or simply relax at the spa and pools.  And of course, all meals, snacks and premium brand drinks with a choice of restaurants and bars all make up a Super-Inclusive package.

Just navigate over to travelimpressions.com for complete information on this new addition to the Travel Impressions family.

Many of you are familiar with Travel Impressions land vacations, but did you know Travel Impressions also offers Louis Cruises with sensational voyages featuring Greece and Turkey cruises.

Your can choose from a three, four, or even seven day itinerary, each offering something luxurious yet different.

Louis Cristal, the flagship vessel, is the ideal choice for the 7-Day Splendours of Greece and Turkey sailing.

The Louis Aquamarine offers 3-Day Aegean Discovery and 4-Day Jewels of the Aegean itineraries to Greece and Turkey which are great for combination land/sea vacations.

Regardless of which Louis Cruise Line itinerary that’s chosen, it will surely be a fabulous adventure.

Sail over to travelimpressions.com for details on this unique experience.

Before I conclude, I want to share just a little bit of other inside information with you.

Travel Impressions is planning to introduce vacation packages to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji in the South Pacific, in the coming months.

Be on the lookout for exciting details in upcoming audiocasts and subscribe to this presentation so you can be 1st to receive additional information as it becomes available.

Book online at www.travelimpressions.com
Agents: To book, log on to Quest.
Travelers: To book, search our locator to find a Travel Agency.

With terrific all-inclusive hotels and resorts located in Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Riviera Maya and Cozumel on the Mexico’s East Coast, Riviera Nayarit on Mexico’s west coast and now in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Palace Resorts delivers the right fit for nearly every vacationers needs, including families who can now book the new Family Category at select Palace Resorts!

This category allows for 6 guests including children to share rooms that adds up to a great value.

Room amenities include:
XBox 360 / DVD Player in each room, family-friendly welcome snacks and welcome for kids, a mini fridge stocked with milk, chocolate milk and juices, movie rentals, XBox games and children’s library, child’s bath amenities for the little ones, a kids room service menu and kids club family guide and plus special tours geared toward families.

Additionally, book a three night or longer vacation package at Palace Resorts and receive a value-packed 25th anniversary Palace Passport. The passport includes discounts on spa and golf, unlimited tours of popular area attractions, and a buy one get one free swim with the dolphins experience at select hotels.

There’s something for everyone!

Palace Passport inclusions vary by resort and are valid on bookings made and traveled by December 23rd, 2009. Just navigate over to TravelImpressions.com for complete information and great specials regarding Palace Resorts.

To follow up from last month episode…

Travel Impressions is excited to announce the launch of JetBlue Airways into our product line. You’re now able to book this award winning airline known for their outstanding in-flight service and low fares with us.

With their ever expanding schedule and hubs in New York’s (JFK), Washington Dulles, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale on the east coast and Los Angeles (LAX) in the west, JetBlue now offers a total of 56 cities including service to 14 Caribbean and Latin American destinations.

With JetBlue Airways, passengers will enjoy their flying experience in comfortable planes featuring complimentary snacks and soft drinks, and in seat video on Domestic flights.

Starting this fall JetBlue will offer new, Non Stop Service to Barbados and St. Lucia Hewanorra Airport from New York’s JFK.

Whether you are looking to book a US destination, the Caribbean, or Latin America, Travel Impressions together with JetBlue Airways can offer you that value priced package you are looking for.

Book Palace Resorts online at www.travelimpressions.com
Agents: To book, log on to Quest.
Travelers: To book, search our locator to find a Travel Agency.

This vacation, offered through Vail Resorts, combines the best of the Keystone, Breckenridge, Vail and Beaver Creek mountain resorts with classic Rocky Mountain summer adventures.  A seven-day/six-night, all-inclusive package is priced at $1,195 per adult and $895 per child (ages 12 and under) and a four-day/three-night package is $695 per adult and $545 per child (ages 12 and under).  All rates are per person and based on double occupancy.

Packages include ground transfers to/from Denver International Airport, accommodations in condominiums or lodge rooms at select Vail Resorts in Keystone or Breckenridge, all meals and non-alcoholic beverages, all featured activities, transportation to and from all activities, and the services of experienced guides.  This vacation is recommended for children six years of age and older.  Airfare is available from gateways
nationwide and can easily be added to the cost of the hotel package.

Accommodations include The Inn at Keystone, The Keystone Lodge & Spa, A Rock Resort, Aspen Ridge Condominiums, Evergreen Condominiums, Forest Condominiums, Lakeside Village Condominiums, River Run Condominiums and Slopeside Condos at the Inn at Keystone.  Parties of two to four people will
enjoy hotel accommodations while larger groups will have the convenience of spacious two- and three-bedroom condominiums.

Seven-Day Epic Summer Package
A seven-day/six-night week-long adventure ($1,195 for adults/$895 for children) begins on Sunday evening with a welcome reception and dinner in Keystone Resort and ends after breakfast on Saturday.
This package also includes:

*    A trip to world-renowned Rocky Mountain National Park
*    Whitewater rafting down a scenic Colorado river
*    Horseback riding through groves of aspens, pines and fields dotted by wildflowers on Beaver Creek Mountain
*    A gondola ride to the summits of Vail and Keystone mountains followed by family-friendly naturalist hikes and mountaintop picnics
*    A historical walking tour through the old Victorian mining town of Breckenridge
*    An authentic gold mine tour and hands-on gold panning
*    A Wild West cowboy campfire dinner, complete with wagon rides and storytelling

The itinerary allows time to explore the unique shops and boutiques in the towns of Estes Park, Vail and Breckenridge, along with other optional activities such as outdoor ice skating, orienteering and bicycling.

Four-Day Epic Summer Package
Families looking for a weekend escape can enjoy an abbreviated version of the seven-day package with a four-day/three-night guided trip ($695 for adults/$545 for children) featuring white water rafting, a
scenic gondola ride to an easy guided hike and mountaintop picnic, horseback riding and time for shopping in the towns of Vail and Breckenridge.  This journey begins on Thursday evening with a welcome reception and dinner in Keystone Resort and ends with a breakfast on Sunday.

Book Colorado online at www.travelimpressions.com
Agents: To book, log on to Quest.
Travelers: To book, search our locator to find a Travel Agency.

Currently, one of the strongest selling international destinations is the magnificent country of Egypt. Having personally visited Egypt in March this year with the USTOA board, the sights, sounds and centuries of history make Egypt one of the most unique places on the planet. From the incessant hustle and bustle of Cairo, to the tranquility of a cruise down the Nile to view the great temples of Luxor and Karnak, Egypt is a land of spectacular contrasts.

As a well seasoned traveler, I was continually awed by the sense of history that enveloped us at every turn. Utilizing the Travel Insider Live section of Travel Impressions.com and clicking on the monthly greeting tab and selecting July 2009 will bring you to my personal album of selected photos from some of these unforgettable sites including the Valley of the Kings and cruising the Nile.

Travel Impressions has some terrific product in Egypt from city stays in Cairo and the Pyramids at Giza to combination trips that take you to Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, and even cruising the Nile. So take a look, you’ll book some unforgettable memories at very attractive rates.

Before I conclude, I want to update you on some new air service available through Travel Impressions.

Travel Impressions will be offering Jet Blue service to all Jet Blue leisure destinations on or about July 27th, 2009. This is a great addition to Travel Impressions’ packages to its most traveled destinations domestically and in the Caribbean and Mexico. We know you will find this addition extremely helpful for one stop shopping on this highly popular carrier.

Book online at www.travelimpressions.com
Agents: To book, log on to Quest.
Travelers: To book, search our locator to find a Travel Agency.

How would you characterize the Grand Canyon Railway passenger experience?

The Grand Canyon Railway is a truly wonderful way to experience the grander, and the Grand Canyon and the Grand Canyon Region. The railway provides transportation that is 65 miles in length and 2 hours and 15 minutes in duration each way from Williams Arizona on the Classic Route 66 to the south rim of the Grand Canyon and we consider the Grand Canyon Railway the original limousine service for visitors who want to enjoy one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The opportunity to truly experience the romance of the west can be realized aboard the Grand Canyon Railway.  Because we were very much part of the western expansion of the United States Arizona, cowboys played a huge role in the development of the west.  And as part of the experience for Travel Impressions customers, you will be able to take advantage of our Wild West shoot out before you board the train, you will enjoy leisurely transportation aboard the railway, as well as, the opportunity to sit back, relax and be entertained by our on-board entertainers. We have several different types of entertainment that include banjo players, guitar players, native American flutists and passenger service attendants are very pleased to share with you stories about the history and the interesting things that have happened in the development of the old west as they relate.

What components of the limited and limited plus packages makes them so popular with families?

This is really an opportunity to shop and buy your entire Grand Canyon experience through Travel Impressions aboard the Grand Canyon Railway.  We have our Grand Canyon Railway hotels, as well as, the train in Williams Arizona, and we are also owned and operated by Vantara Parks and Resorts that operate accommodations inside Grand Canyon National Park. As a benefit of that, we can offer Travel Impressions customers an overnight stay at the lodge inside the Grand Canyon. The benefit of that is to be on site and to enjoy two things that the majority of the millions of guests and visitors to the Grand Canyon don’t enjoy, that would be a sunrise and a sunset.  In addition, meals are included.  So once you arrive at the Grand Canyon Railway hotel through your stay, it is point to point and you can relax knowing that you can enjoy your experience without giving thought to buying something or planning something on your own.

That is really good to know. In addition to the Grand Canyon, one of the world’s natural wonders, what other amazing sites will travelers experience with Grand Canyon Railways?

The interesting thing about our location in association with the Grand Canyon, is that from your departure point, whether you are coming in through Phoenix or Las Vegas, you will experience seven different geographical layers because we are at 7,000 feet. Many people don’t realize that in the state of Arizona, we do have those different latitudes and what that means to the visitor is, that when you arrive in Phoenix, for example, it could be 30 degrees cooler up in the mountain area, where we are located. So what that provides for are some of the most glorious, natural landscapes in the Southwest. That includes the beautiful Red Rock of Sedona that you can experience on your way to the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell and the Native American country area.  If you choose to do the Grand Circle in conjunction with either a Phoenix, XXX, or Las Vegas point of entry.

Well, I’m definitely ready to go. Do you have any special packages for the holiday scene?

We absolutely do. The Grand Canyon Railway operates a special Polar Express train from the first weekend in November through the second weekend in January, and we call that our Polar season. And we are very, very proud and pleased to say that USA Today designated our Polar Express train as the top holiday event in the country last year. And what that includes is a trip aboard our Polar Express to the North Pole. And as part of that experience aboard the train and our authentic Hariman cars are passenger service attendance, elves and chefs who will share the story of the Polar Express, sing songs with the families, serve cookies and hot cocoa on the way to the North Pole and on the way back, Santa boards the train and gives every single child a bell so that they can determine if they truly do believe in Santa and the spirit of Christmas.

That’s really wonderful. Finally, train journeys have a magical quality about them and are woven into the fabric of our country’s heritage, especially out West. Why do you think travelers today are so interested in traveling via your train to get to the Grand Canyon, when they can arrive faster by air?

You know, I am of the opinion, like so many of our guests are and I am sure that the majority of our country is right now that faster is not better. The pace of our lives is very, very fast and it doesn’t allow us to stop and enjoy the beautiful and finer things in life. And what the Grand Canyon Railway and the Grand Canyon Experience provides is the ability to sit back, relax and enjoy the company of your family and your friends and to share those things that really make holiday travel and travel in general rewarding.

For additional details on this Grand Canyon Railway, please check the Travel Impressions website and contact your favorite travel agent to book your Grand Canyon Railway package with Travel Impressions today.

Book the Grand Canyon Railway online at www.travelimpressions.com

Agents: To book, log on to Quest.

Travelers: To book, search our locator to find a Travel Agency.

In this AudioCast, Travel Impressions is pleased to announce Couples Resorts as this months featured partner.

With four all-inclusive properties in Negril and Ocho Rios, Jamaica. These adult-only resorts will certainly help couples  rediscover one another amidst soft-sand beaches and breathtaking Jamaican sunsets.

This past spring, Couples completed a $25 million renovation of Couples Tower Isle, formerly known as Couples Ocho Rios. This newly transformed resort now features 19 acres of beachfront property, 226 newly remodeled romantic rooms and suites, six restaurants, four unique bars and an “au natural” private island.

Now is a great time to book a romantic Couples getaway for some great specials and terrific deals. Just navigate over to  Travel Impressions.com and search “Couples Resorts” to get started.

In other Insider News: Now is the time to discover the Many Wonders of Israel & Celebrate Tel Aviv’s Centennial.

Israel is a land of many contrasts offering a multitude of leisurely possibilities. One can enjoy a walk among religiously significant historical and other archeological treasures, indulge in extraordinary cuisine and world class wine or stroll through unique nature sites and panoramas. The choices are endless. This year is a great time to visit Israel, as 2009 marks an extraordinary historical event, as Tel Aviv celebrates its 100th anniversary with worldwide events reflecting its unique place in history as the first Hebrew city established in more than 3,000 years. An interesting and varied selection of events are expected to take place through 2009 that include outdoor festivals, art shows, sporting events, historic exhibitions and numerous community projects. With so much to see and do, travelers will be sure to love Israel from the first shalom.

This months Hot Spots & Highlights is on the Grand Canyon Railway.

The Grand Canyon Railway is a fleet of vintage Pullmans and Vista coaches that allows passengers to travel in comfort through the stunning Arizona desert on their way to the Grand Canyon.

Travel Impressions offers two distinct packages that depart from Phoenix, that include lodging, train journey to Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon motor coach tour, breakfast and dinner.

You can choose from:
The Grand Canyon Limited package which includes a one night stay in Williams, Arizona, on the first evening followed by an exciting morning train ride the next day to Grand Canyon National Park complete with a live train robbery and gunfight.

Or upgrade to:
The Grand Canyon limited Plus package featuring the same itinerary but also includes an overnight stay prior to your visit, as well as, one night on your return train trip back from the national park.

Both packages include an overnight stay at the Grand Canyon, allowing travelers to explore and enjoy the beauty of this amazing natural wonder.  The packages are available in three classes of rail service including First, Dome and Parlor. Motor over to TravelImpressions.com for detailed information.

Before we conclude, I want to tell you about a new feature at the Travel Insider Live…

We have new tips section that frequently updated with brief video clips on how to navigate to success at Travel Impressions.com. Just click the link on the Travel Impressions website and go to the tips section to get started.

To all of our listeners, your comments and suggestions are always welcomed. Just drop us a line at TheTravelInsider@travimp.com. We would love to hear from you.

Book online at www.travelimpressions.com
Agents: To book, log on to Quest.
Travelers: To book, search our locator to find a Travel Agency.

Travel Impressions

From the luxury of the Paradisus Resorts to the hip and trendy ME brand, Sol Melia continues to provide unique experiences for vacationers. With such a diverse product line, Sol Melia offers something for every traveler and every taste.

This summer, escape to an All-Inclusive Melia Hotel and Resort and discover your family.

Exciting destinations, myriad of activities, outstanding value, and passion for service will give you everything you need to enjoy what matters most…the time spent as a family. Now kids can travel back to the Stone Age and hang out with Fred, Barney and the rest of the gang at The Flintstones Land™. Everyday is an adventure for kid’s ages 4 months to 13 years old. From magic shows to rock climbing to T-shirt painting, the fun will never stop and the memories will never fade.

Participating Resorts include:

Meliá Caribe Tropical-Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and Meliá Cozumel, Meliá Azul Ixtapa and the Meliá Puerto Vallarta in Mexico

Other great deals abound in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. If your planning a trip to Europe including Spain this summer, no one does it better than Sol Melia. With properties in many leading vacation destinations, there has never a better time than now to visit a Sol Melia hotel and resort. Just navigate over to Travel Impressions.com for even more details.

In other Insider News:

The Caribbean Riviera unfolds, from the mountains to the sea at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach and Villa Golf Resort spanning from the majestic St. Ann Mountains down to Jamaica’s most sought-after coastline known as the Caribbean Riviera, this vast resort is actually three destinations in one. The first is found along the expansive beachfront where you’ll also discover the chicest scene in Ocho Rios – The Ochi Beach Club. The second “destination” is set within the lush beauty of the foothills where The Ciboney Villas unfold, featuring close to 100 private and semi-private pools and the famous Romeo and Juliet honeymoon villa suites with private courtyard pools.

On the bluff top lies “destination” number three, the elegant Manor House with its own sea view pool and lively pub. Home to more than 100 acres of lush tropical landscape, the Magnificent Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach and Villa Golf Resort encompasses all the natural beauty that is Jamaica.

Resorts announces Couples Tower Isle Grand Opening

Please log on to Travel Impressions.com and search “Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach and Villa Golf Resort” for complete details. Before we conclude, I want to tell you about some new airline services now available at Travel Impressions.

As of May 1st American Eagle expanded service from its San Juan hub to the Caribbean Islands of Grenada, Tortola, St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Guadeloupe and Martinique.

We would love to hear from you!

Book online at www.travelimpressions.com
Agents: To book, log on to Quest.
Travelers: To book, search our locator to find a Travel Agency.

View the latest SuperClubs Promotions and Specials here

Book Grand Lido Braco online at www.travelimpressions.com
Agents: To book, log on to Quest.
Travelers: To book, search our locator to find a Travel Agency.

I’m John Hanratty, the Chief Marketing Officer at Travel Impressions and I want to welcome you to another edition of the Travel Insider.

Travel Impressions announces Excellence as this months featured resort. With all-inclusive luxury hotels in Playa Mujeres,.the Riviera Maya,  Mexico  and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, these adult-only resorts are ideal for  weddings, honeymoons and any other romantic getaway.

At Excellence Resorts, all-inclusive luxury is more than just a label, and Excellence is more than a goal. It is who they are.

Everyday, every night, for every guest.

As an extra bonus, Excellence is offering couples, complimentary wedding or honeymoon packages.

The complimentary wedding package includes:

Services of a Minister and a wedding coordinator to organize and personalize the special day. Vows can be exchanged at the resorts wedding gazebo or beautiful beachfront location. The package even includes the couples wedding cake.

For honeymooners, the complimentary package includes:

A Champagne breakfast in bed. A 50 minute couples spa massage and private romantic beachfront dinner.

These romantic packages are complimentary when you book the Excellence Club Junior Suite ocean view room category for a minimum of 7 nights for travel until December 23, 2009. The complimentary wedding and honeymoon packages are not combinable and inclusions are subject to change.

More information can be found online about the complimentary packages at Travel Impressions.com

To hear even more about these featured resorts, look for the audiocast  entitled “Excellence Luxury Resorts, Cancun, Mexico and Punta Cana” in the same spot as where you found this presentation or navigate over to the audiocast player at www.TravelInsiderLive.com.

In other Insider News:

Couples Resorts announces Couples Tower Isle Grand Opening in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. With $30 million dollars in renovations, Couples Tower Isle will be a vacation not to be forgotten.

Recent updates include 20 new ocean-view rooms and enhancements to the pool and restaurants. New amenities include a wedding gazebo, spa, pool with swim-up bar and pool-side grill, game room and a dock at the resort’s private island. Gourmet meals, nightly live entertainment, premium brand drinks and a world of water sports are all part of the all-inclusive package.

Please log on to Travel Impressions.com and search “Couples Tower Isle Grand” for complete details.

Before we conclude, I want to tell you about some new airline services now available at Travel Impressions.

Delta Airlines is now offering seasonal service to London, England from Denver, Colorado, daily, now until October 23rd, 2009.

Additionally, US Airways will be offering daily service from Charlotte North Carolina, to Paris, France, now until October 24th, as well as, daily service to Oslo, Norway from Pennsylvania, starting May 21st to September 30th, 2009.

If any of these cities are not convenient, no problem!  Travel Impressions offers add–on service from most major airports throughout the United States.

To all of our listeners, your comments and suggestions are always welcomed. Just drop us a line at thetravelinsider@travimp.com. We would love to hear from you.

Thank You for joining another edition of the Travel Insider and best regards.

View the latest SuperClubs Promotions and Specials here.

Book SuperClubs online at www.travelimpressions.com
Agents: To book, log on to Quest.
Travelers: To book, search our locator to find a Travel Agency.

Sandra:  Hey Kelly, are you planning a family vacation this year? Now is the time to start planning and there are tons of travel deals out there these days with Travel Impressions.com

Kelly: Yes, we were planning on taking a vacation but wanted to visit a city in the U.S. I’ve been doing some research and there are some very good vacation values out there.

Sandra: Yes, I was contemplating a trip to Arizona, you know, to see the Grand Canyon and then relax at a luxurious spa while my husband plays golf on one of the many celebrity-designed courses that that Phoenix/Scottsdale area has to offer. Plus many resorts have kid-friendly options; some, like the Arizona Grand have an on-site water park.

Kelly: And you can take advantage of all the free night specials that the hotels are offering. The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa offers the 3rd night free plus a daily $50 resort credit and complimentary breakfast for two everyday. Plus kids 16 and under stay free.

Sandra: Wow, that’s really hard to beat! I was also thinking of trying out the Grand Canyon Railway, a fleet of vintage locomotives that allows passengers to travel in comfort through the dramatic Arizona desert on their way to the Grand Canyon. The kids will love it!

Kelly: Yes, what a unique way to see this incredible natural wonder. I was also thinking of taking the kids to see California. There are some great deals in sunny places like San Diego where we can visit amusement parks like Universal and SeaWorld plus see wild animals at the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

Sandra: I was looking at California hotel specials and found free nights galore! There’s third and fourth night frees through the end of August at many popular-brand hotels up and down the coast: Hyatt, Sheraton, Marriott, Hilton, just to name a few…

Kelly: Yes, the Grand Hyatt San Francisco is offering a great family promotion including guaranteed connecting rooms, free breakfast plus kids 17 and under stay free!

Sandra: You know, visiting the national parks is a fantastic way to introduce kids to the natural beauty and wonder of our country. For example, when families stay at Spring Creek Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, they are surrounded by both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

Kelly: I also learned that Vail Resorts is unveiling an exciting all-inclusive summer package for travel in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The package components include everything you could ever want to see and do on a mountain vacation such as rafting, horseback riding and hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park plus all transfers, accommodations and meals are included in one reasonable 4-day or 7-day package price.

Sandra: Wow that sounds like the vacation of a lifetime. Who knew the U.S. had so much to offer at such a great value. I’m getting my plans together today and calling my travel agent.

Kelly: Me, too. Vacations like these will create lasting memories for the kids and for us it’s a good feeling to know that we are getting the most for our money.

Book Summer Family Vacations online at www.travelimpressions.com
Agents: To book, log on to Quest.
Travelers: To book, search our locator to find a Travel Agency.

Hear details about the luxury accommodations, culinary experience, world class spa, wedding packages and group offerings. More details can found online at on Excellence Luxury Resorts at http://travelimpressions.com.

Book Excellence Resorts online at www.travelimpressions.com
Agents: To book, log on to Quest.
Travelers: To book, search our locator to find a Travel Agency.

Book SuperClubs online at www.travelimpressions.com
Agents: To book, log on to Quest.
Travelers: To book, search our locator to find a Travel Agency.

The flagship all-suite Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica is the island’s only member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World.

Royal Plantation offers endless luxurious touches – beach butlers, afternoon tea, an extensive wine cellar, cognac and cigar lounge, exclusive wedding packages designed by Preston Bailey and a  champagne and caviar bar. All of the 74 suites boast panoramic views of the ocean and are spacious with reading and dining areas, fine linens, walk-in closets and four-poster beds. The exclusive three-bedroom Villa Plantana is available for additional privacy, and is staffed with its own  personal butler and chef.

The secluded, but easily accessible Royal Plantation Island in the Exumas, Bahamas is the newest addition to this special brand.

It’s a private island comprised of just 50 acres and six villas with one, two and three-bedrooms – each with its own distinct personality and features like personal pools, modern kitchens, verandas and patios with amazing views. Each villa also comes complete with a private skiff, so guests can explore the surrounding cays and sandbars.

Despite being secluded, Royal Plantation Island has the feel of a full-service resort, offering butler service, the fine-dining Harbour Club Eating & Drinking House, the casual Barefoot by the Sea restaurant and plenty of activities that range from tennis to picnics on the nearest sandbar.

The Royal Plantation Private Villas in Jamaica offer this brand’s absolute pinnacle of luxury.The three villas and one estate are the private homes of Sandals Chairman Gordon “Butch”  Stewart, and are all handpicked for their unbelievably beautiful settings in Ocho Rios, Whitehouse and Discovery Bay.

Some feature separate main villas and guest cottages, and as many as eight bedrooms. Entire private staffs are at your client’s beck and call.

Representing the ultimate in luxury and service, the properties of the Royal Plantation Collection are absolutely the right choice for that very discriminating traveler.

For more details on these exclusive boutique properties just navigate over to Travel Impressions.com and search “Royal Plantation”.

In other insider news, we have a very exciting new promotion called “Love Is In The Air”.

Over recent months and years we have been asked about destination weddings. How they work, are they affordable, do they make sense, and how do I start?

We have also witnessed just how popular this trend is and felt it was time to pull it all together for you in one complete package, and our new Love is in the Air Promotion will do just that.

We’ve taken the various aspects of a wedding and put the information at your fingertips and combined some great Added Value Specials as well.  We have combined the happiest day of a couple’s life with a vacation getaway that works for everyone.  A unique experience that promises to be “the” wedding your family and friends will remember for years to come.

Jack n Jill Getaways: These are a new twist on the old Bachelor and Bachelorette parties.

I DO: This is the actual wedding and reception, complete wedding packages from flowers to cake and everything in between.

Happily Ever After: Ahh yes, the Honeymoon..these are of course our most romantic suggestions.

Mission Accomplished: Perhaps more needed than anyone ever realized an escape for the parents of the bride or groom.  A little romance here? Could be.

So Far, So Good…a little tongue in cheek perhaps, but appropo because this is the Anniversary segment.  Whether it is the first, fifth or tenth…you can always say, with a laugh and a smile…So Far, So Good.

And our last segment to this comprehensive plan, the “I Would Again”.  A testimony to a great marriage, the renewal of wedding vows.

Look  for Love is in the Air at Travel Impressions.com …it is really going to be a big hit…and we are here to take the stress away and let the Bride and Groom focus on what is most important….each other.

Do you what to know when the latest audio cast is released ? What new & existing at Travel Impressions? You can now follow Travel Impressions on Twitter.

Just go to twitter.com/travelimp to follow the latest information and twitter.com/vacationdeals to receive our daily specials.

Thank you for reading another edition of the Travel Insider and best regards.

John Hanratty

Book online at www.travelimpressions.com
Agents: To book, log on to Quest.
Travelers: To book, search our locator to find a Travel Agency.

Book SuperClubs online at www.travelimpressions.com

Agents: To book, log on to Quest.

Travelers: To book, search our locator to find a Travel Agency.

Gwenn Feliciano, Vice President of Sales and Bob Ford, Director of Wholesale Sales for SuperClubs talk about the new and existing happenings at SuperClubs Super-Inclusive Resorts including Grand Lido Negril and Grand Lido Braco becoming Breezes Grand Negril Resort, Spa & Breezes Rio Bueno Resort & Spa and Starfish Trelawny to become Breezes Trelawny.

This edition comes to you by way of the island of Jamaica. “Once you go.. you know”

For 2009, we are pleased to announce the new Travel Impressions electronic brochures. Features include an interactive table of contents, detailed search and pages that turn with just a click of the mouse, It’s now easier than ever to create a dream vacation! And at the same time, these electronic brochures are much more environmentally friendly.

In this electronic format, you’ll find all of the same great, helpful information that we include in our print brochures, hotel descriptions and amenities, destination overviews, optional tours and more. The new format is much more dynamic and gives you the ability to customize a vacation and easily e-mail and clip portions of the brochure, or the whole title, if you like.

Browsing our online brochures is fast and easy – so whether you’re planning a family gathering, a romantic getaway, an adventure trip or have you sights set on seeing new worlds, the new brochures will give you plenty of interesting ideas and handy tips to make lasting vacation memories.

Just go www.travelimpressions.com/brochures to check out our current titles and bookmark the section. Check back often, new titles are always being added.

For this month, we feature the Caribbean destination of St. Kitts. Uncrowned and unspoiled, St. Kitts offers its natural beauty like a welcome mat for first-time and returning visitors alike.

St. Kitts boasts pristine and gleaming shores surrounded by sparkling cobalt waters, plus many other facets to this impressive jewel of an island.

When you’ve had your fill of snorkeling, diving and sailing, you’ll want to explore the remainder of the island taking in lava formations, lush tropical forests, secluded lagoons, lush patchworks of sugarcane fields, and the cloud-fringed peak of the dormant volcano Mount Liamuiga stands over the island.

Just navigate over to travel impressions.com and search St. Kitts for additional information and offers on this featured destination.

As we leave the Caribbean, we navigate over to Mexico and here is where we find this months featured resort .. The Aventura Spa Palace, located in the Riviera Maya just South of Cancun.

Palace Resorts is pleased to announce exciting changes starting in April 2009. The Northern section will remain as Adults-Only and will be still known as the “Aventura Spa Palace”. This section will feature 777 luxurious accommodations with double Jacuzzis, four restaurants and just as many pools, yoga temple, spa and fitness facilities.

The new section on the South side, will welcome family travelers and will be known as the Aventura Cove Palace. The family section will offer 489 luxurious accommodations with double Jacuzzis, three restaurants, a Kids Club kids program, Teens Lounge, sports bar, discotheque and pool.

More information on the Aventura Spa Palace and the new Aventura Cove Palace can be found in the Mexico section at travelimpressions.com

This months hot spot & highlight is on Colorado & the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa.

The Park Hyatt is a centerpiece of Beaver Creek Village, an alpine village of world-class luxury nestled at 8,100 feet in Colorado’s rocky mountains.

This ski in/ski out resort features elegant accommodations, upscale comforts and dramatic views.

Ski valets are an exclusive, signature service of the Park Hyatt and assist guests as they leave the slopes by storing your skis, boards, poles and boots each night and ensure everything is ready by morning.

Book & travel by March 31 2009 and the seven night is free. Some restrictions apply, just go to travelimpressions.com and search “Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa” for more details.

Before we conclude, we at Travel Impressions appreciate all your continued support and your votes that for the fourth consecutive year, earned us Travel Weekly’s coveted best tour operator sales & service award.

To our listeners, your comments and suggestions are always welcomed. Just drop us a line at thetravelinsider@travimp.com. We would love to hear from you.

Thank you for joining another edition of the Travel Insider and best regards.

Book online at www.travelimpressions.com

Agents: To book, log on to Quest.

Travelers: To book, search our locator to find a Travel Agency.

Book Universal Orlando®  online at www.travelimpressions.com
Agents: To book, log on to Quest.
Travelers: To book, search our locator to find a Travel Agency.

Among their product offerings are five popular ski resorts out West: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado and Heavenly in Lake Tahoe on the California/Nevada border. 

Of these five, which is the best suited for families on a budget?

Keystone Resort would be the best option for families on a budget.  Keystone is a great option for those families taking their first ski vacation.  Everything from economy hotel rooms to 4 Bedroom Ski-in/Ski-out luxury condos are available there.

They also have a free in-resort shuttle so no matter where you are staying getting to either of the two base areas is a breeze.

What if I wanted to recommend a ski resort for someone who is accustomed to skiing in Europe and is very fussy about their accommodations and ski conditions?

Beaver Creek would definitely be the ski resort for this guest. Beaver Creek is a luxury resort with the cozy feel of an Alpine Village. It is perhaps the very best of luxury family skiing, and has earned accolades for its food, wine, and service.

You know that in Beaver Creek they offer a Village-to-Village ski experience similar to European ski resorts.  They have Beaver Creek Village; the main and eastern-most village is truly the heart of the resort.  Next is Bachelor Gulch located to the west of the main village, anchored by the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch.  Lastly, there is Arrowhead Village which offers seclusion coupled with excellent slope-side access.

In Beaver Creek most of the lodging is Ski-in/Ski-out. This is a highly sought after location for someone booking their lodging for a ski vacation.

What resort area recommended for someone who likes to spend lots of time on the slopes? In other words, what area has the most ski able terrain?

Vail would be the perfect resort for this type of client. Vail boasts three distinct areas of the mountain, each with their own features and attributes, including three terrain parks, seven bowls and 5,289 acres of “free-ride” terrain. At seven miles wide, finding fresh tracks is as easy as finding elbow room.  In fact, Vail is the largest single-ski resort in North America!  A great place for someone who wants to ski hard (and play hard!).

Is there a resort area more popular with snowboarders?

Breckenridge is one of the most popular destination for snowboarders.  As one of the first resorts to allow snowboarding, Breckenridge is home to four terrain parks and three half-pipes that are consistently ranked among the world’s best.

A friendly, laid-back vibe, and the ultimate après-ski scene helps make it a great town for young snowboarders and skiers alike.

What is the average daytime temperature in these areas during the peak winter months? Does the sun shine often making for a pleasant skiing experience?

People don’t realize this but in Colorado they receive over 300 days of sunshine a year!  This, coupled with the low humidity, makes the weather for skiing in Colorado quite comfortable.  I would say the average temp would be somewhere in the 30’s?

What about night skiing? Is this possible at any of these ski resorts?

Keystone has the largest night operations in Colorado.  Your daytime lift ticket is valid at night until 8:30 pm, or you can purchase a night ticket from 4:00 pm to close.  The A51 Terrain Park is also open until 8:00pm.

Yes, and a great thing about this is arriving guests don’t have to wait until the next day to ski–they can get on the slopes the same day!

Which resort would be best for a skier who is just learning? Do they have special classes for beginners?

All of these resorts offer a variety of terrain–everything from your green beginner runs to expert black diamonds. These resorts also offer a world class Ski & Ride School.  New at Beaver Creek this year is a special state-of-the-art Ski School facility geared toward youngsters–complete with their very own gondola, the Buckaroo Express!

Which location has the best nightlife and/or apres-ski?

Heavenly in Lake Tahoe is a great ski resort for those who are “Up for Everything.”  With more recreation and entertainment options than any other winter resort, you’ll have plenty of choices at Heavenly.

When night falls, great day-skiing leads to exciting après-ski activities such as Vegas-style casinos, all-night dance clubs, world-class entertainment and five-star dining.  Really the only ski resort I know where you can party all night and ski all day!

How about some practical information? What is the best way to save on lift tickets?

Pre-purchasing lift tickets through Travel Impressions & Delta Vacations.com  saves you plenty of money.  When you wait until you’re in-resort and pay the walk-up window rate you’re paying top dollar for lift tickets.  When you pre-purchase through Travel Impressions, you’ll save anywhere from 10-20% off window rate on all 3 day or more tickets.

Booking in advance is the key to saving money on a great ski vacation. Book your ski vacation at Travelimpressions.com and Deltavacations.com.

Book now and save later!

Welcome to another edition of the Travel Insider.

This month, Travel Impressions celebrates Palace Resorts Silver 25th anniversary.

To help celebrate this milestone, guests staying three nights or longer in Mexico or at the new Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, From December 24, 2008 to December 23, 2009, will receive a special value-packed 25th Anniversary Passport that includes:

25% discount on one round of golf
25% discount on select spa treatments
Unlimited tours to area attractions & sites
+
Guests staying in Mexico will receive buy one, get one free to the ever popular dolphin swim.

Also new at Palace Resorts in 2009, Concierge Level accommodations!

Amenities in this section include:
Ocean views with some of the best locations
Rooms with king-size beds
Aromatherapy
Private beach lounges
Room service from select restaurant menus
Nightly turndown service
@ select locations, A private dinner and 25-minute massages.

Passport inclusions and amenities vary by resort & location, Please log on to Travel Impressions.com and search “Palace Resorts” for complete details.

In other existing news!

Beaches Turks & Caicos will open its new Italian village in January.

The Italian Village will feature its own lobby, lavish family suites, new gourmet dining and shopping options, and more. At the same time, Beaches Turks & Caicos new water park opens and will be 10 times the size of the resort’s hugely popular Pirate’s Island.

I also want to tell you about some new airline service now available at Travel Impressions.com

Cayman Airways, is now offers stop service from New York’s JFK and Washington Washington-Dulles to Grand Cayman thought the winter months.

United Airlines, will be offering Non stop service from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta in December

Non stop daily service to one of newest destinations Dubai from Washington-Dulles.

US Airways now offers non-stop service from Philadelphia & Charlotte, NC to St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.

Your comments and suggestions are also welcomed. just drop a line @ thetravelinsider@travimp.com.

We would love to here from you.

Thank You for joining another edition of the Travel Insider and best regards.

John Hanratty

This month, our newsletter features interesting alternate travel possibilities during the winter season for travelers  that are looking for something other than a tropical getaway.

One of TI’s newest destinations, New Orleans, is a great example. Of course, the Crescent City is famous for its year-round festivity, its Cajun/Creole cooking and its musical heritage. Everyone seems to have fun in New Orleans every time, but only in winter can your clients take part in Mardi Gras – the citywide party to end all parties.

This month TI is also featuring “winter in Europe” promotions in both this newsletter and on the website. Winter is a great time to take advantage of significantly lower rates and no lines at great museums and cultural sites. Also, there are great seasonal events like the beautiful European Christmas markets, Carnival in Venice and, of course, terrific theater in London. Short stay three/four day weekend getaways to major European capitals are both popular and easy.

Finally, don’t forget that Travel Impressions now sells complete ski packages (including lift tickets) to the most popular resort areas in the U.S. and Canada. As always, for those clients looking for that warm weather winter getaway, TI’s comprehensive product line is unbeatable. Whatever your need, we are ready to help you be successful this winter.

Best regards,

John Hanratty