Mark's Insight on Travel

EverGreen

2008-12-23T10:37:00.009-05:00

For EverGreen The New Normal in Travel, Leaders Act.

Carlson Hotels Worldwide is planting 1,000 trees as it opens it's 1000's hotel in its worldwide portfolio, the Radisson St. Martin Resort, Marina & Spa. The opening ceremony was the planting of the first tree in the 1,000 tree initiative, an indigenous Flamboyant tree that was located near the resort's signature ocean-front pool. (PRNewsire, 12/16)

Carlson is also making a financial donation to the United Nations Environment Program Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign plus partnering with The CarbonNeutral Company to offset carbon equivalent to 10,000 room nights.

Starwood Hotels is leading the future of travel as it opens The Element Lexington outside Boston.The Hotel is the first of the chain's hotels to earn Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) program. Element, Starwood's new extended-stay brand, is the first major hotel chain to require all its hotels to pursue LEED certification. (www.TravelWeekly.com, 12/19)

Green Cruise?

2008-12-11T13:50:00.000-05:00

Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Solstice takes "Team Earth" Venue to Sea.

Can a cruise ship vacation be green?

Some lines are taking real action in creating one. If you like to cruise or are thinking about one, seek a line that is creating the future of green cruises and eco vacations. Reward this company with booking your next vacation cruise with them.

The real value of vacations are shipshape with Celebrity Cruise Lines.

Car Rentals, a Defining Moment

2008-12-09T09:49:00.001-05:00

The future of the electric car rental industry is on the move. As Alamo, Enterprise, and National Car Rental become one company they have the buying power and leverage to create a new industry. They have the very thing the new Obama administration needs to help jump start the economy and create sound business investments.

Will the new car deal create a new industry?

The rental car industry maybe the real deal. They could order the first 2.5 million cars and your next future vacation could be more than just Ecogreen.

Take a look at Keys to Green; somehow, we need to support these companies for doing the right things. Put them at the table with the new car czar.

More to come...

Super Value Tampa Florida

2008-11-19T09:27:00.000-05:00

Real Super Value in Tampa.

Beachside at the Bilmar in Tampa.

Future Vacations has come up with a package that has some real value. When you book a 3 night stay anytime Jan. 11 to Jan. 27 at the Bilmar Hotel the package includes a rental car. This beach hotel is at the hart of it all and with a car as part of the package you can explore the Florida shore. These rates are for a very limited time so book early and enjoy your time.

Makes for a great pre Super bowl vacation. Helpful hint, when you are on the Future Vacation site make sure you select your car to book it

3 night packages from $79* per night at the Bilmar Tampa

*Rate includes 3 nights hotel accommodations, an Alamo compact rental car with unlimited mileage, and all taxes. Price is per person, per night based on double occupancy, and varies by dates of travel. Rates and taxes are subject to change without notice. Gratuities require direct payment by passenger unless otherwise noted. Other travel restrictions may apply. Book by 12/10/2008. Travel 1/11/2009 - 1/27/2009. Book today at
http://www.futurevacations.com/property.aspx?prop=TPA0040&code=TAMPA

2go travel tool gadget

2008-11-18T11:58:00.000-05:00

They other day I blogged about 2go.travel and the mobile tool they have for your phone. I have learned they have a blog. Take a look at http://2gotraveler.blogspot.com/

This tool is a great way to share the real value of your travels. Share your travels with this easy to use phone gadget. Show your story. Make the best of your time and vacation with the 2go.travel travel gadget application.

The times you share are the ones that make the real value of travel happen.

The Other Big Island, The Nation of Key West

2008-11-18T08:41:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I blogged about Marco Island and today it is the other big island of Florida. Or should I say, the Nation of Key West. This resort get-a-way is a fine place to get lost and chill out, or warm up. Come on, get out of your normal and find the real values that only come when you travel.

Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa
601 Front Street , Key West, FL 33040

Sunshine on Sale - Every 4th Night Free.
This offer is not combinable with any other hotel promotion. Valid on new bookings only. 4 night minimum stay. Blackout dates: 02/01/09 - 03/31/09, 09/18/09 - 09/19/09 & 10/23/09 - 10/31/09 Book by 12/23/2009.Travel 1/2/2009 - 12/23/2009.
http://www.futurevacations.com/property.aspx?prop=EYW0001&code=KEYWEST

Marco Island Charm

2008-11-17T12:39:00.000-05:00

Real value on a US Island Vacation? Yes you can.

Island Resort Vacation in the US?

Having spent many of my days on the island of Marco, on the beach, biking or fishing this small resort village has the charm to warm your hart, mind and soul. Located just south of Fort Myers and almost due west of Fort Lauderdale Florida you may just find yourself lost in the art of relaxing. If you are seeking a warm place to renew your spirits Marco Island is ideal for a long weekend or a week long vacation. This is a great place for a family vacation or for just the two of you.

Marco Island Marriott Resort & Golf Club
400 S. Collier Boulevard , Marco Island, FL 34145

Current Promotions
Get-a-way for 2009 Book now and save
5th Night Free - Stay 5 but only pay for 4.
This offer is not combinable with any other hotel promotion. Valid on new bookings only. 5 night minimum stay. Book by 12/25/2009. Travel 6/1/2009 - 12/25/2009.

Great get-a-ways for travel in 2008
5th Night Free - Stay 5 consecutive nights and receive the 5th night free.
This offer is not combinable with any other hotel promotion. Valid on new bookings only. 5 night minimum stay. Blackout dates: 02/12/08-02/17/08, 03/15/08-03/23/08, 05/23/08-05/26/08, 06/17/08-06/19/08, 07/03/08-07/05/08 Book by 12/21/2008.

Travel 5/1/2008 - 12/25/2008. Find out more at
http://www.futurevacations.com/property.aspx?prop=RSW0093&code=MARCOISL

When Luxury is on Sale

2008-11-13T12:17:00.000-05:00

When you see value you know it. Take a look at this deal by LXR a leader in fine travel.
The Value of Travel. When Luxury is on Sale.

Up to $200* in Resort Credits & More in Florida

At LXR Luxury Resorts

Receive a $50 Resort Credit for every 2 consecutive nights stay at participating LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels in Florida. Resort credits may be used towards exciting activities such as dining, golf, spa, watersports, family activities and more, plus Kids 10 and under eat FREE breakfast.
The real deal. You can also receive up to $400 in bonus offers including discounts on spa and golf where available.

Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort
Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
Bahia Mar Beach Resort and Yachting Center
Fort Lauderdale Grande Hotel & Yacht Club
Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six
Casa Marina Resort and Beach Club
Miami Beach Resort & Spa
Naples Grande Beach Resort
Edgewater Beach Hotel
Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa in the Walt Disney World® Resort
Boca Raton Resort and Club
South Seas Island Resort
Sundial

Find out more at http://www.futurevacations.com/promotion.aspx?id=165459

Your Future Vacation in Flordia

2008-11-12T13:49:00.000-05:00

Florida Vacations Deals

If you are seeking time away from the Big Apple. Future Vacation has some great package deals. Fly out of JFK to Orlando, plus three night stay stating at just $399 per person.

*Air & Land rates include round-trip air via Delta Airlines departing from New York (JFK), hotel accommodations and all taxes. Land only rates include hotel accommodations and all taxes. Price is per person based on double occupancy, and may be restricted to specific flights, dates, days of travel, hotel and room categories. Rates and taxes are subject to change without notice. Gratuities require direct payment by passenger unless otherwise noted. Other travel restrictions may apply. Book 11/12/2008 - 12/31/2008. Travel 1/26/2009 - 6/3/2009.

Provided by Future Vacatiaons at http://www.futurevacations.com/promotion.aspx?id=158036

For the Love of it Travel is

2008-11-12T10:34:00.000-05:00

Today the Travel Industry Association (TIA) provides more insight on why people travel.

Are you thinking about holding back on your travel plans? Reading these findings and see the real value of travel. The human side of it.

The Top line Results

TIA cited four reasons for hitting the road to visit family or friends at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

They include:

Creating memories
Maintaining traditions
Reconnecting and building relationships
Improving a person's sense of overall well-being

Reasons number four for me tells it all. It confirms how Travel and Vacations inspire us.

Thank you TIA for conducting such an important study.

It is your time

2008-11-10T13:16:00.000-05:00

These are new times for us all and now is a great time to get out and travel. Travel is very rewarding, be it time with family, friends or seeking out a new place of discovery. The feelings that come with travel are many; they simply inspire us.

Insight on your time is just that. A place to find out about all the great places we all need to see and experience once in our lives. The power of travel and the journey is all about the time we call our time. It is about our Vacation. Our time off.

We all need time to renew, relax and be ourselves. The one thing that can help more than most is time away from the day to day. Be it in your our state or half way around the world, on a ship, bike, or airplane. Travel is magic, as it transforms us. It is the teacher of the past, present and future and invokes feelings that we never knew existed before. Travel moves us in so many ways.

My Insights on travel spans 25 years. As a worldwide traveler and as someone who has helped define the new economy of travel, I hope I can help you have the best and most rewarding vacation of a life time.