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Continental Airlines Introduces Specialty Cocktails

Continental Airlines today announced that it will introduce specialty cocktails on board flights beginning July 1. The specialty beverages include Stirrings® Mojito, Stirrings® Pomegranate Martini, and Red Bull® Energy Drink.

"We continue to search for premium offerings to give our customers more choices inflight," said Mark Bergsrud, senior vice president of marketing programs and distribution. "The new specialty cocktails are top-quality products for our customers to enjoy."

Continental Airlines partnered with Stirrings, the leading premium cocktail mixer brand, to offer its Mojito and Pomegranate Martini. The Mojito is a crisp cocktail with a sweet, smooth blend of mint, cane sugar and lime juice, served with Bacardi Light rum on ice for $9. The Pomegranate Martini is a refreshing cocktail with a sweet-tart blend of pomegranate, cane sugar and lemon juice, served with Skyy Vodka on ice for $9. Stirrings cocktail mixers are made with all-natural, superior-quality ingredients like real fruit juice, cane sugar and triple-filtered water, and are available to customers without alcohol for $3.

Continental teamed with Red Bull to offer its energy drink to customers for $3.  Known as the original energy drink that vitalizes the body and mind, customers may pair it with Skyy Vodka on ice for $9.

The specialty drinks, available for sale in economy class on flights to North American, Caribbean and Latin American destinations, may be purchased with a major credit or debit card in Continental's cashless cabins. Customers may take advantage of an inflight discount of $2 off alcoholic beverages when using a Continental Airlines MasterCard from Chase.

The specialty beverage menu is part of Continental's initiative to offer customers more choices inflight. In the fall, Continental will introduce a variety of high quality, healthy food choices for purchase in economy class on many U.S./Canada and certain Latin American routes. Continental will continue to offer free beverage snacks and unlimited nonalcoholic beverages, including premium blend Fresh Brew coffee, hot tea and a wide selection of soda and juices.

Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 2,600 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 132 domestic and 138 international destinations. Continental is a member of Star Alliance, which overall offers more than 21,200 daily flights to 1,172 airports in 181 countries through its 28 member airlines. With more than 40,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and together with its regional partners, carries approximately 63 million passengers per year.

Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture. For nine consecutive years, FORTUNE magazine has ranked Continental as the top U.S. airline on its "World's Most Admired Companies" airline industry list. For more company information, go to continental.com.

SOURCE Continental Airlines

Handsome Furs Asia Tour Highlights

You can follow the tour at http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2010/indie.asia/.

Travelers Can Now Book Airport Vans From iPhone

The GO Group has launched a new web-based application that allows travelers to book a GO airport shuttle from their iPhones.

The app is designed also to work with Apple's web-enabled iPod Touch and the soon-to-be released iPad.

"Frequent travelers, in particular, will appreciate the ability to book ground transportation quickly from any location on their mobile device," says John McCarthy, president of The GO Group, which is comprised of 28 ground transportation companies, serving 52 airports in the United States, Canada and Europe.

To make a reservation, the iPhone user accesses the GO website www.goairportshuttle.com, and clicks on the iPhone icon on the home page to reach a special reservation page.  By bookmarking the site and clicking the "add to home screen" option, an icon will appear on the phone's home screen to expedite future bookings.

The mobile application was developed by The Hudson Group, a Lawrence, MA, reservation systems technology company.

Low Fares, Free Wi-Fi and Power Outlets - Amenities and Popularity of Intercity Bus Service Continue Growth

Megabus.com Serves Five Million Customers

The intercity bus service industry continues to rise in popularity according to a recent study conducted by DePaul University's Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development.  Megabus.com, the express bus service, which offers fares as low as $1 via the Internet, announced today it is maintaining growth and has served five million customers.

Also according to the study, amenities such as free Wi-Fi and power outlets add to the value, convenience and popularity of traveling intercity by bus. Megabus.com also increases the benefits of bus travel by operating environmentally friendly 81-passenger double-decker buses.

"Megabus.com has seen continued success for multiple reasons, primarily, travelers are still looking to save money and get a good deal," said Dale Moser, president and COO of megabus.com. "The number one reason our customers travel with us is our low fares."

Since its launch in April 2006, megabus.com has continued to steadily expand and now serves 17 Midwest cities and 11 Northeast cities.

"We are pleased that our customers are recognizing the benefits of intercity bus service and are continuing to contribute to our growth," said Moser.

Continental Airlines Begins New Nonstop Service From Honolulu and Guam to Nadi, Fiji

Twice-weekly flights offer convenient connections from U.S. mainland and Japan

Continental Airlines today announced new service from its Guam hub and Honolulu to Nadi, Fiji beginning Dec. 18, 2009. The flights will also offer convenient connections from the U.S. mainland, Japan and Continental's Micronesian network to Nadi.

"We are pleased to add Nadi to our portfolio of Pacific destinations," said Jim Compton, Continental's executive vice president of marketing. "Fiji is a popular vacation spot that attracts visitors from around the world, and we see a strong demand for leisure travel to the area."

The service will be operated by Continental Micronesia using two-cabin Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 155 seats.

The flights from Guam's A.B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM) will operate on Mondays and Fridays departing at 10:55 p.m. and arriving at Nadi International Airport (NAN) at 7:30 a.m. the next morning. Return flights will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays departing Nadi at 12:40 a.m. and arriving in Guam at 5:10 a.m. the same day.

The flights from Honolulu International Airport (HNL) will operate on Mondays and Fridays departing at 6:55 p.m. and arriving in Nadi at 11:40 p.m. the following day. Return flights will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays departing at 8:50 a.m. and arriving in Honolulu at 5:25 p.m. the previous day, after crossing the International Date Line.

Fiji, located in the heart of the South Pacific, is a group of more than 300 islands and atolls dotted across 200,000 square miles of sea. The islands are known for their picturesque coasts, tall coconut palms and brilliant turquoise lagoons fringed by coral reefs and white sandy beaches. Travelers from around the world visit Fiji for its pristine beauty, varied activities including diving and surfing, and relaxed lifestyle.

Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 2,750 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 133 domestic and 132 international destinations. More than 750 additional points are served via current alliance partners. With more than 43,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and together with its regional partners, carries approximately 63 million passengers per year.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture. For the sixth consecutive year, FORTUNE magazine named Continental the No. 1 World's Most Admired Airline on its 2009 list of World's Most Admired Companies. For more company information, go to continental.com.

Free app that points to nearby Show Your Card & Save locations reaches 500,000 downloads

A sign that saving money is more important than ever, AAA's free Apple iPhone "app," AAA Discounts, has surpassed one-half-million downloads in only three months. The free, GPS-based app displays Show Your Card & Save partners near user locations. Users can easily find their way to AAA member savings and have viewed more than one million offers since late April. There are more than 110,000 AAA Show Your Card & Save locations and more than 51 million AAA members in North America.

The AAA Discounts iPhone app acquires the user's location automatically, displays nearby AAA Show Your Card & Save locations and allows users to pan and zoom on a regional map. It also displays key information including the name, address, phone, distance from location and a summary of the discount details. Users can filter listings by category and have one click access to a route map and narrative directions. The AAA Discounts app works on the iPod Touch as well when the user has access to WiFi.

"At a time when saving money is a top priority, this free application is just one more way AAA is helping members save," said Gail Acebes, director, AAA Partnership Programs. "We are pleased so many are taking advantage of an easy way to find discounts."

First in a series of AAA applications planned for the iPhone, AAA Discounts can be obtained in two ways: via an iPhone by clicking on the App Store icon and searching "AAA Discounts" or by downloading iTunes on your computer and searching "AAA Discounts" in the App Store. The application uses components of AAA's TripTik(R) Travel Planner in combination with iPhone GPS capabilities.

While all users can view locations offering discounts, only members can take advantage of savings and access RESPONSE-based AAA roadside assistance. When members use the iPhone to place a call to AAA, their GPS location is transmitted along with the call. More than 2,000 roadside assistance requests have been made since the app was launched. Non-members also can apply for membership via the AAA Discounts app.

AAA's Show Your Card & Save program is the largest member discount program in the world offering more than 164,000 locations for savings worldwide including 110,000 retail locations in North America and popular online retailers including Target.com, FTD.com, The UPS Store, BlueNile.com, Lens Crafters and more. Visit www.AAA.com/discounts for a complete list of retailers and offers.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

New One-Way Fares Between LA - Australia from Just $359* - Coming Home is Optional! V Australia Makes it Flexible and Affordable

V Australia continues to shake up the market with the introduction of super cheap one-way tickets between Los Angeles - Sydney and Brisbane offering more flexibility for travelers, which are on sale now.

While one-way fares are not new to the arena, V Australia is the first airline to offer one-way fares across ALL of its fare brackets, including its lowest lead-in fares, offering one-way tickets from just $359*, approximately 76% lower than the lowest one-way fare currently offered by competitor airlines^.

Virgin Blue Group Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said the initiative was another example of V Australia remaining open and adaptable to new ideas and championing change for consumers.

"The biggest joke in the industry was that for the cheapest and least-restrictive one-way fare travelers had to purchase a return fare and throw away the return portion. This was obviously good for the airlines, but not so for travelers and we're happy to be the first trans-Pacific airline to offer affordable one-way fares while removing the archaic 'advanced purchase conditions' and minimum stay requirements often associated with one-way tickets."

Currently trans-Pacific one-way fares on other carriers are only available in the higher fare brackets.

Brett Godfrey continued, "Effectively travelers get stung twice for even considering a one-way fare, which is usually exquisitely expensive coupled with extensive conditions.

"With V Australia's new 'freedom fare' we've certainly made it easier and much more affordable for those who want flexibility for their return flight, or only need to travel in one direction."

Availability of affordable one-way fares is great news for students, backpackers, expats and those on working holidays who may not necessarily have a firm return date.

If travelers are in doubt about their travel plans, buying a one-way fare will also negate any penalty fees that usually apply to the lower fare brackets if changes are made to a return flight after the booking is confirmed.

One-way fares from America are only available for purchase online at www.vaustralia.com with Guests able to purchase 'through fares' from Los Angeles to Sydney or Brisbane and onwards throughout Australia on Virgin Blue's extensive flight network.

One-way fares from Australia to America are only available for purchase online at www.vaustralia.com.au and do not include through fares via Los Angeles to other US destinations as operated by V Australia's code-share partners.

In addition to the one-way fare, for international visitors traveling on a budget around Australia and between Australia and New Zealand, the easiest and most flexible way to fly is with a Virgin Blue Airpass only available online at www.virginblueairpass.com. The Virgin Blue Airpass offers travelers set airfares from as low as AUD$69 per flight across a variety of Virgin Blue 'Fly Zones' (Quick Fly, Metro Fly, Coastal Fly, Cross Country). Travelers can 'mix and match' a minimum of three and a maximum of eight flights from any of the four fly zones, and up to nine Guests can travel together on the one Airpass.

^ Fares sourced on 20 July 2009 from www.qantas.com.au and http://travel.united.com. For a one-way LA-SYD flight with Qantas for travel on 20 August 2009 the lowest one-way fare on sale was for $1491. For a one-way LA-SYD flight with United for travel on 20 August 2009 the lowest one-way fare on sale was for $1490.

* There are no maximum or minimum stay requirements as part of the fare however length of stay in Australia is subject to applicable visa requirement. Fares are economy one way fares, and exclude government-imposed taxes, fees and the 9/11 Security Fee (collectively between $USD100 to $USD250 depending on itinerary). Prices are in US dollars and include applicable fuel surcharges. On sale from midnight (PDT) July 20, 2009 until midnight (PDT) August 4, 2009 (unless sold out earlier) for travel from July 20, 2009 to November 30, 2009. Fares are current as at July 17, 2009, are subject to availability and may vary until ticketed. Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Available only for instant purchase online and fares are non-refundable and cannot be cancelled for credit to use at a later date. No stopovers are permitted. Connecting flights between Sydney and other Australian domestic ports are operated by Virgin Blue Airlines. Any Australian domestic travel can be booked through Virgin Blue. Tickets purchased through the Guest Contact Centre cost $15(USD) more.

Cunard Announces Historic 2011 World Voyages Aboard the New Queen Elizabeth and Flagship Queen Mary 2 – On Sale July 1

Queen Elizabeth Charts Course for Maiden World Voyage

Queen Mary 2 Sails East-West Route Around the World

Cunard Line is proud to announce the latest chapter in its storied history: the 2011 World Voyages. In January 2011, the youngest luxury fleet at sea will see two of its regal ocean liners embark on global odysseys that together will visit 57 ports of call across 34 countries including a maiden World Voyage for the new Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Mary 2 travelling the globe via the intriguing east-west route of passage.

Each itinerary will offer a unique adventure – featuring overnights in Sydney, Hong Kong and Dubai on Queen Elizabeth, and Cape Town, Sydney and Hong Kong on Queen Mary 2 - combined with the line’s hallmarks of gourmet fine dining, impeccable White Star Service™ and a wide variety of elegant stateroom accommodation including the renowned and award-winning Queens Grill and Princess Grill suites.

Queen Elizabeth Maiden World Voyage

For her maiden World Voyage, Queen Elizabeth will offer a complete circumnavigation of the globe from her home port of Southampton, crossing the Atlantic en route to New York. Especially compelling for US and Canadian guests is the option of embarking on their World Voyage experience from New York, Fort Lauderdale or – after the ship transits the Panama Canal - Los Angeles. 

From the west coast, Queen Elizabeth will continue her westward journey to the ever-popular city of Sydney (where she will stay overnight) via the South Pacific and New Zealand before heading to the exotic ports of Asia including Singapore, Bali, Vietnam and Thailand as well as another overnight stay in Hong Kong. Then the ship sails on to Malaysia and India before calling on Dubai (also an overnight stay), followed by a visit to Oman before transiting the Suez Canal and taking in some of the sites of Egypt, Greece, Italy and Portugal en-route back to Southampton. Here North American guests can rendezvous with the Queen Mary 2 and take in a legendary Transatlantic crossing to complete their 103-day circumnavigation of the globe. Full World Voyage fares start from $19,995 per person.

Segment voyages capture the essence of the World Voyage and aboard Queen Elizabeth range from 12 to 25-days, including New York to Los Angeles (16 days), Los Angeles to Sydney (23 days), Sydney to Singapore (25 days), Singapore to Dubai (12 days) and Dubai to Southampton (19 days). Guests can enjoy great value by combining two or more consecutive segments to create adventurous Liner Voyages. Segment fares start from $2,545 per person.

Queen Mary 2 World Voyage

Queen Mary 2 will begin her fourth World Voyage in New York and her second passage sailing on an east-west route around the globe. After a call in Fort Lauderdale, the ship will head to the Caribbean and South America, calling on Barbados, Brazil and Uruguay before arriving for an overnight stay in the magnificent city of Cape Town in South Africa, the ship’s second visit to this exceptionally beautiful metropolis. From there she will sail to the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean before an exploration of Australia that culminates with an overnight stay in Sydney. The ship continues on to New Zealand and Guam before sampling some highlights of China and Japan en-route to an overnight stay in Hong Kong, followed by visits to Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and India en-route to Dubai. From here, Queen Mary 2 will call in Egypt before making a transit of the Suez Canal that will take her to European calls in Italy, Monaco, Spain and the United Kingdom, her last call before ending her 103-day odyssey in New York. Full World Voyage fares start from $19,995 per person.

Segment voyages aboard Queen Mary 2 range from 15 to 25-days and include New York to Cape Town (23 days), Cape Town to Sydney (17 days), Sydney to Hong Kong (25 days), Hong Kong to Dubai (15 days) and Dubai to New York (23 days). Consecutive segments can be combined to experience adventurous Liner Voyages. Segment fares start from $3,245 per person.

Cunard is also pleased to offer guests the chance to enjoy the World Voyage experience using a combination of Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2. Embarking in New York, guests will be able to complete the first half of their World Voyage on Queen Elizabeth before transferring ships in Sydney and sailing back to New York on Queen Mary 2.

“Cunard’s World Voyages have been a highlight of our programmes since we introduced this travel adventure in 1922 and our two global journeys offer surprising value that is truly beyond expectation,” said Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard Line. 

Cunard Royal Rendenzvous

Exactly three years to the day after Cunard welcomed its trio of Queens in New York, this rare event is poised to take place again on January 13, 2011 when Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth call on New York for another spectacular Cunard Royal Rendezvous. Be among the few to experience this history-making day as you depart New York Harbour on one of the most famous ocean liners in the world.

Enhanced Benefits Programme

In addition to receiving a bonus 10% discount off Early Booking Fares (EBF), Full World Voyage and Liner Voyage guests will receive an onboard credit of up to $2,000 per stateroom when they book by February 28, 2010. In addition, Full World Voyage guests will receive complimentary Hotel and Dining Charges. New for 2011, guests in Inside and Outside category staterooms will receive an onboard credit of up to $1,000 per stateroom if they book by the same date. Cunard World Club members will receive an extra 5% savings off Bonus Early Booking Fares.

Additionally, all Full World Voyage Queens Grill and Princess Grill guests will be given a $400 shipboard credit per person to use towards shore excursions of their choice. All Liner Voyage Grill guests will be given a $200 shipboard credit to be applied the same. 

Further, an invitation will be extended to all Full World Voyage guests to join Carol Marlow ashore at one of the ports of call during their time onboard for the traditional World Voyage Dinner, an evening of world-class dining and entertainment.

Earn Marriott Rewards Points on Your Next Cruise

Marriott Rewards members can now also earn points for booking a cruise with CruisesOnly, a division of World Travel Holdings. Marriott Rewards members have been able to redeem points for cruises with CruisesOnly since last year -- for details visit http://mr.cruisesonly.com/.

CruisesOnly offers trips with 17 different cruise lines to destinations around the world, including Alaska, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, New England and Bermuda. Points can be earned in the following amounts:

• 3,000 points for purchasing a 1 to 5-night cruise
• 6,000 points for purchasing a 6 to 8-night cruise
• 10,000 points for purchasing a 9 to 12-night cruise
• 20,000 points for purchasing a cruise of 13 night or more

Travelers can book cruises through CruisesOnly on Azamara Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard, Disney Cruise Lines, Holland America Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norweigan Cruise Line, Oceana Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Silverseas Cruises, The Yachts of Seaborn, Uniworld River Cruises, Viking River Cruises and Windstar Cruises.

Marriott Rewards is free to join. Marriott Rewards points can be earned and redeemed at 3,000 Marriott International hotels around the world, including Marriott(R) Hotels & Resorts, JW Marriott(R) Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance(R) Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard by Marriott(R), Residence Inn by Marriott(R), Fairfield Inn by Marriott(R), TownePlace Suites by Marriott(R), SpringHill Suites by Marriott(R), Marriott Vacation Club(R) and Grand Residences by Marriott.

Marriott Rewards points can be redeemed for hotel stays, frequent flyer miles, cruises, car rentals, brand-name merchandise and more. Marriott Rewards won the 2009 and 2008 Freddie Award for "Best Hotel Rewards Program" and has been named best hotel rewards program by the readers of Business Traveler, Global Traveler, Travel Savvy, Executive Travel and BusinessWeek magazines.

The world’s first Jumbo Hostel finally opens! (January 2009)

On January 15th Jumbo Hostel will be opening, the world's first hostel built onboard a real Boeing 747-200 Jumbo Jet.

This Jumbo (Liv) has undergone a complete overhall and major renovation work since last year. Liv was grounded at Stockholm Arlanda Airport back in November 2002.

Back then it retired from operating Charter and Pilgrim flights and now the Jumbo is ready to welcome guests onboard once again, this time with a new image and purpose.

• It's just fantastic and unbelievably exciting to finally be able to show something so unique and special for the rest of the world - says Gisela Olsson, Site Manager at the Jumbo Hostel.
• Since August when the Jumbo (Liv) was towed and relocated to its new permanent location at the entrance to Stockholm Arlanda Airport, it has become a significant landmark. Many people who travel to and from the airport have already drawn attention to the Jumbo Hostel.
• Stockholm Arlanda Airport will now boast a new alternative option for overnight accommodation, but also a fierce attraction. This should bring an increased interest in Stockholm and the region, continues Oscar Diös, CEO and mastermind of the Jumbo Hostel. 

The interest is huge, with tour operators and tourist organizations worldwide.

TV crew and Media as far away from Japan, USA, Brazil, Japan, England and Germany have already filmed it to say the least, a unique Swedish hostel now to be opened.

 

 

UPDATE: American Express Unveils Flagship Travel Service Office in Cambridge, Mass.

Recent images of the American Express flagship Service Office in Harvard Square / Cambridge, Mass.

American Express Unveils Flagship Travel Service Office in Cambridge, Mass.

Featuring New Services including Cardmember Lounge and Concierge Services, Innovative Technology, Special Offers and Events

American Express opened its flagship Travel Service Office in Cambridge, Massachusetts offering visitors new travel services including a Cardmember lounge, concierge services, unique virtual technology, and special travel offers and events, in addition to service from American Express' travel agents. Located in the heart of historic Harvard Square, the Cambridge Travel office features a lounge-inspired environment that takes leisure travel to a new level.

"The new Cambridge office is the travel agency of the future, a destination that's welcoming, interactive and encourages visitors to linger and discover all the features and services that American Express Travel offers," said Ellen Bettridge, vice president of the American Express Retail Travel Network. "Our goal is to make the vacation planning and exploration process easy, convenient and meaningful; and to invite consumers who haven't used a travel agent before to discover the benefits."

New Services and Technology

The Cambridge Travel Service Office features a new onsite concierge services desk that provides end-to-end travel planning for elements of a trip including dining and entertainment, daily activities and excursions, tours and transportation.

The Travel Service Office also provides an American Express Cardmember Lounge, which offers Cardmembers a place to unwind and enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and refreshments. 

"Our Travel Service Offices around the world have always been a place our Cardmembers go when they need assistance," added Bettridge. "In launching this new flagship location, we wanted to provide an oasis for our Cardmembers and for customers and to continue to demonstrate that American Express is there for them." 

Additionally, a business lounge area is available with administrative services for conferences, guest lectures and other functions for an additional fee.

The Travel Service Office also features innovative technologies through a Microsoft Surface station designed to take visitors on new and exciting journeys. Customers have access to a touch-screen map that provides information and details on hotels, travel offers and promotions through videos and images, virtually transporting them to destinations around the world.

Special Travel Offer

From now until July 31, 2009, travelers who book a qualifying vacation package at the new Cambridge office that is valued at $3,000 or more will receive a $300 American Express Gift Card, certain restrictions apply*. 

Special Events and Benefits

The Cambridge office will host events with key American Express Travel partners that will be open to the public, including:

• "Set Sail in Harvard Square" with Royal Caribbean that will bring the cruising experience to life. Guests can sample hors d'oeuvres inspired by their onboard fare and receive exciting booking offers on June 25, 2009
• "Ireland Loves Boston" with Brendan Vacations will entice travelers to get to know and plan their next vacation to Ireland with live Irish music, Irish fare and compelling travel incentives on August 6, 2009.
• "Destination Caribbean" with American Express Vacations in partnership with a Caribbean tourism board will invite Bostonians to plan their next warm weather vacation with island music, tropical fare, special travel offers, giveaways and more. To be held in September.

In addition to the events, the Cambridge travel office offers benefits to its customers through partnerships with Lands' End and Travel + Leisure.

• As the official retail partner for the Cambridge office, Lands' End supplied the travel service office team apparel and will provide visitors a ten percent discount on apparel through a special website.
• Visitors will be able to pick up complimentary issues of Travel + Leisure magazine.

Location and Hours
The Cambridge travel office is located at 39 JFK Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts and is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

About American Express Travel
American Express entered the travel agency business in 1915, and today operates one of the world's largest travel agency networks in more than 140 countries worldwide.

American Express Company (www.americanexpress.com) is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.

*To redeem, contact American Express Travel, Cambridge and mention promotion code: AERMT001. Offer valid through July 31, 2009. To receive this benefit, purchase a cruise or vacation package operator through the American Express Travel Services location in Cambridge, MA, of $3,000 or more per booking to receive a $300 American Express Gift Card. Does not include independent air, hotel or car rental reservations. Limit one per customer. Offer not combinable with other American Express offers. Gift Card will be provided to customer at time of final payment. 

Southwest Airlines Presents Mr. Destination, Your Ultimate Travel Companion

The word “destination” has a double meaning in Spanish – it can describe a travel destination or your future. For Southwest Airlines, destination is more than just a word, it is the friend who is watching out for you, your business, and never lets you miss an opportunity. In the spirit of this innovative concept, Southwest Airlines launched today “Mr. Destination,” its summer Hispanic ad campaign that will be featured on television, radio and online. The ads reinforce Southwest’s strength in offering dependable and affordable, worry-free travel.

“Mr. Destination is your ultimate travel companion, who doesn’t let you miss the significant things in life, like the big business deal or seeing your family enjoy a summer vacation,” said Monica Gattoni, senior manager of advertising for Southwest Airlines. “Southwest Airlines is Mr. Destination, making travel possible by offering the lowest fare and exceptional Customer service for which we are known. We make your destination the ultimate travel experience.”

The Mr. Destination campaign will run on Univision, Telemundo, Azteca, Galavision, CNN Español, ESPN Sports, national Hispanic radio stations and internet portals like Univision.com. The campaign will introduce Mr. Destination, a personification of the importance of travel. Mr. Destination will show our Customers how they missed the important business deal or their family’s vacation by not traveling this summer. The main role of Mr. Destination is to remind our Customers that travel is an essential part of summer.

The original concept and ad production was created by Dallas-based Hispanic ad agency, Dieste. Dieste has been the Hispanic agency of record for more than 10 years for Southwest Airlines.

After almost 38 years of service, Southwest Airlines, the nations leading low-fare carrier is the most productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience. Southwest offers all premium leather seats and plenty of legroom with a young all-Boeing 737 fleet. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) currently serves 65 cities in 33 states, with service beginning to New York LaGuardia, Boston Logan, and Milwaukee later this year. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,300 flights a day and has more than 35,000 Employees systemwide.

www.southwest.com/destino