Archive for June 11th, 2009

Gray Line of Alaska is offering travelers a $500 discount on tours six days or longer. This includes self-drive tours to Valdez or Homer, rail tours, escorted tours and more! Call Gray Line at (800)544-2206 for more details on this special program.

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Shave 25 percent off Era Aviation’s flights. Must purchase by 11:59pm on June 15. Go to www.FlyEra.com and look for- “Unaccompanied Minor Promotional Code”. After clicking “click here” make your selection. On the bottom of the page you will be asked for coupon code. Use Coupon Code: IBPCRA2 and Promo Code: EVT25. Or call (800) 866-8394 for assistance.   NEW RESERVATIONS ONLY!! Tickets must be purchased by 11:59pm June 15, 2009.

Heavens. Spain–or more accurately Catalonia–still is on my mind. This area, which includes Barcelona and the area north and northeast up to the French border, was totally unfamiliar to me.

Actually, it only was because of my sister’s trip there two years ago that I had any interest in visiting. Barcelona is incredible: the whole vibe is hip, fun and irreverent. Look at the Favorite Sons: Gaudi and Dali.  At left, I am checking out the city from atop Gaudi’s famous “Sagrada Familia” Cathedral in Barcelona.  If you need any evidence that art and architecture can indeed change the world–plan a trip to Barcelona and remove all doubt.

Barcelona’s popular. But the area around there is off the grid. Places like Figueres, Girona, Rupit–who’s heard of those? Who’s been there? Below, here’s a snap from the Txalaka Tapas bar in Girona. Dee-licious.

This is the home turf for Spanish Trails. Choose a “Taste of Barcelona” food and wine tour, or a horseback tour through Spanish wine country. Heck, Tracy and Charles Harris-Inman will even custom-design an itinerary. Choose hiking, rafting, wine-tasting…the works.

We’re still working on some of our videos and photos. Watch for more in the coming weeks. Below, we’re on a tour of the Costa Brava in a Zodiac. Actually, we’re checking out the area for a kayak trip later in the day. Note the different colors in the rocks. We explored caves, watched birds fish–checked out some great, inaccessible beaches and enjoyed some great Spanish wine. Wish you were there with us!

Your travel agent loves details. That’s why I like USTravel. They like to wrap everything up nicely. It’s not just the deal on air fares, although here’s a great one that Kelly Jo (Call her right now at 800-544-2217) and I were checking:

Anchorage-Minneapolis $394rt through Sept. 10 . Wow! That’s $100 cheaper than tickets to Seattle!

Whether it’s a tour, a cruise or a resort, check with your travel agent for the best deals. I came back with good reviews for Spanish Trails in Catalonia, for example. If you’re headed to Barcelona, Kelly Jo can make arrangements to go on Spanish Trails’ wine trips, their sea kayaking excursions–or hiking in the Pyrenees Mountains! Careful–that last step is a doozie! Check with Kelly Jo for all the details. Ask her about 65 percent discounts on “Sandals” all-inclusive resorts Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia, or the Bahamas. Plus, she always has some great cruise deals at her fingertips. Call (907)561-2434 or toll-free (800)544-2217.

We love Girdwood, home to Alyeska Resort. You will, too. Head out this weekend and ride the tram! After taking your 2,300-foot  ride up the mountain, grab a bite to eat at the Glacier Express.

Spend the night at the impressive Alyeska Resort! Here are some cool packages for the summer:
a. Lunch On the Mountain. Just $129 per person (double)! Includes deluxe overnight accommodations for two, plus a pair of Tram-and-Lunch combo tickets for Glacier Express.
b. Summer Stress Relief. This includes overnight accommodations for two, breakfast for two and $100 in spa credit! From $159 per person, double.
c. Alaskan Summer Family. Includes overnight accommodations, in-room movie, four all-day bike rentals or sightseeing tram rides, a 17-inch pizza, breakfast for two adults and free breakfast for up to three kids. The cost is $398 per night. Splurge for an additional room for $150!

Make plans this month to dine at Seven Glaciers. Ride the tram to the top of the mountain–dinner is served starting at 5:00 p.m. Seven Glaciers is Girdwood’s very own AAA Four-Diamond award-winning restaurant. Alaskan seafood, grilled meats, specialty game–take your pick. You won’t be disappointed. Call for reservations: (907) 754-2237 or make them online:

Advance reservations required! Call (907)754-2111 or toll-free (800)880-3880.