air travel 23 May

WHO | Summary of SARS and air travel All WHO This site only Home About WHO Countries Health topics Publications Research tools WHO sites EPR Home Alert & Response Operations Diseases Global Outbreak Alert & Response Network International Health Regulations Laboratory & Epidemiology Strengthening Preparedness for Deliberate Epidemics Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response (EPR) Country activities | Outbreak news | Resources | Media centre WHO WHO sites Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response (EPR) Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) printable version Summary of SARS and air travel 23 May 2003 This document addresses the main concerns of the public at large with regard to the risk of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) transmission to passengers and/or crew embarking on an international voyage particularly from an area of recent local transmission . A more detailed account of the specific measures the World Health Organization (WHO) is recommending is available in the Weekly Epidemiological Record dated 4 April 2003. WHO has been working closely with international air transport organizations, including ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) and IATA (International Air Transport Association), to provide accurate information in a timely manner to all persons involved in international air travel in order to further reduce the risk of spreading the disease by this means. Risk of SARS transmission in flight The risk of transmission in aircraft is very low. To date, symptomatic probable SARS cases on four flights have been associated with possible transmission onboard. Two of these flights preceded WHO's 15 March 2003 emergency travel advisory, and since 23 March 2003 and the introduction of WHO-recommended screening measures by public health authorities no further cases of SARS in flight have been documented. A key factor in reducing the risk is for passengers and crew to be aware of the main symptoms of SARS which include high fever (38 °C, 100.4 °F), cough, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties. Measure for persons with symptoms compatible with SARS prior to departure WHO has recommended that passengers or crew who develop symptoms compatible with SARS postpone their travel until fully recovered. WHO further recommends that public health authorities ensure that areas with recent local transmission introduce exit screening measures, which may include temperature checks for all passengers and crew. Preventing symptomatic passengers from travelling minimizes what risk there is. Finally, contacts of probable SARS cases should not undertake travel (national or international) for a 10-day period following exposure. In-flight precautions and measures Personal hygiene All passengers and crews should observe good personal hygiene. Wash hands frequently, particularly before eating. If passengers or crew cough or sneeze while onboard, they should cover their mouth and nose, and wash their hands afterwards. Face masks Current evidence indicates that a person infected with SARS is not infectious to others unless s/he has symptoms. Therefore, WHO does not recommend the use of masks by asymptomatic passengers or crew. However, WHO recommends that passengers or crew presenting with symptoms compatible with SARS during a flight from an area with recent local transmission: 1) wear a protective face mask * ; 2) be isolated, as far as possible, from other passengers; and 3) be given access to a toilet cordoned off for their exclusive use. WHO also recommends that the designated crew member(s) caring for a person with symptoms compatible with SARS wear a protective face mask*, gloves and eye protection (e.g. tight-fitting goggles or face shield). Measures on arrival of a flight with a suspected case of SARS The Captain of an aircraft with a person presenting symptoms compatible with SARS onboard should radio the airport of destination so that appropriate arrangements may be made for reception and management by public health authorities. Passenger disembarkation may be delayed upon arrival while the medical officer at the airport of destination examines the patient. Following an assessment by public health authorities, passengers and crew may be required to provide their contact details for the next 14 days. All passengers and crew who are otherwise healthy should be allowed to continue their onward journey. If the ill passenger or crew member is confirmed as a probable case of SARS, public health authorities should notify contacts using the contact details provided. Risk of infection from handling baggage or goods belonging to a SARS case There is no evidence to date to suggest that a person can be infected with SARS from handling baggage or goods, as the major route of transmission is close face-to-face contact with a SARS probable case. Aircraft ventilation The configurations of the air circulation system for commercial aircraft are designed to the specifications of international aviation regulations, as well as guidelines of aircraft manufacturers: Circulation: In flight, fresh air is introduced into the cabin continuously. The entire cabin air volume is exchanged every three minutes. Airflow: The airflow movement is designed to minimize the potential for spreading of bacteria and viruses through the cabin. Filter: Most major airlines install HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters which are highly efficient in removing dust and airborne contaminants such as droplets, bacteria and large microbes. This means that the spread of all microbes is minimized inside the cabin. Disinfection of aircraft Following a flight with a suspected SARS case, it is recommended that the aircraft be thoroughly cleaned following procedures established by local public health authorities which must involve the strict cleansing and disinfecting of the zone of risk in the cabin area (i.e. seats, headrests, tabletops, handsets, and other materials coming in contact with the suspected case) where the case was seated, as well as all shared facilities. The virus that causes SARS loses infectivity after exposure to commonly used disinfectants. * N/R/P 95/99/100 or FFP 2/3 or an equivalent national manufacturing standard (NIOSH (N,R,P 95,99,100) or European CE EN149:2001(FFP 2,3) and EN143:2000 (P2) or comparable national/regional standards applicable to the country of manufacture. About WHO | -- Employment | Other UN Sites | Search | Suggestions | RSS | Privacy © World Health Organization 2005. 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Vacation Packages Real Estate

Costa Rica Vacation Packages Main Navigation: HOME About Our Agency Costa Rica Hotels Vacation Rentals Vacation Packages Real Estate Reserve Your Trip! Client Testimonials Costa Rica Fishing Weddings Honeymoons Costa Rica Tours Flights to Costa Rica . Adventure Tours: Sport Fishing Spa Services Whitewater Rafting Rainforest Canopy Hiking . Destinations: Tamarindo Manuel Antonio Arenal Volcano Osa Peninsula Monteverde Costa Rica !-- Looking for a first class Costa Rica vacation ? Our travel experts are here IN Costa Rica to help plan your adventure! We tailor every vacation package to fit you like a fine suit! We arrange your perfect Costa Rica travel experience. Hotels, vacation rentals and tours...we offer ONLY the best of Costa Rica. See our client testimonials and find out more about us in our company overview. Our highly trained team of experts is ready to prepare your vacation of a lifetime. Why Use Our Costa Rica Travel Agency? 1. No Headache: from planning a vacation abroad. We live in Costa Rica. Utilize our local knowledge! 2. Comfort: we meet you at the airport and are on call during your stay to deliver first class service . 3. Savings: we save you time and money by planning you the ideal vacation for your needs. Check out these sample packages: Panama and Costa Rica Combo Luxury All-inclusive Resort Stay Costa Rica Classic In the "Lapa" of Luxury Enter your email address to receive our newsletter Direct in Costa Rica: 011 (506) 296-7715 Send us an Email Most Popular Trips: Last Minute Holiday! Panama CR Combo Arenal Volcano Tamarindo Costa Rica Manuel Antonio Popular Offers: Real Estate Tours Panama Vacations . Costa Rica Information: Weather Costa Rica Maps Culture !-- Costa Rica Pictures Freq. Asked Questions We're Hiring! . Special Offers: Hotel Mariposa Discount Finca Que Ama Four Seasons Costa Rica we accept proud member of: Costa Rican Chamber of Tourism This site is a division of Viajes Lujosos, S.A. "Local Knowledge, Global Service" San Jose, Phone: (in Costa Rica ) + 506.296-7715 Fax: 296.7203 Toll Free: 1-800-606-1860 Send Us An Email

Cruise Vacations, 2nd: The

Amazon.com: 100 Best Cruise Vacations, 2nd: The Top Cruises throughout the World for All Interests and Budgets: Books: Theodore W. Scull Your Store Books See All 32 Product Categories Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help | Advanced Search | Browse Subjects | Bestsellers | The New York Times® Best Sellers | Magazines | Corporate Accounts | Amazon Shorts | Bargain Books | Used Books | Textbooks Search Amazon.com Books Web Search Join Amazon Prime and ship Two-Day for free and Overnight for $3.99. Already a member? Sign in . or Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering. A9.com users save 1.57% on Amazon. Learn how . More Buying Choices 21 used & new from $1.05 Have one to sell? See larger image Share your own customer images Publisher: learn how customers can search inside this book. 100 Best Cruise Vacations, 2nd: The Top Cruises throughout the World for All Interests and Budgets (Paperback) by Theodore W. Scull (3 customer reviews) List Price: $19.95 Price: $19.95 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. See details Availability: This title usually ships within 4 to 6 weeks. Please note that special order titles occasionally go out of print, or publishers run out of stock. These hard-to-find titles are not discounted and are subject to an additional charge of $1.99 per book due to the extra cost of ordering them. We will notify you within 2-3 weeks if we have trouble obtaining this title. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. 21 used & new available from $1.05 Other Editions: List Price: Our Price: Other Offers: Paperback (1.00) 21 used & new from $0.47 Better Together Buy this book with The Essential Little Cruise Book, 3rd: Secrets... byJim West today! Buy Together Today: $27.90 Customers who bought this book also bought The Unofficial Guide to Cruises by Kay Showker Berlitz 2005 Ocean Cruising & Cruise Ships (Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships) by Douglas Ward The Essential Little Cruise Book, 3rd: Secrets from a Cruise Director for a Perfect Cruise Vacation by Jim West Cruise Vacations For Dummies 2005 (Dummies Travel) by Fran Wenograd Golden Fodor's FYI: Plan and Enjoy Your Cruise, 1st Edition : Experts Share Their Secrets (Special-Interest Titles) by Fodor Explore Similar Items : in Books Editorial Reviews Book Description In this guide cruise expert Ted Scull reveals the top 100 cruises available throughout the world based on his decades of cruising, research, and writing. From the Back Cover With hundreds of cruises available worldwide, choosing just the right one for your budget and taste can be a frustrating experience. Cruise travel expert Ted Scull leads the way to the best, but not necessarily the most expensive, cruises all over the world. Clipper ships sailing the Mediterranean, riverboats plying the Yangtze, catamarans cruising to the Great Barrier Reef, mega ships traveling among the Caribbean islands - whatever on-the-water experience you are looking for, you can find it in this authoritative guide. Each cruise profile includes cruise itineraries; ship amenities, atmosphere, cabins, and activities; fare ratings and listings of what's included and what's not; port information, including what to see and do; typical passenger profiles.(7 1/2 x 9, 272 pages, color photos) See all Editorial Reviews Product Details Paperback: 272 pages Publisher: Globe Pequot; 2.00 edition (October 1, 2001) Language: English ISBN: 0762709812 Product Dimensions: 9.0 x 7.6 x 0.7 inches Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds. ( View shipping rates and policies ) Average Customer Review: based on 3 reviews. ( Write a review. ) Amazon.com Sales Rank: Today: #693,635 in Books Yesterday: #692,950 in Books (Publishers and authors: improve your sales ) Other Editions: Paperback (1.00) | All Editions Customers interested in this title may also be interested in: Sponsored Links: What is this? Cruise Vacation Specials All Cruise Lines & Destinations. Big Web Discounts - Save up to 75%! Cruises.AmericasVacationCenter.com Save up to 75% on Cruises We offer great discounts on cruise vacations , holiday cruises and more vacationstogo.com Special Vacation Package Visit Atlantis, Paradise Island - a unique resort experience. www.atlantis.com Feedback Customers who viewed this book also viewed Stern's Guide to the Cruise Vacation 2005 (Stern's Guide to the Cruise Vacation) by Stern Steven B. Mediterranean By Cruise Ship: The Complete Guide to Mediterranean Cruising, Third Edition by Anne Vipond Cruise Chooser : Buyer's Guide to Cruise Bargains, Discounts & Deals by Mary Fallon Miller Frommer's Cruises & Ports of Call 2005 : From U.S. and Canadian Home Ports to the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii & More (Frommer's Complete) by Matt Hannafin Frommer's European Cruises & Ports of Call (Frommer's Complete) by Fran Wenograd Golden Explore Similar Items : in Books Customer Reviews Average Customer Review: Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. 8 of 8 people found the following review helpful: The Cream of the Cruise Crop , December 28, 2003 Reviewer: Robert I. Hedges (Burnsville, MN USA) - See all my reviews This book is exactly what you would expect it to be given the title: a book dedicated exclusively to 100 cruises that are the best in the world in the author's opinion. I agree with him more often than not, but some of the cruises are a bit esoteric and definitely out of the mainstream (particularly the China information), which is fine as long as you understand that is what you are getting here. Many fine itineraries are reviewed here with information on passenger demographics, activities, and cost presented in fine fashion. My biggest quibbles with the book's format is the lack of maps illustrating the geography of the trip to help get a better handle on where the itineraries actually go, and the lack of an easy to use cost index, which is a factor for many of us considering the astronomical costs of many of these cruises. As always, personal taste often dictates an individual's opinion of certain cruises. For instance, I prefer Celebrity's "Horizon" over their "Zenith," (which Mr. Scull prefers) for a Bermuda cruise. This is a fine book overall, if somewhat of a 'dream book.' It is excellent for generating ideas for new destinations and ships, and fills it's niche very well. If you are looking for more comprehensive cruise information, I would recommend "Berlitz Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships 2003" by Douglas Ward as probably the single best cruise reference available, as it is amazingly complete. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 19 of 21 people found the following review helpful: Well worth the price considering the cost of cruises today. , November 6, 2000 Reviewer: A. Gathercoal "fdoamerica" (Norcross, GA) - See all my reviews If you are one of the 7 million people who will take a cruise in the coming year, then Theodore W. Scull's book, "100 Best Cruise Vacations," will be a good value. There are thousands of cruises to select from with various destinations, itineraries, ship size and cost. So which ones are the best value for the money? Which cruises have the best food, personnel, programs, accommodations, design and layouts? In Scull's book, you are introduced to his selection of the world's best. From small ships plying the Amazon or Yangzee Rivers to the behemoth liners of 110,000 tons and 2,600 passengers, Scull provides a comprehensive description of the 100 best cruises by explaining the ship and the itinerary in straightforward commentary. A side bar with pertinent information breakdown accompanies each cruise description. I especially like the thorough contact information provided to get additional information for each cruise, which includes website addresses. I was disappointed that there were no maps detailing where the cruise travels geographically. Likewise, I was annoyed with the absence of any tables or lists that would break down cruises versus their cost. Thus, if you are looking for a five-day cruise for less than $1,000, you must wade through all 100 listings and their cross reference to a dollar sign icon, which designates five levels of cost ranging from $100 to $600 per day (including accommodations, per person, double occupancy, outside cabin), then guess the cruise cost. Scull, a travel writer, has given us a useful resource with which to make a better qualitative choice when deciding on a vacation cruise. Worth the small investment when considering the financial outlay that any cruise these days will be. Recommended. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 13 of 20 people found the following review helpful: Best Cruise Book , April 1, 2000 Reviewer: This is one of the best books on travel you can buy. Lots of information on "best buy" cruises. I you are planning to vaction buy this book. I saved over $300.00 on my cruise using this book. An essential for any traveler. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) Auctions and zShops sellers and our other stores recommend Scull, Theodore W.: 100 Best Cruise Vacations (Scond Edition). , New, Bargain Co (Price: $10.79) Listmania! SeaLetter Recommended Cruise B... : A list by "sealetter" Cruise Chooser's Top Cruise Bo... : A list by Anne Wright Cruise Diva's Favorite Cruise ... : A list by Linda Coffman Create a Listmania! list So You'd Like to... What Celebrities, Fairies, Feng Shui & a Dog Have in Common : A guide by J. H. 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European vacations, call 1-415-446

Europe Vacation Travel, Luxury Cruises, Tours and Europe Hotel Guide Europe Vacation Travel, Luxury Cruises, Tours and Europe Hotel Guide Site Index Europe Vacation Guide: Romantic Europe Tours and Honeymoons Europe Luxury Vacations, Travel, Tours and Cruise Consultants European vacations, call 1-415-446 5252 to book. Open every day! Other Places in Europe Albania Andorra Austria Vacations Belarus Belgium Vacations Bosnia-Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Vacations Czech Republic Denmark Vacations England Vacations Estonia Finland Vacations France Vacations Georgia Germany Vacations Greece Vacations Hungary Vacations Iceland Ireland Vacations Italy Vacations Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Vacations Macedonia Monaco Vacations Netherlands Vacations Norway Vacations Poland Vacations Portugal Vacations Romania Vacations Russia Vacations Slovakia Slovenia Spain Vacations Sweden Vacations Switzerland Vacations Turkey Vacations Ukraine United Kingdom Vacations Wales Vacations Luxury Cruise Guides Luxury Cruises World Luxury Cruises European River Cruises Europe Cruises Mediterranean Guide Travel Agent Career Opportunities Europe Vacation, Travel and Luxury Cruise Guides In this section you will find great Europe luxury resorts and hotels . All-inclusive Europe luxury vacations . We also specialize Romantic European river cruises . You'll find fabulous h oneymoon destinations in the guide. Europe luxury y achting vacations. Europe cruises . Europe g uided tours ---Plus tons of enjoyable maps , virtual tours and streaming videos---You will find everything here except the sunscreen. Travelwizard.com offers custom, premium class, personalized, luxury travel related services, exclusive boutique vacation destinations and exotic tours designed specifically for the sophisticated traveler . Imagine people watching at a sidewalk cafe, viewing the world's most famous pieces of art or visiting historic sites like Vatican City, Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower or the Acropolis. We've been customizing European vacation itineraries for discriminating travelers for more than 20 years. European Villas, former European palaces, elegant European hotels and yachts are part of Europe's unique accommodations that provide the perfect base for exploring the character of Europe. Select exactly the components you want in your vacation. You choose your hotel, room category -from sea views to suites-, rental car, private transfers and customized European sightseeing tours. We do it all! Our Virtuoso European Travel and Cruise Consultants will create the European Vacation you have always dreamed of. All of us at Travelwizard.com have a sincere passion for travel. We throughly enjoy our work, the exciting places we explore, the wonderful people we meet, and would be thrilled to share this passion with you! Why Should You Use our Virtuoso Europe Luxury Vacation, Travel and Cruise Specialists ? We are Virtuoso, "Specialists in the Art of Vacation Travel". Described by Conde Nast Traveler as "one of the finest agencies...a reliable indicator of experience, knowledge, and industry clout." We are recommended by the Discovery Travel Channel, the Today Show, Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes Magazine, ESPN TV, Fine Living TV, Neiman Marcus Awards Program and National Geographic. Our Virtuoso Europe Vacation Specialists offer exclusive insider connections and industry expertise on luxury vacations- along with the guidance and know-how you require to make educated travel choices. We are very innovative, add valuable solutions that consistently exceed our customers expectations and strive to always provide the ultimate travel experience. Europe vacations are by far the most popular for a number of reasons. The diversity of the European cultures, incredible history, romantic settings, fine cuisine, excellent yachting, water sports, skiing resorts, mountain climbing, bicycling tours, winery tours, you name it, Europe has it all! Vacationing in Europe is a great way to experience many countries, meet interesting people, try their wonderful cuisine, and see some of the finest art in the world. A paradise of sun, sea, rivers, mountains and lakes. A land of historic treasures from the world's ten greatest civilizations. The Mediterranean, Aegean, and the Black Seas, the French Riviera, the Italian Riviera all beckon you. Europe is a must! Travelwizard.com was picked by the NBC Today Show to orchestrate the perfect honeymoon destination for their " Throws a Wedding " show. We are very proud that the Today Show turned to Travelwizard.com to find the perfect honeymoon. Travelwizard.com's renowned South Pacific specialists designed the perfect honeymoon to Turtle Island, in Fiji that was chosen for the NBC Today Show. Click here for Europe Hotels and Luxury Villas Europe vacation destinations requires minimal planning, but offers a spectacular experience! A European vacation is perfectly suited for all lifestyles. Whether you want a romantic European vacation, a natural or adventurous experience by day, sleep in a luxurious hotel by night, racing along the Autobahn, taking wine tasting classes in Bordeaux or cooking classes in Tuscany, you'll find it all in Europe! Europe vacation cruising and Europe yachting and barge trips are becoming extremely popular, and a great way for families to enjoy Europe at its finest. Advance planning Europe vacation will save time and money; make a short list of places you want to see and activities you hope to undertake. Do a little research with this site and its links to the sites of individual countries. Apply for a passport if you don't have one. The process is not difficult. Details are found in the Planning Your Trip section for U.S. passports. When you know where you want to go, how much time you have and how much you can spend, consult with one of our travel consultants, especially if it's your first international trip. He or she can speed your planning, give you good ideas, and book your entire vacation. Consider buying travel packages for ease of purchase and to save money. These range from basic air-car-hotel packages for independent travelers to group tours and cruises. Don't worry about language. English is widely spoken far beyond Britain and Ireland. On much of the Continent it is the most widely spoken second language; most people working in tourism will speak English. Families with young children will find a warm welcome in Europe. Tour Packages This hotel is a Virtuoso member and offers special amenities and upgrades that are ONLY available when you book with us. Our Virtuoso travel consultants will assure you incredible value and recognition on your luxury vacation. Book Your Europe Vacation Submit a vacation planner to our Europe Travel Specialists Client Testimonials about our services Search Your Vacation, Tour or Cruise Luxury Europe Accommodations Europe Luxury Hotels European Hotels European Luxury Villas Europe Luxury Tours Virtuoso Scandinavia Luxury Vacation Virtuoso Europe Luxury Vacation Central Eastern & Western England & Ireland Tours Ireland Luxury Tours Monaco Luxury Tours Scandinavia Luxury Tours Russia Luxury Tours Greece Luxury Tours Portugal Tour Packages Spain & Morocco Tour Packages Escape to Europe Cruises France Luxury Tours Italy Luxury Tours Europe Train Vacations Europe River Cruises Eastern Europe Packages Europe Bike Vacations Europe Ski Vacations Europe Active Vacations Moderatly Priced Europe Tours England & Ireland Tours France Vacations Italy Tours Central & Eastern Europe Tours European River Cruises Europe Luxury Cruises Royal Caribbean Europe Cruises NCL Europe Cruises Crystal Cruises Northern Europe Virtuoso Luxury European Cruises Western Europe Cruises European River Cruises Luxury Cruises World Luxury Cruises Helpful Travel Links Other Helpful Travel Links Instant Passports in 24 hours Travelex Luxury Travel Insurance CSA Luxury Travel Insurance Travel Guard Insurance Travel Safety Expert Current Travel Warnings Travel Agent Career Opportunities Bookmark this page Submit Free, Full Service Europe Vacation Planner Here Click here to save money, time and stress planning, making reservations, or booking your Europe vacation with our full service Virtuoso Travel Consultants . We are recommended, authorized Virtuoso Europe Travel Consultants, and will arrange every little detail to make sure you have a wonderful, carefree vacation experience at no extra charge! You may call our Europe Travel Consultants, but first--- we'd really appreciate it if you complete our " Europe Vacation Planner" so we have all your requirements beforehand and are prepared to present you with all your options and up-to-the-minute specials. Thank you very much! Call 1-415-662-2683 to book your Europe vacation. For Europe Cruise Vacations: "Europe Cruise Vacation Planner" For Europe Tours: "Europe Tour Planner" After you've completed your Europe vacation planner you may call 1-415-662-2683 to book your Europe vacation. Thank you very much! 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Family Vacation Ideas Winter

family vacations - family travel deals & family vacation ideas  You are here: About > Travel > Travel with Kids Travel Travel with Kids Essentials Family Vacation Ideas Winter and Spring Break All-Inclusive Resorts Ten Latest Family Travel Deals Family Resorts: top places; photos Articles & Resources Family Travel: What's Hot Top Vacation Spots VT, ME, NH, CT, MA, NY, PA Mexico Family Vacations Caribbean Vacations More Beach Vacations Florida Family Vacations Resorts with Water Park More Family Resorts Fun Places for Kids Disney Vacations Family Cruises Babies;Teens;Single Parents Lots More Destinations Family Travel TIPS, GAMES Buyer's Guide TAKE ALONG: Christmas books Christmas flicks Activity Kits more CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Travel with Kids newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Travel with Kids From Teresa Plowright , Your Guide to Travel with Kids . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Bunch of family travel deals Latest deals added include a January Travel Special at the one-of-a kind Atlantis Bahamas (with 14-acre "waterscape", shark lagoons, subterranean giant aquariums with Atlantis theme, lazy river, and waterslides-- not to mention spa, dining, and casino.) Also: Alaska Airlines Vacations has announced the return of its Kids Fly Free to Disneyland deal: a great promotion that both Alaska and United Airlines repeat every year for travel after New Year's. Alaska's travel dates extend through most of June. Check out these promotions and more of the Ten Latest Travel Deals : then check back frequently, as new deals get slotted in. Wednesday December 28, 2005 | permalink First Nights! "First Night" events celebrate New Year's with family-friendly festivities-- and as if that weren't good enough, they're low-cost, too. Read more about First Night events , and find celebrations in many cities. Wednesday December 28, 2005 | permalink Top Family Travel Trends in 2005 It's that time of year... to pause the mad dash of daily life, and try to figure out, how the heck did all those months go by so fast, and what the heck did it all mean? Family Travel Trend Number 1: Splish, Splash Our pick for biggest family vacation trend for 2005 is Big Splashes at Family Resorts : a whole bunch of resorts opened private water parks for their guests this year -- such as Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn (aka NickHotel), pictured right, in Orlando, which added not one but two water parks. Trend Two: new major players on the family vacation scene In this flurry of water play in 2005, one can see some major new players muscling their way up and out of the local scene. Great Wolf Lodge , for example -- one of the main resorts in waterpark super-town, Wisconsin Dells-- leads the pack in expanding beyond the Dells: its new Great Wolf Poconos resort (left) joins properties in Niagara Falls, Virginia, Sandusky Ohio, and more. Meanwhile, The Atlantis was already a behemoth in the Bahamas, with it's amazing 14-acre "waterscape". Now, it's not only expanding there -- with an upscale new Tower and a major new waterpark area -- its also about to replicate. The Atlantis The Palms Dubai is being built half-way around the globe, with 50-acre waterscape, a Ziggurat Temple with eight waterslides, 2-kilometer river ride, and much more. These brand-building resort openings make one wonder: what about NickHotel ? Can a concept this good be confined to one place? Trend Three: So who's your animated character? NickHotel is a good illustration of another trend, with its celebrity residents SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, the RugRats, and other animated characters from Nickelodeon tv. Animated characters have of course long been a feature at the Disney theme parks,but these days, they're popping up in more and more places. SpongeBob has done guest appearances at a number resorts. Elmo and Cookie Monster hang out at Beaches Resorts , thanks to a multi-year deal with Sesame Street. So will we see bidding wars, among resorts desperate for cartoon mascots? Stay tuned, in 2006... The big(gest) picture There were of course many more Grand Openings etc. in 2005 -- see Family Travel Newsmakers for a few. All the above paints a picture of a burgeoning time for family travel. Families are traveling more together, a trend that grew after 9-11. Also, it's so easy to "bring the kids" when virtually every resort has a kids' club, and some take kids' programs to soaring heights. But perhaps the most important travel story of 2005 is an invisible one: no news is good news, as, thankfully, another year of travel has proceeded peacefully with no trauma of terrorist attacks. Yet 2005 did see destruction: the tsunami and hurricane season battered many tourist zones, not only causing immediate damage but reminding everyone how important tourism is for local welfare. So please remember these areas as we open up the old hearts and wallets, in the last days of 2005. See also: Family Travel News-makers in 2005 2005: Big Splashes -- new indoor and outdoor water parks at Family Resorts Sunday December 25, 2005 | permalink Bookmark the NORAD Tracks Santa site! It's not a family trip, but it's certainly a trip that fascinates families... Every year, the official NORAD site gives a bit of magic to millions of kids: they can watch Santa's flight tracked by an official aerospace agency. Make sure you have the website-- and the right plug-ins-- all lined up for the big night. See: Track Santa on Christmas Eve at the NORAD web site . Saturday December 24, 2005 | permalink Christmas at Hershey - & Holiday Season countdown Three hours from NYC, 1.5 hours from Baltimore, "Chocolate Town USA" has several attractions, most notably Hersheypark and a historic hotel. In December, Hersheypark turns into Christmas Candyland. Even better, Hershey PA has a bunch of holiday getaway packages. Read about Christmas at Hershey . And lots more, in the Holiday Season Countdown: Gift ideas for traveling kids : baby gifts, stuffies, Leapfrog Leapster, activity kits, and more Ten Holiday Packages : "Home for the Holidays" package in Vermont with Christmas trimmings, including your own tree to decorate in your room; The Polar Express train in New Hampshire; 12 Days of Christmas at Sea Island... new : Holiday Package in the White Mountains, NH Disney Christmas: special events at Disney World include Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights; Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party; Holidays Around the World and Candlelight Processional... and that's not all. more Holiday Season in Orlando : it's the uber -destination for families, and the fun keeps escalating many more Holiday Season events in many cities Christmas Eve: on the big night, don't forget to track Santa's flight! Every year, the official NORAD site gives a bit of magic to millions of kids: they can watch Santa's flight tracked by an official aerospace agency. Make sure you have the website-- and the right plug-ins-- lined up and ready to go, to Track Santa's Flight on Christmas Eve. Kwanzaa : many cities have Kwanzaa celebrations , from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 New Year's Eve: finally, wrap up the year with a First Night : family-friendly and affordable New Year's Eve celebrations, staged in many cities. Read more... Saturday December 17, 2005 | permalink 2005: Big Splashes -- new indoor and outdoor water parks at Family Resorts Looking back at the year that was: in 2005 a trend become a tidal wave as multiple family resorts made major splashes with on-site water parks for their guests. For example: Sunset Beach Resort & Spa -- a value-priced all-inclusive in Jamaica-- opened the Pirate's Paradise water-park, above. Click to read about new water parks at Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn, Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos, Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Waterpark, Sunset Beach Resort in Jamaica; and a major planned waterpark at the Atlantis Resort. See also: Family Travel Trends in 2005 Family Travel Newsmakers in 2005 Wednesday December 14, 2005 | permalink Visit an Ice Hotel It's like the essence of winter: so ethereally beautiful, so crystal cold, so melted by spring. There are two Ice Hotels, one in Sweden, one in Quebec. Far more people do tours than stay overnight; but those who do stay sleep in warm mummy-bags on top of reindeer skins on top of sculpted-ice beds: is this cool, or what? 28 degrees cool... read about the Ice Hotel in Sweden and Quebec take a photo tour of a past Ice Hotel in Quebec Note : check out a Happy Frosty Holidays promotion at the Quebec Ice Hotel Saturday December 10, 2005 | permalink Family Vacation Idea: Marien Coral by Hilton Coral by Hilton is a brand of the giant Hilton chain that should pique the interest of families: these four resorts in the Dominican Republic are all-inclusive, have kids clubs and are family-friendly, and offer a good price point. See photos of the Marien Coral by Hilton , and a profile for families , too. See more resorts in the Dominican Republic See also these other recent resort profiles: NEW: Natura Park Eco-Resort , DR: in Punta Cana, Bavara Beach area Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman : Ambassadors of the Environment Kids Program created by jean-Michel Cousteau Great Wolf Poconos : brand new; rustic chic and indoor waterpark Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Waterpark : also brand new, and the first hotel with indoor waterpark in NY state Hilton Los Cabos : sheltered cove for swimming (a plus in Los Cabos) Riu Ocho Rios : brand-new all-inclusive in Jamaica Dreams Los Cabos : all-inclusive in the popular Los Cabos area in Baja, western Mexico Grace Bay Club : luxury resort in Turks & Caicos; suites, kids program Monday December 05, 2005 | permalink Family Vacation Idea: Ski Utah Think Utah's out of the way? Think again: hop a direct flight (on an economy airline like Southwest) to Salt Lake City. Just an hour after you land you can be airborne again: on a ski lift. Solitude has a "village" that's great for families, with outdoor pools, game room, mini-movie theater. And there's six other resorts less than an hour from the airport. Click above for Solitude, or read about Alta terrific skiers-only ski resort , or other Salt Lake City skiing . More Ski Resorts: Colorado, Vermont, etc. Saturday December 03, 2005 | permalink "Snowland" at Great Wolf Lodge Great Wolf Lodge is one of the top resorts with indoor waterparks in that top town for indoor waterworks, Wisconsin Dells; and Great Wolf Lodge is leading the pack in building new properties in other states. Latest opening is in the Great Wolf Lodge Poconos , pictured right: with great-looking rustic chic, all-suite guestrooms, and a 78,000 sq. ft waterpark. As if the waterpark wasn't enough fun, Great Wolf Lodge has launched a new holiday tradition: from Dec. 2 to Dec. 31, "Snowland" will transform the resort's Grand Lobby with snowflakes, icicles, and indoor snow (though guests can still sit by the fire and sip hot choc.) Snowland also means many themed holiday events... Other Great Wolf Lodges -- in Sandusky OH, Wisconsin Dells, and more-- have Snowland too. Read more... Monday November 28, 2005 | permalink Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Advertisement Most Popular Charades -How To Play Charades Family Vacation Spots The Atlantis Resort Great Places to See Santa Disney Christmas Magic Kingdom What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Related Topics Florida for Visitors New England for Visitors Theme Parks Hotels / Resorts / Inns Parenting of K-6 Children        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Headlines Bunch of family travel deals Latest deals added include a January Travel Special at the... First Nights! "First Night" events celebrate New Year's with family-friendly festivities-- and... Top Family Travel Trends in 2005 It's that time of year... to pause the mad dash... Bookmark the NORAD Tracks Santa site! It's not a family trip, but it's certainly a trip...