Luxury Travel

One new popular way to explore Europe on luxury vacations is by rail. This travel trend is growing in leaps and bounds. With the emergence of the European Train Network, trains are becoming the preferred mode of travel. Often chosen over air travel, trains are a great option for those interested in seeing multiple cities or countries in just one vacation.

The European Train Network

Trains are a convenient mode of short, medium and long distance travel across Europe. Western and central Europe has a dense and widely used railway network spanning the entire continent. With over twenty countries and five-hundred cities, this rail network can literally supply eager luxury world cruise travelers with a comprehensive view of Europe's interior. Trains on the network are also great for short jaunts around your country of choice. These European trains are fast, reliable and depart and arrive approximately every half hour. With the European Train Network, travelers of can travel to capital cities and charming, forgotten towns. Get a great deal on your luxury world cruise by going to http://www.amtcruises.com.

Trains Versus Flying

Travelers on luxury vacations are out to consider trains as an alternative to flying. Trains have more spacious and comfortable interiors than most airplanes, offering you a more comfortable way to travel. Trains in Europe will allow you to take advantage of scenic routes and allow you a new way to experience the beautiful countryside. You will also avoid the long waits in security at airports. The railway stations are usually located in or very close to the center of the city, whereas airports can be up to 100 km away from the city's center. Trains have more of a romantic feel than airplanes. Train tickets that are booked in advance are also a bit cheaper. The developing train technology makes the train usually the same speed as airplanes, especially when you calculated the needed time to check in early and go through security. Plus, if you miss the train, you can take another one in about thirty minutes. For help with your next luxury vacation visit http://www.amtvacations.com/american-express-vacations.html.

With so many great reasons to go, European train travel has become a leading way to explore the interior of Europe for travelers on a luxury travel vacation. Besides the air of romantic hype that has developed around rail travel, it has simply become extremely practical. New technologies have evolved into an extensive European Train Network, which offers stops in most European countries and hundreds of cities. Train travel has become preferable to air travel because of the better availability, the better location stops, the speed and the price. Experience the joys of European train travel. Learn more about the benefits of planning your next luxury travel vacation with AMT American Express Travel by visiting http://www.amtvacations.com/world-class-customer-service.htm.

Until recently not many would've thought of luxury travel as an agent of world peace and understanding. Even now this aspect of travel hasn't quite rung a bell, generally speaking. Are tourists responsible for more than their luggage when they travel? Yes, of course, a whole range of things from toddlers to passports. But, world peace? Surely you can't hold them responsible for something so intangible and more at home in the realm of political diplomacy, especially when all they want is to leave responsibilities behind and have some unrestrained fun. Well, luxury travellers are certainly not expected to transit in the Middle East and start negotiations before they continue to the warm tropics to work on a tan. The point here is that an understanding of the people and the culture you would be interacting with at your luxury travel destination is a great way to enhance the trip.

These are the days when luxury travel to exotic foreign locales is a matter of routine for most people. Oddly enough the search for the exotic often takes one to far flung corners of third world cultures totally alien to the visitor in terms of language, customs, and etiquette. Some take it in their stride and blend in effortlessly with an open mind and have the time of their lives. They are eager to learn more about the host culture and come away enriched and enlightened in more ways than one; go native, as it were. There might even be an invaluable exchange where the host steps out from behind their cultural curtain and greets you with a hand shake as you bow with a wai greeting. Worlds meet and a relationship is born. It might not be a momentous occasion marked by clashing cymbals and trumpet calls. But from the perspective of luxury travel this may easily be considered an achievement that bodes well for us human beings who sojourn in troubled times.

People are different. What makes them different is not colour or creed, but customs and culture. This is indeed a difference to be celebrated. How horribly boring would it be if the whole world had toast for breakfast and wore black suits? It is the unique customs and culture of a people that gives them an identity and sets them apart. It is an understanding of these mutual differences that bring people together. The easiest way to achieve this would be to wise up on local customs and etiquette while browsing for top attractions and things to do at your luxury travel destination. It can be quite a revelation.

Differences in culture and customs become more pronounced as your luxury travel presses eastwards. With the changing landscapes come strange etiquettes which will certainly throw the first timer. For instance, in Thailand and in most Southeast Asian countries which are popular luxury travel destinations, it is considered awfully rude to touch anyone on the top of the head. Even brushing against a head by accident entails profuse apologizing. Same applies to pointing your foot at anyone while seated. It is an insult; plain and simple. Thais shake hands as greeting, but it would be a loose, limpid clasp rather than a warm grasp. Any form of aggressive hand shake is considered extremely rude; think arm-wrestling. So think twice before you grab hold of a Thai hand and pump enthusiastically.

Travel broadens the mind as well as your circle of friendships. Chances are high that while on vacation at your luxury travel destination, you might come across some individual or family who went out of their way to help you, befriend you, or save you from dire straits. It is only natural that you want to show appreciation by presenting a gift. An expensive watch, perhaps, or a bottle of wine? An exquisite leather handicraft should do nicely to convey warm appreciation. Think again. You do not gift clocks, watches, or any time pieces to Chinese people; it's supposed to bring bad luck. You do not gift wine to Muslims; they do not imbibe. You do not gift leather to Hindus; the cow is sacred to them. Well, there's always chocolates!

Often luxury travel isolates tourists from local culture or presents them with a highly sanitised or anglicized version that might lack authenticity. This can only be considered a huge loss as far as cultural enlightenment is concerned. You have been fed a bite-sized version of what could've been a delightful gourmet experience. The chance to learn and understand various cultures and why they do what they do is invaluable and to be grasped with both hands when available. It is a chance to lay down prejudices and see with new eyes. For beneath the various skin tones, we're indeed driven by the same needs, foremost among which would be the need to be understood.

When compiling a list of things to do on a luxury travel itinerary, a visit to an organic spa would come somewhere close to the top and generously interspersed throughout, depending on the length of your travel. Well, the choices are many at most luxury travel destinations. Here's why a trip down under to Australia is worth serious consideration.

Ask anyone who has travelled to Australia and they'll have tales to tell of the tough immigration policies that won't even let you bring along a wad of gum from abroad. While immigration officials are not the friendliest of folks, they most certainly do not derive any perverse pleasure from denying you the right to bring along a pretty orchid from Singapore or your pet tarantula from Africa just to see the gloom flood your face. They are merely doing their job. And it is their job to protect the fragile ecosystem of this unique landmass, down under, from foreign organic matter that may disrupt or even destroy the delicate balance.

For 50,000 years or more, the aboriginals have inhabited this part of the world and lived in harmony with the land, the water, the vegetation, the seasons, the wildlife, the rain, and the rock. They left no footprint on any of these elements unless it was a playful hop, skip, or jump that benefited both ways. They lived off the land, on the land, and by the land, as one with the land. They didn't have hypertension, strokes or diabetes. What they had was clear skin and eyes that shone. They were Dreaming; the eternal truth that links the past, present, and future, and the people to their land.

Now what would this have to do with luxury travel, you might well ask. Having come to the sad conclusion that the faster the rat race the wearier the soul, people embark on luxury travel as a means of solace away from it all. They eagerly look around for new outlets, fresh pastures, and healthier alternatives to achieve that nirvana. The good news for all is that the Dreaming has been re-discovered here in Australia. More and more people are turning to the ancient earthy wisdom of the aboriginals to figure out modern ills. What was once considered good at best for some novelty value has now come to be recognized for its intrinsic truth. Now isn't that the final destination of all travel?

The wisdom of the aboriginal way of life is now increasingly adapted to main stream life, but nowhere as much as in the world of luxury spas. The word organic that was bandied about as casually as bananas by monkeys, has now assumed its true significance. It has taken on its authentic avatar in the organic spas that are now standing apart from the crowd with their understanding and adaptation of the Dreaming. Luxury travel has now found its newest pasture-one that has fresh, natural, and least processed products that your skin and soul will be grateful for.

The other side of luxury travel is now undoubtedly sustainable travel. It's time to show the door to petrol guzzlers, and institutions with monstrously big carbon shoe prints. In the world of personal care, now is the time to bid adieu to parabens, petrochemical bi products, dimethicones, and a variety of chemicals also used by morgue technicians to preserve dead bodies. You have an alternative that is pure, natural, and not tried on some poor guinea pig in a cage. Organic spas guarantee the use of such clean products.

Organic spas are all the rage in major Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane which are also big time luxury travel destinations. A commitment to the well being of the planet and the welfare of the customers makes these ventures a strong link in the chain of sustainability. Some of these spas have extended businesses where they grow their own raw materials. Great care is taken to preserve intact the goodness of all materials used. Fair Trade practices are followed wherever possible when goods are sourced from abroad. Active collaboration or advice from the aboriginal people is a great way of enhancing lives in more ways than one. Organic farming of source vegetation required to create creams and emollients becomes a source of employment for aboriginal communities. In return we get the invaluable in terms of ancient wisdom.

Luxury travel in search of authentic relaxation and spa treatments, where all side effects are of the benevolent kind, are made for each other concepts. 'Have money will spend' will have better outcomes when that money is spent responsibly. Giving back to nature might not be on everyone's good deed for the day list. Mainly because most people don't think that far, or if they do, they can't think of many ways to do it other than refusing the odd plastic shopping bag. Organic spas are where you can give as good as you get. And down under is where it's at right now. Let's sustain this blue marble we call home and replenish the natural glory as best as we can.

In order to enjoy European luxury travel to London and Edinburgh, there are certain aspects of your travel arrangements that must be right. These are detailed below, and if even one of these is not as it should be, then you should continue your search for a travel company that provides you with what you want: true luxury without nasty surprises.

1. The first is the cost. When you pay for your vacation, you should not then find other hidden costs that you were unaware of. Costs such as meals, transfers and others should be detailed immediately, and a good company will include all of these in the cost of your vacation.

2. Your flights should be at least by business class. How can you enjoy a vacation packed into economy? That's not luxury, it's an ordeal, so make sure that you have at least business class, or look elsewhere.

3. How many people are traveling with you? True luxury is you and your partner, not you and 50 others. Road travel should be by limousine - just the two of you and your chauffeur - nobody else, except perhaps your personal guide. Look for a company that can provide that level of personal service.

4. European luxury travel must involve first class train travel or it would not be luxury, it would be standard, and you will need a train when you are traveling in Britain. Flying is fine, but you would miss so much that would see from a comfortable first class train carriage.

5. Your hotels should be the very best, and hand picked for their commitment to personal attention. Anything less should not be good enough.

6. Finally, all tickets to exhibitions, shows and tours round the country should be included in the price. Too many people end up paying twice the vacation price for the so called 'optional tours, trips and entrance fees'. Yours should included.

That said, what is there that you should see on your luxury vacation in London. Buckingham Palace and the like is available for you to have a look at, but you didn't seek European luxury travel to London just to do the 'touristy' things that everybody else does. Sure, you will see the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, but you should also check out Trafalgar Square where you find the massive monument built by the nation as thanks for Lord Horatio Nelson's sacrifice of life at sea during the Battle of Trafalgar, and also Apsley House, given by the nation to the Duke of Wellington for defeating Napoleon at Waterloo.

The Tower of London is a 'must' to any tourist, and a viewing, not only of the crown jewels but also of where Anne Boleyn and many others had their heads severed from their bodies. The Tower Bridge is also worth a visit before you head off north to Edinburgh in Scotland. The most Northerly county in England is the county of Northumberland, and is worth seeing before crossing the border into Scotland.

Northumberland is about 350 miles north of London, and involves a train journey. Newcastle is the largest city in that part of Britain, and the North is well known for its castles and stately homes. Alnwick castle is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, and it is well worth a visit to see how the other half live, as they say in England. You could also visit Hadrian's wall, built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian to keep out the Scots, and there is also a Roman fort and baths up here.

On the way to Edinburgh, you could take a diversion and visit Falkirk, where you will find the Wallace Monument, a monument to the great Scots patriot William Wallace, of whom the film 'Braveheart' was made (though with some Hollywood embellishments!). Then onto Edinburgh where you can visit the famous castle that overlooks Princes Street, the most famous street in Edinburgh, with gardens down the South side and the shops down the north. Other attractions include Holyrood House, once the home of Mary Queen of Scots, and if you like being scared, the haunted houses and caverns beneath the city.

Edinburgh is best visited by foot, since there is so much to see over a small area. Apart from the above, you have the Children's Museum, the Royal Museum of Scotland, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Scottish National Art Gallery right there in Princes Street at the bottom of the Mound that leads up to the Royal Mile. The Royal Mile runs from Edinburgh Castle, sitting on a volcanic plug overlooking the city, right down to Holyrood House, with the Scottish Parliament building close by.

European luxury travel to London and Edinburgh could also take in many other towns and cities on the way, but a tour of Edinburgh and a trip to Northumberland is a good choice to add to a London vacation to provide you with a luxury holiday in Britain that you will remember all your life.

Luxury Travel Vietnam Company launches "Vietnam Luxury Classic Tour 9 days" with UNBEATABLE PRICES.

The Luxury Travel Company is Vietnam's first luxury tour company and full travel service agency. Luxury Travel is experienced in providing special services and unique tourism products to luxury global travelers.

Luxury Travel Vietnam company continues to create nich tourism products for luxury travelers, the company has just launched a new luxury tour "Vietnam Classic Tour 9 days" with a UNBEATABLE PRICE plus one night free of charge at luxury Sofitel Metropole Hanoi.

Start in charming Hanoi, Vietnam's artistic and intellectual capital. Explore the fascinating Old Quarter and its hundreds of specialty shops selling silk clothing, lacquerware, embroidered linens, furniture, bamboo, cooking utensils, ceremonial objects and more. Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, ride a cyclo to dinner, and watch a performance of at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.

Full day city tour Hanoi. Enjoy people watching at stylish cafes. Shop for impressive modern art in the city's many galleries. Also visit Hanoi's main cultural attractions, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his House on Stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Fine Arts Museum and the Temple of Literature. Dine in French colonial villas converted into upscale gourmet restaurants.

Next, guests board for an overnight cruise on a junk in Halong Bay, where thousands of limestone rock sculptures jut dramatically from the sea and numerous grottoes have created an ephemeral, fantastic landscape.

Next, fly to Hue, the former Imperial capital that is a quiet city renowned for the magnificent architecture of its citadel, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and temples, built under the Nguyen dynasty on the banks of the Perfume River.

Drive to Danang and stay several days at the beachfront Furama Resort. Nearby, see ancient sculpture in the Cham Museum or My Son, and tour Buddhist cave temples in the Marble Mountains. Visit atmospheric Hoi An a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site and riverfront port town crammed with historic homes, tiny museums, cafes, and bustling silk and fish markets.

Fly from Danang to HCMC (formerly Saigon), the country's commercial center and home to a growing number of upscale restaurants and shops. Visit Chinatown, the Thien Hau Pagoda, the Reunification Palace , the Opera House and Hotel de Ville. If desired, also visit the powerful War Remnants Museum. Explore colorful outdoor markets and Dong Khoi Street, the city's most upscale shopping boulevard with boutiques selling clothes and accessories by new Vietnamese designers, hill tribe crafts, high quality linens and housewares.

Take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels and watch an unusual, eclectic religious ceremony at the main temple of Cao Dai, a unique fusion of world religions Alternatively, spend the day cruising the narrow canals of the Mekong Delta.

"with a great flexibility in mind, this trip is designed to discover the very best of Vietnam in comfort and style, this special 9 day tour combining local charm and luxuries from North to South Vietnam which is so unique, special for a life time experience". says Hung Nguyen, sales and marketing manager of the Luxury Travel Company.

Unbeatable prices start from $2222 per-person double rate, this includes accommodation costs at deluxe rooms at luxury properties, nearly all meals, regional flights, private transfers, private pick up and drop off service. The tour can be booked at last minute, and can be customized to suit individual interests and schedules.

Guests are also free to request helicopter tour, restaurant reservations, meetings with artists, cooking instructors and designers, shopping recommendations, spa reservations, tours with special-interest lecturers, and exclusive access to local activities and cultural events.

Order this luxury tour before 31 Sep 2009 with lux4lux company secret code, guests get 1 night FREE OF CHARGE at Sofitel Metropole Hanoi. To book this package, check it out at http://www.LuxuryTravelVietnam.com/index

You probably know people who have booked luxury vacations to places like Europe, Hawaii and the Caribbean at bargain prices. So how do they do it? They don't travel during high season. You can save more than $1500 by not traveling during the summer, spring break season or Christmas. Unfortunately, there are a lot of travelers who are forced to travel in this season because it is the only time they can get off of work, school or other important commitments. Here are a few tips to keep you from losing your money...or your mind!

Avoid Traveling In June, July and August

Not surprisingly, these three months are the top travel months for luxury vacations. The kids are out of school, the weather is great and your work is giving you some needed R & R. But most countries in the world have vacation and school breaks during this time, so people all over the world want to get away. Airlines and hotels know this and charge outrageous prices for their seats and rooms. It is especially expensive in Europe, as Europeans have great weather and school breaks, and are willing to pay a premium to stay where they want. If there is any way for you to travel at a different time, do so. Putting your vacation off until September and October can easily save you thousands of dollars. Even May and April are cheaper than June and July.

Don't Travel Internationally

If you can only take your luxury travel vacation during high season, stay closer to home. There are probably more luxury deals available to travelers who maybe choose Las Vegas instead of the Dominican Republic, and Miami instead of Mexico. Your domestic flights will be hundreds of dollars cheaper than if you were to fly to other countries. Plus, hotels, cruise lines and travel agents have a number of local deals available to people interested in traveling within the states. From Hawaii to Alaska, there are a lot of exotic and adventurous things to see and experience here in the good old USA.

Budget Accordingly

If you are traveling in high season, don't expect to pay low season prices on luxury vacations. The prices you will find might be the highest you have ever seen because you had previously considered traveling during low season. Be ready to pay up to $1,500 per person for international air in coach class. Expect three star resorts and hotels in tourist areas to charge five star prices, and luxury hotels and resorts to go through the roof. One good suggestion is to book early to try to take advantage of early booking discounts.

Even luxury world cruises that begin in peak season are more expensive and more difficult to find availability. If you want to travel in high season, the key is to be flexible. Consider different dates, different destinations and different costs. Visit http://www.amtcruises.com for more luxury travel cruise informations. Book early and take advantage of early booking incentives. With these suggestions, you can get the best prices available for high season travel.

With the steady growth of business, Vietnam's first luxury tour company is looking for 2 excellent travel advisors to join their dynamic, creative, energetic, passionate and pro sales team.

Luxury Travel Co., Ltd. (Vietnam) is a 100% fully registered and privately-owned Vietnamese company.

It was founded by luxury travel specialists since the 1990s when Vietnam had just opened its doors to worldwide tourism.

The company's depth of experience and large infrastructure enable it to create unique itineraries with the operational confidence to fulfill client expectations.

Among Luxury Travel's clients are ambassadors, French ministers, Deputy Prime Minister of Canada...and others.

Luxury Travel is headquartered in Hanoi and has offices around Vietnam and management offices in Laos and Cambodia. Luxury Travel has won numerous travel awards for excellence.

The company is looking for excellent people to join their dynamic, creative, energetic and friendly company.

Luxury Travel Vietnam is currently looking for 2 positions: Travel Advisors for Hanoi Head Office. Excellent English for both writing and speaking is required. French or German is an advantage.

Applicants to join Luxury Travel for these positions should have experience of working in tourism and relevant sales skills. Candidates must have 2 years of experience in similar postion, preferred male candidates.

Applicants are normally required to have a college, university degree as well as a relevant postgraduate specialization, experience at national and/or international level in tourism industry

Tourism related: Tourism management; Tour guiding; Cultural - tourism management; Hotel and tourism management; Tour operator/travel agency
Non tourism-related: Foreign language studies; Human resources; Marketing & PR; Sales.

Candidates should have substantial training and working experience in the field before they can be recruited in Luxury Travel Company.

The deadline expires at the midnight of 15th March 2009, only short listed candidates will be invited to interview.

Send CV to job@luxurytravelvietnam.com or check LUXury Travel's website www.luxurytravelvietnam.com for more details.

Day Trip to Halong Bay for Hanoi Based Luxury Travelers

 

 

Hanoi-based luxury travelers can now travel by sedan to Halong Bay, in the Tonkin Golf.

 

Situated in the Tonkin Golf, Halong Bay is one of the world's natural wonders - a bay with more than 3,000 islands, that time, wind and waves have sculpted into fantastic shapes.

 

The best way to appreciate this magical scene is from a boat, cruising between these karst cliffs, which loom like fairy-tale castles, complete with rocky spires and hidden caves.

 

The bay is dotted with tiny islands, pristine sandbanks on the turquoise water providing an excellent backdrop for swimming or simply being lazy on the junk boat deck.

 

Greeting at hotel in Hanoi at 7:30 am. Guests drive to Halong City , approximately 3 hours away.

 

Once at Halong City guests will board a private boat for a four-hour cruise of this stunning area, stopping along the way to visit one of the limestone caves in the area.

 

As guests cruise around the bay, boat staff will serve a sumptuous local seafood lunch on boat.

 

After 4 hour navigation guests sail back to harbor and drive back to hotel in Hanoi.

 

"It is really amazing floating around the spectacular landscape of Halong Bay. How wonderful it is". Said Ha Pham, Co Founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Company.

 

"Travelers can opt for staying overnight in Halong Bay on lof luxury junks and travel back to Hanoi by road if time permitted" added Tonny.

 

For day trip, Hanoi-based luxury travelers can travel by helicoper to cut travel time.

 

Guests can book online this tour at http://www.luxurytravelvietnam.com/EN/Vietnam_tours/Vietnamcruises/HalongBayCruiseDayTrip1day.htm

 

Luxury Travel is recognized internationally as reliable local tour operators and has been highly recommended by famous luxury travel magzine, travel guides: Luxury City Guides, Footprints, Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, Petit Fute, AAA Guide Book USA and UK….

 

Luxury Travel Co., Ltd. (Vietnam) is a 100% fully registered and privately-owned Vietnamese company.

This Vietnam's first luxury tour company and full travel service agency is experienced in providing special services and unique tourism products to luxury global travelers.

 

The company's depth of experience and large infrastructure enable it to create unique itineraries with the operational confidence to fulfill client expectations. 

 

Luxury Travel has won numerous travel awards.  Luxury Travel is headquartered in Hanoi and has offices around Vietnam and management offices in all over South East Asia.

Luxury Travel Vietnam To Launch a New Pure Luxury Tour with Optional Extension To Cambodia

 

Voted Best Luxury Tour Operator in Vietnam for The Guide Awards 2009 and Luxury Travel To Launch a New Pure Luxury Tour with Optional Extension To Cambodia

 

To celebrate "the Year's Best" of tourism products and services in the tourism and hospitality sector in Vietnam with The Guide Awards 2009. With award winning service, The Luxury Travel Company has just launched a new pure luxury tour " Vietnam's Heritage and Cultural Tour 12 days" with optional extension to Wonder of Angkor Temples, Cambodia.

 

The Luxury Travel Company (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com ) is Vietnam 's first luxury tour company and full travel service agency. Luxury Travel is experienced in providing special services and unique tourism products to luxury global travelers.

 

Start in colonial and charming Hanoi, Vietnam's tangible and intangible heritage. Explore the fascinating Old Quarter and its hundreds of specialty shops selling silk clothing, lacquerware, embroidered linens, furniture, bamboo, cooking utensils, ceremonial objects and more. Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake , ride a cyclo to dinner, and watch a performance of at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.

 

Full day city tour Hanoi . Enjoy people watching at stylish cafes. Shop for impressive modern art in the city's many galleries. Also visit Hanoi 's main cultural attractions, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his House on Stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Fine Arts Museum and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam Ethnology Museum . Dine in French colonial villas converted into upscale gourmet restaurants.

 

Next, guests take a 2 day trip to Halong City with one night on Deluxe Cruise on the famous Halong Bay Natural World Heritage where thousands of limestone rock sculptures jut dramatically from the sea and numerous grottoes have created an ephemeral, fantastic landscape.

 

Next, fly to Hue , the former Imperial capital that is a quiet city renowned for the magnificent architecture of its citadel, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and temples, built under the Nguyen dynasty on the banks of the Perfume River . 

 

Enjoy a Royal banquet dinner in this former Imperial Capital to enrich your experience in Hue, one of five World Cultural Heritages of Vietnam .

 

Drive to Danang via the Hai Van pass to see the My Son World Cultural Heritage. Visit atmospheric Hoi An a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site and riverfront port town crammed with historic homes, tiny museums, cafes, and bustling silk and fish markets.

Fly from Danang to HCMC (formerly Saigon ), the country's commercial center and home to a growing number of upscale restaurants and shops. Visit Chinatown, the Thien Hau Pagoda, the Reunification Palace , the Opera House and Hotel de Ville. If desired, also visit the powerful War Remnants Museum .

 

Explore colorful outdoor markets and Dong Khoi Street (guests can come to talk and chat with Luxury Travel Representative http://luxurytravelvietnam.com/main_en.htm  as Luxury Travel, Saigon Branch Office is located in this street), the city's most upscale shopping boulevard with boutiques selling clothes and accessories by new Vietnamese designers, hill tribe crafts, high quality linens and housewares.

 

Take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels and watch an unusual, eclectic religious ceremony at the main temple of Cao Dai, a unique fusion of world religions alternatively, spend the day cruising the narrow canals of the Mekong Delta on charming sampan.

 

"Visit the most highlights of Vietnam, explore four of five World Heritage Listed Sites of Vietnam, savor best typical cuisines of three regions. This trip is designed to discover the very best of Vietnam in term of culture, sightseeing, discovery, comfort and style, this special 12 day tour combining local charm and luxuries from North to South Vietnam which is so unique, special for a life time experience" says Hung Nguyen, Sales and Marketing Manager of Luxury Travel Company.

 

Tour prices start from USD $3.438 net per-person double rates, this includes accommodation costs at deluxe rooms at luxury properties, nearly all meals, regional flights, private transfers, private pick up and drop off service. The tour can be booked at last minute, and can be customized to suit individual interests and schedules. Guests can make an extension to the marvelous Angkor Temples, Cambodia.

 

Guests are also free to request helicopter tour, restaurant reservations, meetings with artists, cooking instructors and designers, shopping recommendations, spa reservations, tours with special-interest lecturers, and exclusive access to local activities and cultural events.

 

Order this unique tour package and travel to Vietnam before 31 Sep 2009 with the company secret code lux4lux, a full payment by master, Visa or American Express Cards guests get 5% discount and 1 Extra night FREE OF CHARGE at Sofitel Metropole Hanoi and a complimentary Vietnam visa pick up on arrival.

 

Check it out at http://www.luxurytravelvietnam.com/EN/GE/special_offers.htm

  

Luxury travel sees growth in 2009

Luxury travel will be one of the sectors to see growth in 2009, bargain hunting and last-minute travel dominate in the global financial crisis.

A newly-released report indicates that luxury travel will be one of the sectors to see growth in 2009, according to ITB Berlin, one of the travel industry's leading trade shows.

The ITB World Travel Trends report predicted that the effects of the global financial crisis will tend to favour niche markets such as luxury travel.

However, bargain hunting and last-minute travel will dominate at the same time, according to ITB Berlin.

Dr Martin Buck, director of the Competence Centre Travel and Logistics at Messe Berlin, said: 'Whether we like it or not – the idea of saving money at all costs is back with us again.'

Based on the assessments of around 60 tourism experts who met at the World Travel Monitor forum in Pisa in November 2008, the report also indicated that short breaks in Europe could be increasingly popular this year.

Dr Buck said: 'Higher costs and a new kind of insecurity affecting consumers will undoubtedly impact negatively on long-haul travel in 2009.

Ha Pham, founder and CEO of the Luxury Travel Vietnam Company believes the time is ripe for high-end travelers worldwide discovering Vietnam in lap of luxury.

The Luxury Travel Company is Vietnam's first luxury tour company and full travel service agency. Luxury Travel is experienced in providing special services and unique tourism products to luxury global travelers since 1990 and highly recommends tourism industry players to selling luxury tours products to Vietnam and Indochina.

Visit the company website at www.luxurytravelvietnam.com  for inspiring luxury.

When people talk about luxury travel, they're often talking about flying first class. Flying first class definitely has its perks; larger seats, better drinks and meals, more personal attention, etc. But these luxuries come with a price. The differences between a first class ticket and a coach ticket are significant and they limit many people from flying first class. However, there are a few ways to get deals on first class airfare. The top three ways are 1) searching online, 2) upgrading at the last minute, and 3) accumulating frequent flyer miles.

Find Luxury Travel Deals Online

The Internet should be the first place you turn to for all your travel needs, including deals on airfare and luxury travel. The web is filled with travel web sites that offer discounts on airfare to many top travel destinations. These sites often purchase tickets in bulk at a discounted price or utilize airfare search engine technology to search the web and databases for comparative rates and savings on travel tickets. The web allows you to bypass the traditional travel agent and search for cheap airfare on your own, ridding any "service charge" or "additional services" expenses that often accompany purchasing tickets through a travel agency. By searching the web for luxury travel deals, you'll be able to find amazing deals on first class airfare and finally fly the way you've always wanted to.

Find Last Minute Luxury Travel Deals at the Airport

Some airlines allow passengers to upgrade their ticket at the last minute. Often, these last minute upgrades are much cheaper than booking a first class ticket in the first place. That's because these last minute ticket upgrades aren't always available. It depends on the number of seats available in first class. On some flights, first class is completely booked, eliminating any last-minute first class ticket upgrades. However, on flights where first class is practically a ghost town, the airlines will be more willing to upgrade your ticket for a small fee just to make a few more bucks. So, if you've always wanted to fly first class and only have a coach ticket, ask when you check in if a first class upgrade is available. You might just find a very inexpensive first class upgrade and finally be able to experience luxury travel.

Accumulate Your Frequent Flyer Miles for Free Luxury Travel Deals

If you fly a lot for business or personal reasons, it's a good idea to sign up with an airline's frequent flyer program and start earning miles. A frequent flyer program is an airline's way of rewarding customer loyalty. Through such programs, flyers earn points (a.k.a. miles) each time they fly. Flyers can then cash in their points for different products or services, including free first class ticket upgrades. The more a person flies and the longer the flights are, the more points the flyer accrues. So, if you fly frequently and want to experience luxury travel, become a member of an airline's frequent flyer program and start earning points for a free first class upgrade.

Top Luxury Travel Destinations

Paris

Paris is a haven for love and romance, the disputed epicenter of cutting-edge fashion, a global culinary capital, the motherland of fine arts and let us not forget the self-given accolade of an elite culture. The streets of Paris, particularly on spring or summer evenings, are an enchanting mosaic of clanking wine glasses, aromatic espresso and impassioned chatter against a background of softly lit cobblestone. If you want to experience the luxury of traveling to Paris, find luxury travel deals to Paris and read more about travel to Paris at http://www.cfares.com/paris.

Milan

There are few places in the world where shopping and eating could be considered religious experiences. Milan's boutique-lined streets offer some of the world's most exquisite and exclusive styles, dominating the cutting-edge of design. Travel to Milan to pamper yourself, but keep a keen eye for how you might redecorate your outdated (by Milan standards) living room. Brera is the most sophisticated and elite shopping area, centrally located and also home to the Pinacoteca de Brera, one of the most coveted museum collections in Europe. If you want to experience the luxury of traveling to Milan, find luxury travel deals to Milan and read more about travel to Milan at http://www.cfares.com/milan.

Luxury travel is something everyone should experience at least once in their life. However due to the high cost of first class airfare, many people never get to experience it. If you want to fly first class and travel in style, use this guide to help you find deals on luxury travel, and experience exotic and luxurious destinations around the world.

The luxury travel market is bigger to day than over before. Increasing affluence in the late 1990s and 2000s has greatly expended the market and there appears to be no end in sight.

The recent economic climate has increased the wealth and purchasing power of many reflected in the arrival of luxury brands such as  Gucci, Vertu, Louis Vuitton and Lacoste. As Viet Nam's economy strengthens, the tourism industry is inevitably expanding its own horizons. Once considered a backpacker destination, Viet Nam is now attracting a different kind of tourist with growing high – end options.

Golfing holidays have developed fast over the last couple of years, with fourteen golf courses already in place from the north to the south and more under development. Spa, wine and food, beach vacations, family travel, cruise, honeymoon and romance travel are all becoming favorites for upscale travelers. Historically, travel has been synonymous with luxury. Travel for the sake of curiosity and fun was the domain of the wealthy. The average family rarely ventured beyond their own village. How things have changed !

Thomas Cook started what is arguably the first modern travel agency in the 19th century, selling cruise ship tickets to leisure travels. Viet Nam experienced it's first taste of luxury travel in the early 19th Century, with the arrival of the Emeraude paddle steamer. Cruising the grottos of Ha Long Bay, for the most part, the Emeraude serviced wealthy French travelers visiting Indochina and beyond.

This type of travel was only available to a small percentage of the population. Indeed, real luxury travel as we think of it today was only for the very elite until 1950s when business travel became more common and popular. Initially, most business travelers went by land. The advent of air travel made the world smaller, allowing people to travel further and faster. This style of transport, however, was still expensive, exotic and dangerous.

These days, the whole idea of luxury has moved up a notch. What was considered "Luxury" just a few years before is now available to a much larger slice of the population. Branded hotels, cruises lines, international resorts and luxury tours companies continue to create new products to meet the demand of the disceming travels. Viet Nam's tourism authority should focus on the market segment; the amount each tourist spends, rather than just the number of tourists traveling in Viet Nam.

According to Mr. Pham. CEO of Luxury Travel Viet Nam, "the Viet Nam's tourism authority must think outside the box and get out of the image crisis about Viet Nam as a destination; they should aim to promote a luxury image of this country".

Viet Nam's first luxury tour company commenced operation in 2004 to satisfy the increasing number of luxury travelers coming to the country for leisure and business. " We recently returned from our wonderful 15 day journey to Viet Nam and Cambodia arranged by Luxury Travel Viet Nam," said Pamela Solvang, Shark TV, Texas, USA. " We have used the best luxury travel companies in the US and else where and can attest that Luxury Travel Vietnam provides excellent services!"

Luxury Travel Viet Nam

05 Nguyen Truong To Str., Ba Dinh Dist, Ha Noi, Viet Nam

26 Dong Khoi Street, Dist 1, Saigon

Phone: +84.4.39274120 Exit 108

Fax:  + 84.4.39274118

www. Luxury Travel Vietnam.com