Top 10 Things to do when Visiting Phoenix

Looking for a getaway in the USA this winter to escape cold and snow? Then you might want to head for Phoenix. Most major carriers fly to Phoenix multiple times a day so finding nonrev seats shouldn’t be a problem. If you need a rental car (not a bad thing to have in Phoenix) or a hotel go online to www.interlinetravel.com as they offer rental car discounts online as well as discounts to a number of hotels in the Phoenix/Scottsdale are and no booking fees!

So depending on how much time you have to spend in Phoenix, here is our list of the top 10 things to see and do in the Phoenix area:

10. Eat out!
When picking a restaurant in Greater Phoenix, consider a dining room with a view. Many restaurants feature open-air patios where you can watch a postcard-perfect sunset or dine beneath desert stars. Among the restaurants with the best winter patios (and creative cuisine) are Bourbon Steak, Caf?ink, Elements, Kai, Lon’s and Talavera.

9. Relish a resort experience.
More than 40 luxury resorts adorn Greater Phoenix’s desert landscape and staying at one is a vacation in itself. Expect gorgeous grounds, kingly service, fine food, and access to world-class golf courses and spas. Many of Greater Phoenix’s resorts are located in or near Scottsdale, where the Old West meets the New West on pedestrian-friendly streets famous for Western art galleries, trendy restaurants, Cowboy bars and the best club scene between L.A. and New York.

8. Succumb to a spa treatment.
Thanks to all those resorts, the spa scene in the Greater Phoenix is different than anything the average spa-goer has ever experienced. Nestled within mountain folds, on tribal lands and in the shadow of monolithic boulders you’ll find one of the most impressive collections of resort spas in North America. Put your body and spirit in the hands of a Native American medicine healer; awaken your skin with creosote oil, gold dust or turquoise-hued Azulene mud; partake in an ancient Hammam bathing ritual; or let Quantum Biofeedback technology melt away your stress from the inside out. And hot-stone massages? They were invented in Greater Phoenix.

7. Ride the rail.
Now visitors to Phoenixcan ride the city’s new public transportation system: METRO Light Rail. This 20-mile network links downtown Phoenix to nearby restaurants, nightlife and museums, and provides a speedy route to and from the airport. The light-rail line also connects Phoenix to Tempe, so if you book accommodations in downtown Phoenix, it’s possible to take the train to Sun Devil Stadium and the Mill Avenue District, avoiding New Year’s Eve traffic.

6. Learn something.
Visitors who like a dash of cultureon their vacationwill not be disappointed by the wealth and quality of museums located in Greater Phoenix. A sampling:

• Heard Museum provides fascinating insights into the culture and history of Arizona’s 22 Native American tribes. It features both traditional and contemporary works, including what is perhaps the world’s greatest collection of Kachina dolls. And here’s a tip for visitors in search of meaningful souvenirs: The Heard Museum Shop is one of best places in Phoenix to buy authentic American Indian jewelry and art.
• Desert Botanical Garden is fun for the whole family – even the guys. This 50-acre outdoor museum showcases endangered desert species from around the world, including Dali-esque trees from North Africa and sprawling cactuses from Mesopotamia. And this winter the garden’s splendor is enhanced even further thanks to an exhibit by world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. His organic and colorful creations are ingeniously integrated among the flora, and each is spectacularly illuminated after nightfall.
• If kids designed a museum, it would look like Children’s Museum of Phoenix. The city’s newest museum experience features a hanging forest made of foam swimming noodles, a miniature grocery store with scanners and box-filled aisles, and a wooden racecar track that would tickle the fancy of M.C. Esher. And you can touch everything. This museum doesn’t focus on art or science, nor does it contain paintings or bones; instead, the exhibits are designed to stimulate and entertain kids under 10. The museum also is a short stroll from the likewise-kid-friendly Arizona Science Center, which houses more than 300 interactive exhibits, a planetarium and an IMAX theater.

5. Cheer for another team.
Greater Phoenix is one of only a half-dozen U.S. cities with eight professional sports franchises, and one of the locals’ favorites is the Phoenix Suns. Led by two-time league MVP Steve Nash, explosive All-Star Amare Stoudemire and veteran big man Shaquille O’Neal, the Phoenix Suns have brought the NBA playoffs to Phoenix 18 times in the past 20 seasons. The Suns play their home games at US Airways Center. Come March you will find anine professional baseball teams, the Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants, Oakland A’s and the Milwaukee Brewers who have theirspring training camps in the Greater Phoenix Area in March.

4. Shop with abandon.
Shopping is a serious sport in America’s fifth-largest city. From fashionable malls to chic boutiques to charming antique shops, Greater Phoenix harbors a spectrum of retail experiences few destinations in North America can match. Take advantage of the pleasant weather to stroll the garden-park setting at Biltmore Fashion Park, the outdoor promenade at Keirland Commons or the sidewalk shops of Old Town Scottsdale. Peruse high-fashion couture at Scottsdale Fashion Center, or search for bargains at have-it-all malls such as Chandler Fashion Center, Westgate City Center and Tempe Marketplace.

3. Take a hike.
Wherever you stay in Greater Phoenix, you’re not far from a park or preserve. On the city’s southern frontier is South Mountain Park and Preserve, the largest municipal park in the nation. The park occupies 16,000 acres just a few miles south of downtown (by comparison, Central Park encompasses 843 acres of Manhattan real estate) and is adorned by native flora and ancient petroglyphs. Its 50 miles of trails are popular among hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders, and there’s also a paved road to South Mountain’s summit so cyclists and motorists can enjoy the bird’s-eye view.

Other easily accessible spots for outdoors pursuits are Phoenix Mountains Park and Camelback Mountain. The former is home to Piestewa Peak, which is reached via a 1.2-mile summit trail that’s a favorite of active families and trail runners. Camelback Mountain, meanwhile, is Phoenix’s most famous natural landmark. The mountain’s silhouette resembles a dromedary camel in repose, and it challenges hikers with a rugged trek to its 2,700-foot “hump”.

2. Play 18 … or 36.
The Scottish invented golf, but Phoenicians might have perfected it. Greater Phoenix is home to more than 200 golf courses, many designed by legends of the game such as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf and Pete Dye. This is desert golf at its best, with emerald-green fairways set against a panorama of rugged mountains and towering cactuses. Some courses occupy canyons where civilization feels a world away, while others are part of opulent resorts where you can relish a “warm golf ball massage” after your round. Since Phoenix has so many golf courses to choose from you will find the green fees VERY reasonable and it’s easy to book a round on most courses with not much advance notice.

1. See one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Phoenix is the gateway to America’s most iconic natural landmark: the Grand Canyon. It’s a 3?to 4-hour drive to the canyon’s South Rim, depending on how many stops you make (and there are plenty, with the red rocks of Sedona being a favorite). Those who seek a quicker and more dramatic route to the Grand Canyon can book an aerial tour that will take them sweeping over the 277-mile geologic marvel in an airplane. Keep in mind, true wintry weather awaits at the Grand Canyon’s higher elevation, and you might even be lucky enough to see it dusted in snow.

List of New Cruise Ships Coming in 2009

Do you love to cruise? There are lots of ships, cruise lines and itineraries to choose from. There are even more ships coming. In 2008 there were eight new cruise ships introduced by different cruise lines. In 2009 there will be another ten new ships added. By 2012 another 26 ships will be introduced.

Interline discounts on these new ships is often not offered on the initial sailings. However with the current economy we did see some new ships in 2008 open up for interline discounts on their early sailings. But even when they don””t open up early you can usually find interline cruise discounts with six months of the ship”’’s inaugural sailing.

Below is a list of new ships that set sail in in 2008 and those coming in 2009 thru 2012. Itineraries are usually announce about 24 months in advance and the prices are usually released shortly thereafter. For more information on these ships and more information including rates (including interline cruise discounts) contact InterlineTravel.com at 800 766-2911 or in the DFW Area call 817 481-8631 or online at www.interlinetravel.com.

Cruise Line	Ship Name	Size	Passengers	Delivery Date
2008
Carnival	Carnival Splendor	110,000	3,000	Sailing Now
P & O	Ventura	116,000	3,100	Sailing Now
Royal Caribbean	Independence of the Seas	160,000	3,600	Sailing Now
MSC	Poesia	89,000	1,275	Sailing Now
Holland America	Eurodam	86,000	2,100	Sailing Now
Princess	Ruby Princess	116,000	3,100	Sailing Now
Celebrity	Celebrity Solstice	122,000	2,850	Sailing Now
MSC	Fantasia	133,500	3,887	Sailing Now
2009
AIDA	AIDAluna	68,500	2,030	Apr-2009
MSC	Splendida	133,500	3,887	Spring 2009
Costa	Costa Luminosa	92,700	2,620	Spring 2009
Costa	CostaPacifica	112,000	3,780	Spring 2009
Seabourn	Seabourn Odyssey	32,000	450	Spring 2009
Celebrity	Celebrity Equinox	122,000	2,850	Fall 2009
Royal Caribbean	Oasis of the Seas	220,000	5,400	Fall 2009
Carnival	Carnival Dream	130,000	3,652	Fall 2009
NCL	F3 Type	150,000	4,200	Summer 2009
SilverSea	Silver Spirit	36,000	540	Dec-2009
2010
AIDA	AIDAblu	68,500	2,050	Spring 2010
Seabourn	TBD	32,000	450	Spring 2010
Costa	CostaDeliziosa	92,700	2,620	Spring 2010
P&O	Azura	116,000	3,076	Spring 2010
NCL	F3 Type	150,000	4,200	Summer 2010
Celebrity	Eclipse	122,000	2,850	Summer 2010
Royal Caribbean	Allure of the Seas	220,000	5,400	Aug-2010
Cunard	Queen Elizabeth	92,000	2,092	Autum 2010
Oceania	Marina	65,000	1,252	Fall 2010
MSC	Magnifica	89,000	1,275	Fall 2010
Holland America	Nieuw Amsterdam	86,000	2,100	Fall 2010
2011
MSC	Musica	89,000	1,275	Feb-2011
Carnival	Carnival Magic	130,000	3,652	Spring 2011
Disney	TBD	122,000	2,500	Spring 2011
Aida Cruises	TBD	71,000	2,174	Apr-2011
Oceania	Oceania-Class	65,000	1,260	Spring 2011
Aida Cruises	TBD	71,000	2,174	May-2011
Seabourn	TBD	32,000	450	Summer 2011
Celebrity	TBD	122,000	2,850	Fall 2011
Costa	TBD	114,200	3,780	Fall 2011
MSC	Meraviglia	93,000	1,275	Fall 2011
2012
MSC	Musica	89,000	1,275	Feb-2012
Disney	TBD	122,000	2,500	Spring 2012
Costa	TBD	114,200	3,780	Summer 2012
Celebrity	TBD	122,000	2,850	Fall 2012
MSC	Favolosa	93,000	1,275	Fall 2011

Enjoy Carnival in Greece

Do you think “OMPAH!” when you think of Mardi Gras?

No? Ok then name the top 3Carnival celebrations in the world. The first two are easy, Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans. So where is the next bestCarnival celebration? How about Greece? The most important carnival in Greece is held in Patras and some consider it to be the third best in the world.

What’s great aboutexperiencing Carnival in Greece?

Well besides on great party,the date for Carnival in Greece is set according to the Greek Orthodox calendar which is usually different from Western Easter. Every few years, both calendars will coincide, so do check if you want to attend both. Only the Greek Orthodox carnival dates are widely celebrated in Greece. So you can attend Carnival in New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro, Sydney, San Francisco, Galveston or any other city you want in the Western world and still attend Carnival in Greece in the same year!

Forget about “Fat Tuesday”. “Burnt Thursday” or Tsiknopempti is celebrated eleven days before the start of Lent. The “Burnt” part refers to the grilling of meats, a big part of the celebration of this day. The weekend following “Burnt Thursday” will also have parties and other events; technically, that Sunday is the last allowable day for eating meat and is sometimes called “Meat-eating Sunday”. The best Greek restaurants will be crowded on this day – but seafood places are a safe bet to have tables available!

So when should you go? For theinterliners headingto Greece, the best party is on the weekend prior to the end of the Carnival season. This is followed by Clean Monday or “Ash Monday”, a generally family-oriented day where, in Athens, picnics and kite-flying prevail. “Clean Monday” is the last day of Carnival for the Greeks. “Fat Tuesday” does not exist in Greece – Burnt Thursday is its closest parallel.

The Greeks are good at putting on Carnival because they invented it. Most carnival-related events are connected with the ancient worship of the Greek god of wine and divine intoxication, Dionysus. The processions, costuming, and feasting all derive from ancient ceremonies honoring him and other Greek gods and goddesses, though some claim parts of it, including the carrying of models of ships in processions, date back to similar rites in Ancient Egypt. My personal opinion? Those pleasure-loving Minoans had a hand in it too.

When is Carnival Season in Greece? 40 days before the beginning of Lent, Carnival begins on a Saturday evening with the opening of the Triodion, a book containing three sacred odes. This is a religious moment not generally observed outside of the church itself, so don’t expect a sudden party to erupt.

The Friday, Saturday, and Sunday preceding “Clean Monday” usually offer vigorous parties, parades, and traditional events wherever Carnival is celebrated. In larger towns or cities “known” for Carnival, such as Rethimno or Patras, the previous weekend will also be filled with activities.

The last Sunday of the Carnival period is known as “Cheese-eating Sunday” or Tyrofagos as no meat products are allowed at this time. Macaroni is often served on this day. Surprisingly enough, the word “macaroni” is not Italian, but comes from the Greek words macaria or “blessed”, and aeronia or “eternal”. Thus, “macaroni”. The preceding day, Saturday, is a special service for the dead in Orthodox churches, and part of the rites includes the making of grain dishes, probably a survival of the ancient rites of Demeter. Thus, “macaroni”.

“Clean Monday” or Kathari Deftera, is the actually the first day of Lent (Sarakosti). While a holiday atmosphere still prevails, the foods consumed are all “pure”, without the shedding of blood. But this allows cuttlefish and squid, fish roe, and other items. “Lagana” is a flat bread traditionally served on this day.

If you need to book rail tickets or get a hotel in Greece, then go online to www.interlinetravel.com.

European Fairs, Festivals and Events taking place in January

Interliners often overlook travel to Europe in January, yet it is a great time to visit. Crowds are few and far between and nonrev seats can often be found to Europe. So if you are looking for where to go and what to do check out this list of fairs, festivals and events taking place in Europe in January. Times, dates, and locations of events are sometimes changed or even cancelled. Always remember to check with organizers and local authorities before booking tickets and making travel plans. We hot link each listing to their website so you can get more information on the event. If you need to book rail passes or hotel reservations go online to www.interlinetravel.com.

Bommel Festival
Ronse, Belgium
January (starts second Saturday of every January)
Epiphany celebrations including costumed characters.

Burning the Clavie
Burghead, Scotland
January (every year)
Burning barrel carried around the town.

Carnival of Rijeka
Rijeka, Croatia
January – February (every year)
Carnival parade meets Slavic folklore and mythology.

Chinese New Year
London, England
January (every year)
Lion? Dances and performances in Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square.

Christmas City
Turku, Finland
December – January (every year)
Celebrate Finnish Christmas including Declaration of Christmas Peace.

Cresta Run
St Moritz, Switzerland
December – February (every year)
Similar to bobsled tracks, but made of natural ice. Try it if you dare!

Epiphany
Bordonaro, Italy
January (every year)
After mass locals help themselves to the tasty Christmas tree decorations.

Epiphany
Piana degli Albanesi, Italy
January (every year)
Albanian Epiphany celebrations in the Byzantine tradition.

Festival of San Sebastiano
Mistretta, Italy
January (every year)
A procession in honor of the martyr San Sebastiano.

Hogmanay
Edinburgh, Scotland
December – January (every year)
Procession, fireworks, and partying at this huge New Year celebration.

Icehotel
Jukkasj?i, Sweden
December – April (every year)
Hotel made of ice in Lapland, north of the Arctic Circle.

International Circus Festival
Monte Carlo, Monaco
January (every year)
Performers from around the world compare talents.

International Inferno Race
M??n, Switzerland
January (every year)
The largest amateur skiing race in the world.

Mari Llwyd
Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales
December – January (every year)
New year celebrations including a torch light walk.

Monte Carlo Rally
Monte Carlo, Monaco
January (starts the fourth Thursday of every January)
Mountainous roads are the setting for this famous rally.

Monte Carlo Vintage Car Rally
Monte Carlo, Monaco
January – February (every year)
Vintage cars and lots of pomp.

New Year’s Day Concert
Vienna, Austria
January (every year)
The Philharmonic Orchestra’s in Golden Concert Hall.

Olympic Bobsleigh Run
La Plagne, France
November – February (every year)
Try out the Olympic track.

Prix de Lausanne
Lausanne, Switzerland
January – February (every year)
International competition for young dancers at the Palais de Beaulieu.

Putignano Carnival
Putignano, Italy
December – February (every year)
Parade of papier-mache floats.

Six Day Race
Berlin, Germany
January (every year)
Competition of the world? fastest cyclists.

Snow Festival (Schneefestival)
Seefeld, Austria
January (final Saturday of every January)
Ice sculptures, music, dancing, food, and fireworks.

Snow Festival
Kiruna, Sweden
January – February (every year)
Snow sculpting, dog-sledding, reindeer, and northern lights.

Snowbombing
Les Arcs, France
January (every year)
The world’s finest snowboarders, DJs, and partying.

Up Helly Aa
Lerwick, Scotland
January (final Tuesday of every January)
Fire festival, torchlit procession, fancy-dress parade, burning of a Viking ship.

World Snow Festival
Grindelwald, Switzerland
January (every year)
Competition of the world? best ice sculptures.

Continental Airlines to Launch Seasonal Service to London/Heathrow From Cleveland

Continental Airlines has announced that it will launch seasonal daily non-stop service between its Cleveland hub and London’s Heathrow Airport, effective May 2, 2009 (eastbound). The new route will replace the current seasonal service between Cleveland and London/Gatwick Airport.

In addition, due to economic challenges, the carrier will end seasonal service from Cleveland to Paris/Charles de Gaulle Airport.

“Our Cleveland customers have told us they want non-stop service to Heathrow, the most important business airport in Europe, and we are delighted to be able to meet the City’s needs,” said Larry Kellner, Continental’s chairman and CEO. “We are investing in this service because of its potential,” he said.

The new Heathrow service will operate from May 2 through Sept. 26. Flights will depart Cleveland daily at 8:25 p.m. and arrive in London at 9:15 a.m. the next morning. The return flights will depart London daily at 11:40 a.m. and arrive in Cleveland at 3:30 p.m. the same day.

“We have long believed that non-stop service to Heathrow is something Cleveland needs and that it will be a boost to our business development efforts. I am optimistic that the region’s business community will support this improved service to London in a way that will warrant Continental’s consideration of extending the service year-round in the future,” said Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson.

The service will be operated by Boeing 757 aircraft, seating 16 passengers in the award-winning BusinessFirst cabin and 159 passengers in economy.

Continental will continue to operate two daily flights to Heathrow from its Houston hub at Bush Intercontinental Airport in addition to three daily flights to Heathrow from its New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport. The carrier will continue to operate daily flights from both its Houston and New York hubs to Paris/Charles de Gaulle Airport.

In addition to its Heathrow flights, Continental also operates easy connecting service from Cleveland through Newark Liberty to Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester, as well as Dublin and Shannon – offering trans-Atlantic service to more cities in the U.K. and Ireland than any other airline.

Delta to delay Raleigh-Durham to Paris route

Delta Air Lines Inc. won’t be launching a new non-stop route to Paris from North Carolina in 2009 after all. Delta spokeswoman Susan Chana Elliott confirmed reports that the Atlanta-based carrier would delay the start of its planned route between Raleigh-Durham Airport and Paris-Charles de Gaulle International Airport.

?ased on efforts to continue to demonstrate capacity discipline in light of tough worldwide economic conditions, Delta will postpone the launch of nonstop service between Raleigh-Durham, N.C. and Paris-Charles de Gaulle International Airport which had been scheduled for June 2009,?Elliott said. ?e will continue to monitor market conditions and during the second half of 2009 will reassess the timing for the launch of this route.?r

The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority said Tuesday Delta planned to delay the start of that previously announced service until 2010. The airline originally unveiled its plans for the flight between RDU and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Nov. 6.

Though Delta has announced it would cut overall capacity by 6 to 8 percent in 2009, and international routes would be trimmed 3 to 5 percent, the carrier has announced numerous new international destinations since it completed its merger with Northwest Airlines Corp. Oct. 29.

Southwest Airlines Files for Right to Fly into Canada

Southwest Airlines has taken another regulatory step as it seeks to implement a codeshare agreement with Canadian carrier WestJet.

Southwest late Monday said it had submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation to acquire the required international route authority.

The application for a certificate to provide foreign air transportation is needed before Dallas-based Southwest Airlines can fully implement the previously announced codeshare deal.

Codesharing allows airlines to sell seats on each other’s flights. Southwest has formed a similar alliance with Volaris in Mexico.

Southwest says it hopes to receive the route authority in the first quarter of 2009 and announce codeshare flight schedules with WestJet a few months later.

Resort Name Changes in 2009

Two popular resorts for interliners are changing their names in January and Februaryof 2009. They are:

Blue Tulum is changing their name to Seduction Resort & Spa. This will be an adults only resort in the Mayan Riviera.

On February 21, 2009 Desire Los Cabos will become Temptation Los Cabos Resort & Spa. Construction of a new resort on the adjacent property has forced a change from a clothing optional destination. As the Temptation Los Cabos Resort & Spa it will an adults only resort. The new concept will no longer include a clothing optional policy. Topless sunbathing will only be permitted within the resort grounds. Desire Resort & Spa Los Cabos will continue to operate and accept reservations through February 20, 2009.

An evolutionary concept in Los Cabos, Temptation Resort Spa welcomes singles and couples to experience a contemporary take on the all-inclusive holiday. A hip vibe is the hallmark of this beachfront 151-room and suite resort where the over-21 atmosphere allows guests to invigorate and refresh in a chic and modern atmosphere. Amenities include three divine restaurants, five bars, disco lounge, roof-top infinity Jacuzzi lounge, a crystalline heated pool with swim-up bar complete with beachside and poolside cabanas, internet access, gym, full-service spa and nightly entertainment. Temptation? Cast Members lead the charge each day with fun and adventurous activities for guests to enjoy.

For interline rates, reservations and more information contact InterlineTravel.com at 800 766-2911 or in the DFW Area at metro 817 481-8631 or online at www.interlinetravel.com

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