AirTran Airways plans to use 137-passenger Boeing 737-700 aircraft for the Orlando-Key West route.

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Beginning Thursday, Dec. 17, visitors to Key West can take advantage of AirTran Airways’ nonstop jet service between Orlando and the island city.

The AirTran flights, to be offered four times per week, will inaugurate the first scheduled service to Key West by a major low-cost carrier.

The airline plans to use 137-passenger Boeing 737-700 aircraft for the route.

As well as nonstop Orlando flights, AirTran is to offer direct same-plane service from Atlanta and convenient connections in Orlando and Atlanta to destinations around the AirTran Airways network.

“AirTran’s extensive network will mean one-stop service into Key West from almost every major city in the United States including Washington DC, New York and Charlotte, North Carolina,” said Harold Wheeler, director of the Florida Keys & Key West tourism council.

Flights are scheduled Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Departures from Orlando International Airport are set for 11:30 a.m. with arrivals at Key West International Airport at 12:40 p.m. Return flights to Orlando are scheduled to depart Key West at 1:30 p.m. and arrive in Orlando at 2:40 p.m.

One-way coach fares between Key West and Orlando are to begin at $119 per person plus taxes and fees.

For more information and to book a flight, visit airtran.com or check lodging information visit traveliggy.com

Linking you to the World and keeping you updated on economical travel information

Much Ado about Air Tran Airways.                                                                                                                                         

Recently announced is that  they will be adding new service to Nassau, Bahamas, and Montego Bay, Jamaica.

AirTran Airways will begin flights to Nassau on Dec. 17 and to Montego Bay, Jamaica, on Feb. 11, 2010. Both destinations will feature nonstop flights from Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington, and Orlando, and connecting service from over 40 other AirTran cities.

The airline currently offers service to Cancun, Mexico; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Phoenix, AZ; Las Vegas, NV; New Orleans, LA; and nine cities in Florida, as well as service to 22 cities from Baltimore/Washington.

“We are extremely excited to be connecting not only Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington and Orlando to these popular tourist destinations, but in fact, almost our entire network,” says Kevin Healy, senior v.p., marketing and planning. Another addition in the works is adding new service for Key West Florida. This may be added in 2010.

Remember that Message in a Bottle?

9/9/09

The Baltimore Sun today has the fascinating tale of a “message in a bottle” from a cruise ship that apparently survived more than five years at sea as it traveled thousands of miles across the globe.

The news outlet says the barnacle-encrusted but still sealed wine bottle, thrown off a Royal Caribbean  ship sailing in the Bahamas in June, 2004, washed up on a beach in England in July. It was discovered by a retired electrician walking his dog.

A note inside the bottle said it was from Daniel Knopp, a Baltimore area resident who was 14 in 2004 when he lobbed it off a balcony on the Grandeur of the Seas during a Caribbean cruise.

“Hello, my name is Daniel Knopp. I am on a cruise ship. I hope whoever reads this finds great joy. God bless. I live in the Baltimore/DC area,” the note reads.

“I never thought of it again,” Knopp, now 19, tells the Sun. “I completely forgot about that day. I thought it would be unreal if it were ever to be found, but I figured it would be destroyed by the ocean environment.”

Tony Hoskings, the man who found the bottle, spent weeks tracking Knopp down, the Sun says.

It isn’t the first time a message in a bottle has weathered an improbable journey. In October 2008, a bottle from a Holland America ship was found on a Caribbean island beach after surviving 35 years  at sea.

The Clock is Ticking on Cheap Cruising

Cruise lines began dropping prices drastically late last year in reaction to a sharp slowdown in bookings brought on by the economic crisis, and fares for many itineraries remained unusually low through the winter and into the spring. But bookings have been bouncing back, allowing lines to begin slowly raising prices.

Carnival says that since June booking volumes for the remainder of 2009 and the first half of 2010 have run 19% ahead of a year ago – helping to close the deficit in forward bookings caused by the economic slowdown.

“While the environment for travel remains challenging . . . consumers are responding to the attractive pricing and product offerings our brands have in the marketplace,” Arison says. “We have begun to experience an extension in the booking window as consumers realize the best value by booking early.” Hinting that the rock bottom rates still available on many itineraries won’t be around for long, Arison added that “prospective vacationers looking for the best price should act quickly.

Excerpts taken from USA Cruise Log & Recommend Magazine

Fronting the warm crystalline waters of the Caribbean, Belize located in Central America provides a fascinating blend of rich cultural heritage, friendly locals and some of the world’s best diving. Surrounded by lush tropical jungles and bright sunshine, Belize is the perfect vacation spot for catching some much-needed R&R, exploring fascinating ancient ruins or experiencing an underwater adventure of a lifetime.

Offerings Include:

Natural Wonderlands of reefs, rainforests, beaches and volcanos, national parks, and private islands- habitats for myriad of exotic flora and fauna

Cultural Flavors in magnificent Mayan ruins and colonial towns cosmopolitan capitals and meet-the -people villages

Family travel for all generations

Accessibility from a dozen gateways- well connected to next door neighbors

Affordability that permits clients to keep costs down while living it up.

Cayo District & Western Belize:

The Cayo District embraces some 2,000 sq. miles of rain and cloud forests in and around San Ignacio- particularly in the Mountain Pine Ridge Highlands- the attractions have long been exploring Mayan ruins, horseback riding through the hills, picnick by waterfalls, and canoeing and kayaking on the Macal and Mopan rivers.

Mayan Majesties:

Ambergris Caye: 20 minutes long by a mile wide, and a 15- minute flight from Belize City. This Caye is Belize’s leading dive resort destination. And well it should be since the barrier reef lies just a half-mile offshore and is home to over 430 species of fish, 70 species of hard coral, and communities of manatees and sea turtles. Visitors have a wide choice of accomodations from budget to deluxe…..

 

Southern Coast:

Flights from the capital serve Placencia, the fastest growing resort area that lies at the tip of the sandy, 20-mile-long peninsula and which caters to divers, angeliers and those who just want to swing in a hammock on Belize’s best mainland beaches.

Travel Destination List:

Capital: Belmopan

International Airport: Phillip Goldson International (Belize City)

Nonstop Air service from U.S.: American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Taca, U.S. Airways

Domestic Airlines:Maya Island Air, Tropic Air

Entry Requirements: US Passport

International Departure Tax: $35

Tourist Information: Belize Tourism Board, (800)624-0686; travelbelize.org and belizenet.com

m62kevzups

Secure Flight Program

ABOUT  TSA Secure Flight program
On August 15, the Travel Security Administration (TSA) began phasing in a program to require your customers provide their full name, date of birth and gender when purchasing an airline ticket. Their goal is to be fully implemented in early 2010 for all domestic flights and the end of 2010 for all international flights.

Although this program is receiving a lot of publicity, it is important to know that it is a phased process and each airline will incorporate changes into their systems over the coming months as their capability to capture passenger data is integrated into their individual systems..

Beginning September 10, the following vendors that Traveliggy.Com uses as Travel Partners  will offer an interim solution using the APIS information form to collect and transmit the Secure Flight Passenger Data to the airlines:
Funjet Vacations
United Vacations
Southwest Vacations

Top Secure Flight Questions

Q. What is Secure Flight and what does it do?

A. Secure Flight is a behind the scenes program that streamlines the watch list matching process. It will improve the travel experience for all passengers, including those who have been misidentified in the past.

Q. What information will be collected by Secure Flight?

A. When fully implemented, Secure Flight will require all airlines to provide a passenger’s name as it appears on the government issued ID they plan to travel with, date of birth, gender, and redress number (if applicable).

To research more information on this subject please move to : http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/secureflight/index.shtm

Information for this article obtained from VAX vacations and the TSA

With the economy still in a mostly sluggish state, and rumors of the Swine flu still looming, many people this summer are staying closer to home. Travel by car has increased by 3 fold this summer season and although gas prices are up they are still pretty affordable.
A wonderful choice Iggy has discovered and visited many times first hand is Siesta Key near Sarasota Florida.    
Pointers to first remember:
Peak Season:
The area’s peak season begins in February and continues until Easter, when accommodation reservations are necessary. The value season is June through September

Its soft white sand is infamous, but that’s just one of the many draws of Siesta Key. Siesta Beach is consistently ranked among the best in the world—in 2009, it hit the number two spot on Dr. Beach’s Top 10. Unlike beaches elsewhere that are made up mostly of coral, Siesta Beach’s sand is 99% quartz. Even on the hottest days, the sand is so reflective that it feels cool underfoot. It’s estimated that the sand on Siesta Beach is millions of years old, and started in the Appalachians and flowed down the rivers and was eventually deposited on the shores of Siesta Key.
Shallow water depth in the near shore area together with year round lifeguard protection, makes this one of the safest beaches in the County and great for small children.
The turquoise Gulf waters and unlimited amenities keep both tourists and locals coming back for more.

 

The beach’s amenities include:

• rest rooms
• picnic tables
• tennis courts                                                                                         
• ball fields
• volleyball courts (on the beach)
• soccer field
• 20 station fitness trail
• playground equipment

After maybe a jog on the beach or a parasail it is time to shower off in the nearby concession area. Two concession stands are available at the beach for food and souvenirs. If “beach grub” like burgers, dogs, etc. isn’t for you, it’s about 2 miles to Siesta Village to the north where there is a wide variety of restaurants and bars to choose from. Everything from lobster  to subs and sandwiches to Japanese  food. There’s also a small supermarket in the village with an excellent deli counter offering both hot and cold foods.                                                                                  

Location:                                                                                      

Siesta Key is barrier island off of the central western coast of Florida. It is situated between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. A portion of it lies within the city boundary of Sarasota, but the majority of the key is in Sarasota County. Located approximately 55 miles south of Tampa on Florida’s Gulf Coast.                      

Summertime is here and finally we can all come out of the doldrums of the Winter Grey Sky’s. It feels soooo good taking in the warmth of the sun and the vitamins and mental positive health it offers…. .
Getting some sun in your life is important. . Sunshine helps your body to release vitamin D, which protects you against cancer. However, when you go out into the sun – even for short periods of time – it is important to use sunscreen.
The sun may seem like a blessing, but it can also be a curse filled with sunburns and premature aging. While moderate sun exposure jump-starts cancer protection, too much sun can increase your likelihood of developing it. Always protect yourself by limiting your sun exposure. Wearing hats and a safe sunscreen (see below) can keep you healthy and ready for that next vacation.   

UVA (ultraviolet-A): long- wave solar rays of 320-400 nanometers (billionths of a meter). Although less likely than UVB to cause sunburn, UVA penetrates the skin more deeply, and is considered the chief culprit behind wrinkling, leathering, and other aspects of “photoaging.” The latest studies show that UVA not only increases UVB’s cancer-causing effects, but may directly cause some skin cancers, including melanomas. 

UVB (ultraviolet-B): short-wave solar rays of 290-320 nanometers. More potent than UVA in producing sunburn, these rays are considered the main cause of basal and squamous cell carcinomas as well as a significant cause of melanoma. 

SPF (sun protection factor): measures the length of time a product protects against skin reddening from UVB, compared to how long the skin takes to redden without protection. If it takes 20 minutes without protection to begin reddening, using an SPF 15 sunscreen theoretically prevents reddening 15 times longer — about 5 hours. (Actually, it may take up to 24 hours after sun exposure for redness to become visible.) To maintain the SPF, reapply sunscreen every two hours and right after swimming.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends SPF’s of at least 15, which block 93 percent of UVB. While SPF’s higher than 30 block only 4 percent more UVB, they may be advisable for sun-sensitive individuals, skin cancer patients, and people at high risk of developing skin cancer. They also allow some margin for error if too little sunscreen is applied.

Broad-spectrum protection: The phrase indicates that a product shields against UVA as well as UVB. It does not guarantee protection against all UVA wavelengths, however. Most broad-spectrum sunscreens and sun blocks with an SPF of 15 or higher do a good job against UVB and short UVA rays; if they also contain avobenzone, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide, they should be effective against the entire UVA spectrum

                              Love Yourself,

                                   Love Your  Skin

In a time when many are tightening the belt on finances obtaining discounted flights can always help with the monthly budget. There are many variables that work into achieving this end and hopefully some of our tips will help……

1. Travel at different times of the day. Business travelers usually travel first thing in the am or later in the evening which make these flights premier. Booking at off times can help reduce your rate.
2. Choose an OFF DAY to travel. Reports have shown that the most traffic heavy days to travel are Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, & Friday. Booking on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday can often help you find a rate that can be up to 20% cheaper.
3. Be open to using ANY airline that flies from your nearest airport. Subscribe to email alerts such as airfarewatchdog.com that show you daily deals that are happening from any city.
4. Direct Flights are usually the preference when flying, but if you choose a flight with connections this will make your chances greater for saving dollars. If you can be flexible you can save….
5. Use your air mile awards. Airlines are giving away more award seats than ever before. Best of all you can use  those award miles at the last minute. Years past it may have taken months to book these miles but airlines are becoming more customer service oriented and many awards can now be booked weeks out. Best sources for earning these rewards are through use of a credit card. Many build miles for every dollar you spend using the card.

6. Book Now and Travel later. As the economy stables out customer confidence will begin to improve and fares could and probably will start to climb. If you know you will be taking that trip a certain time in the future and the rate looks good book it now. You can always add on the hotel and rental car in the future. Traveliggy.com   offers discounted travel and great vacation packages with Funjet .

Be alert. Be aware, the savings can add up very quickly.

 

Excerpts for article obtained from AOL.com

Key West, Florida
South Florida’s Key West feels a bit like its own island nation, with a tropical climate, plenty of local artists,  and writers unique Victorian-Caribbean architecture and an alarming population of enormous birds. Situated where the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean converge, much of Key West’s island bounty comes from the sea — in the form of dinner-to-be, maritime history, water-based leisure activities, ecological splendor and Caribbean breezes. Back onshore, there’s Old Town, the historic area that President Truman and Ernest Hemingway called home. Just Strolling down Duval Street you can duck into art galleries and boutiques, have a drink at Sloppy Joes’s before ending in Mallory Square for a hype-busting sunset. Sure, there’s a lot to do in Key West — and it’s crowded — but a quick turn down a palm tree-lined street or into an exotic plant-filled courtyard, and you can find … island paradise.

My family vacations every year in September on  this Island Paradise. We have driven from Miami which is about a 4 hour scenic trip down A1A . Just a reminder this is just a 2 way highway so just slow down take a deep breath and take in the beauty that surrounds you. We have also flown directly into EYW (Keywest International Airport). If you have limited time I would recommend the flying route. You can also get to Key West by ferry from Ft Myers Fl  on the Key West Express .

The ocean is really beautiful but be aware due to the coral formations offshore the beaches are man made and very rocky. It is well advised to always have your watershoes  when walking the beach. One of the main tourist adventures is snorkeling as the reefs are world class……

Another option if you are staying a few days take advantage of the Full Day Power Adventure which include Wave Runners, Kayaking, Parasailing, Snorkeling,  and a great buffet  lunch. Just remember to take lots of sunscreen as before you know it hours will pass and your skin will appear parched.

Mallory Dock is the evening fare. A circus of sorts where handmade wares are  being sold by vendors, sitting among performers such as  jugglers, sword swallowers, tight rope walkers and just about anything you can think of. All to  celebrate the beauty of the SUNSET  on the southern most portion of the U.S.

Caribbean Spirit Sunset Sail is a another great way to enjoy the Beauty of the Sunset from the Sea. The cruise last 2 hrs and includes complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks. This is a great way to see the shore and meet up with other travelers many from other parts of the word.

From Beautiful Palm trees, beaches, snorkeling, fantastic eateries……Key West has it all….within the continental U.S.

To create your customized travel package  visit  TRAVELIGGY .

And for All your shopping pleasures from Eco Friendly, to Luggage,  Beauty, Electronics, Beach . Swimwear , Shoes and Purses visit

TRAVELIGGYSHOP

Sample of Shore Excursions

One of America’s most popular departure ports for western Caribbean cruises is Tampa, Florida. This warm Gulf Coast port offers year round cruises with enough variety that there’s sure to be something to fit anyone’s budget.
Cruising from Tampa in 2009 offers a variety of options from 4, 5, and 7 day cruises to the Western Carribean.
Carnival Cruise Lines - Carnival Legend offers 7 day cruises with stops in Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize City, and Roatan, from early January thru early ember.
The Carnival Inspiration offers 4 day cruises to Cozumel or 5 day cruises to Cozumel and Grand Cayman throuhout the year.
Holland America Lines - MS  Veendam will offer 7 day cruises to Key West, Belize City, Santo Tomas de Castilla, and Costa Maya on the following dates: January 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th, February 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, March 1st, 8th, and the 15th
 RCI launched in 2001, the 90,000 ton Radiance of the Seas holds 2,500 passengers and will offer passengers more space than previously offered by RCI in Tampa. The Radiance will replace Grandeur of the Seas, the 74,000-ton/2,446-passenger Vision class ship that has called at the Port of Tampa since 2005. With more berths and an expanded season, Radiance of the Seas will increase Royal Caribbean’s capacity in Tampa compared to Grandeur of the Seas’ previous deployments. The enhanced service will offer 44 sailings from the Port of Tampa, compared with 28 sailings the year prior.

Itineraries will include a four-night sailing, calling at Cozumel, Mexico, and a five-night sailing that adds Costa Maya. The ship’s 2010 season will kick-off with a seven-night Western Caribbean sailing on October 9, calling at George Town, Grand Cayman; Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; and Belize City, Belize.
Treat your cruise vacation as a good investment. It could mean saving your marriage, getting caught up with your children, or simply for improvement of health. There are a lot of cheap cruises from Tampa, Florida that you can get at almost 70% off. And these are cruise ships with 4 to 4.5 star ratings. Because Florida is home to many cruise lines, prices can become very competitive and at the last minute, you could get lucky and get a suite for half the original price. The best way to get cheap cruises from Tampa, however, is by purchasing the cruise tickets months, sometimes years in advance. It can be a good investment that   will have its return later on.

 

Cozumel Jeep and Snorkel at Punta Sur

Description: The best way to discover Cozumel is to explore everything!

Duration: 5 Hours

 

Belize City Tour

Description: Discover the true essence of the old Belize capital on this enchanting sightseeing tour that takes you through a diverse cross section of the city.

Duration: 2.75 Hours

 

Best Of Cayman Island Tour

Description: Explore this beautiful port of call and hit all the hot spots in air-conditioned comfort

Duration 3 Hours

If you choose to stay in Tampa before or after your cruise  Traveliggy has experienced first hand the Quorum Hotel Tampa which is very close to the airport . This 3 star hotel boasts fantastic service, great food, and very nice clean rooms. The pool is heated with the jacuzzi situated next to it. They offer huge towels that have elastic to fit around your very comfortable lounger. The Blue Water Grill offers tasty selections that are wallet friendly. Ask for Michael he is a fantastic server who cares about good service.

A business center is available for travelers to stay connected

Traveliggy.com For All your Travel Needs Linking you to the World

About Hearst Castle

    This article is dedicated to an era of Days Long gone….before heavy taxes were levied  and when wealth was really wealth. Now a part of the national state parks of California Hearst Castle is a magnificent display of art, beauty, and a way of life only the privileged experienced. Now you can visit and experience this beutiful  castle……       

Hearst Castle opened to the public as a California State Park in 1958, but before that it was the home of publisher, movie producer, and art collector William Randolph Hearst (1863–1951). Millions have visited his hilltop San Simeon estate to explore the architecture, art, and gardens of “The Enchanted Hill,” and absorb the stories that accompany them.

 

 

 

 

 In 1865, George Hearst, a wealthy miner, purchased 40,000-acres of ranch land that included the Mexican Ranchos of Piedras Blancas, San Simeon and Santa Rosa. In 1919, his only son, William Randolph Hearst, inherited the land from his mother, Phoebe Apperson Hearst. By then the ranch had grown to encompass 250,000 acres.

Originally known as “Camp Hill,” its wilderness offered a place for family members and friends to “rough it” on camping trips. Despite elaborate arrangements with separate sleeping and dining tents, Hearst envisioned more comfortable accommodations. His simple instructions to famed San Francisco architect Julia Morgan in 1919: “Miss Morgan, we are tired of camping out in the open at the ranch in San Simeon and I would like to build a little something

Hearst and Morgan’s collaboration was destined to become one of the world’s greatest showplaces. As they were planning and constructing his dream home, Hearst renamed the rocky perch from which it rose “La Cuesta Encantada” – The Enchanted Hill. By 1947, Hearst and Morgan had created an estate of 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways.  

The estate’s magnificent main house, “Casa Grande,” and three guest houses are of Mediterranean Revival style, while the imposing towers of Casa Grande were inspired by a Spanish cathedral. The blending of the architectural style with the surrounding land, and Hearst’s superb European and Mediterranean art collection, was so seamless that world-renowned architectural historian, Lord John Julius Norwich, was moved to say that “Hearst Castle is a palace in every sense of the word.” Hearst and Morgan’s collaboration was destined to become one of the world’s greatest showplaces. As they were planning and constructing his dream home, Hearst renamed the rocky perch from which it rose “La Cuesta Encantada” – The Enchanted Hill. By 1947, Hearst and Morgan had created an estate of 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways.

 

The estate’s magnificent main house, “Casa Grande,” and three guest houses are of Mediterranean Revival style, while the imposing towers of Casa Grande were inspired by a Spanish cathedral. The blending of the architectural style with the surrounding land, and Hearst’s superb European and Mediterranean art collection, was so seamless that world-renowned architectural historian, Lord John Julius Norwich, was moved to say that “Hearst Castle is a palace in every sense of the word.”

Tours available to the public:

Tour 1, covering the first floor rooms of Casa Grande and one of the three guesthouses. Today there are four distinct daytime tour routes, each with a guide leading visitors through different areas of the estate.

Tour 2 to provide viewing and interpretation of the upper rooms of the main house, Casa Grande. In June 1968, Tour 3 was added, and in 1982, Tour 4. Accessibly-Designed Tour began in 1974, and cover the ground floor of the main house (including the kitchen), the gardens and pools, and the main level of one guesthouse, Casa del Mar

Evening Tour was developed and presented for the first time on April 21, 1989. The interpretive objective of this program is to recreate an evening at Hearst Castle in the 1930’s, with a general emphasis on the social history of 1930-1935 and, more specifically, on Hearst employees and former guests.

Cost of Tours currently range from 12.00 for Children to 24.00 for Adults

Tickets can be reserved at http://hearst.reserveamerica.com/

For Air and Hotel reservations to Hearst Castle 750 Hearst Castle Road
Pismo Beach, CA 93452

Log onto Traveliggy.com