Archive for January, 2007

Best Supporting Role by a Destination

Thursday, January 25th, 2007
The 2007 Oscar nominations are in and “School for Scoundrels” was sadly snubbed by the academy. Although, we’re sure cult favorite Jon Heder will eventually play the same character enough times to earn a nomination, until that time movies starring Dames or directed by Clint Eastwood will run the table. As a travel company it seems unfair that sound and makeup receive an award while destinations do not. After all, what’s “Out of Africa” without Africa or “Pirates of the Caribbean” without a Caribbean? That’s why we are lobbying the academy to add another category: “Best Supporting Role by a Destination”. Here are the nominees:
 
Boston flights | hotels | forums
Only Martin Scorsese could direct an Oscar-winning performance from underwear model turned ape fighter Marky Mark Wahlberg or successfully produce a mobster movie without ANY cast member of the Sopranos. Either way, Boston plays a wicked awesome supporting role in “The Departed”, a violent look into the city’s Irish Mob. See the movie and then “pak the ka” and tour filming locations in South Boston, Chinatown, Charlestown, the waterfront, Quincy, Chelsea, and Boston Common. Book a bus or walking tour with BostonMovieTours.net. The tours will resume when the weather warms in April and have already been updated to include scenes from “The Departed”.
 
Washington, DC flights | hotels | forums
Sadly, there is no tourism structure in place for the average person to visit Iwo Jima. Thanks to Dirty Harry, you can visit this island in 1945 by seeing Oscar nominated “Letters from Iwo Jima” which examines the infamous battle from the view of the Japanese soldiers and “Flags of our Fathers” which tells the story of the six flag raisers of Iwo Jima. Then, travel to Washington, D.C. to see the flag raisers immortalized in bronze, just over the bridge from Georgetown. There’s no lack of World War II history in DC so make time for the World War II Memorial, Holocaust Museum, Arlington Cemetery and the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum.
 
London flights | hotels | forums
I wonder how the British royal family celebrated Oscar nominations for “The Queen” which dramatizes the royal family’s response (or lack of) to the death of Princess Diana. Imitation is not always flattery and in this case Queen Elizabeth probably took a page out of Prince Harry’s book and indulged in a hit and a shot or two. You can celebrate alongside the royal family with a trip to London. Sure it’s a little chilly this time of year, but the off season means cheaper rates at hotels and shorter lines at cultural hotspots such as Buckingham Palace. Before your trip, visit FilmLondon.org.uk to download movie maps for your own tour or for information on several guided walking tours.

Tokyo flights | hotels | forums
Our vote for the Feel Bad Movie of the Year goes unanimously to “Babel”. Before you send us hate mail, we loved the movie but talk about your downers! This complex tale of interlocking stories takes us to four different countries, although the scenes shot in the vibrant city of Tokyo bring much needed relief from the other seemingly dark and hopeless story lines. In fact, Tokyo’s energy warrants yet another Best Supporting nomination for this movie. “Babel” fans should stop by the J-Pop Cafe in Shibuya, for a drink before setting out to explore one of Tokyo’s most colorful and busy districts and birthplace to many of Japan’s fashion and entertainment trends. Finish up the day at Tokyo City View, an observation deck in the heart of the city. Unlike young Chieko, we recommend you keep your clothes ON while taking in the view.
 
Deals:
  • London
    Stay in London in style in a 4-star Victorian Hotel from $150
  • Tokyo
    Visit Tokyo’s Park Hotel from $161/night
  • Boston
    See Boston from the Bulfinch Hotel for $134/night
See more deals
Online travel’s answer to Ben Affleck and Matt Damon,Steve and Paul, Kayak.com co-founders
Did you know?
Interested in a past issue of Kayak Trip Ideas? Every issue, from the ones you love to hate like clothing optional beaches to the ones you ate up like world’s best street food, is archived in our forums section. Not only can you reread these classics but you can post comments as well.Whether you’d like to recommend another destination not included in an issue or want to share insider secrets on one of the destinations covered, our readers (and our employees) are interested in what you think. In fact, get your feet wet by posting your vote for the best travel movie ever made.

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Kayak.com Celebrates Wave Season with Launch of Kayak Cruises

Thursday, January 18th, 2007
No, not that wave. Sit back down before everyone stares. Wave season is the travel geek term for the cruise industry’s high season and the perfect time to launch our new cruise search. Only Kayak’s cruise search allows you to compare cruises from multiple travel sites while offering you the sorting and filtering tools you need to find the perfect itinerary.Based on industry numbers, about 17% of you have cruised and may look longingly at your souvenir photo with the airbrush background. For the 83% of you cruising newbies, here’s a little Cruisin’ 101 from your friends at Kayak.com.
 
The Caribbean cruises | flights | hotels | Caribbean forums | San Juan forums
Almost everyone gets their feet wet with a Caribbean cruise and there is no better time than winter. In fact, cruisers are exempt from the new passport laws until further notice. So a cruise is the only way to see many Caribbean islands for you procrastinators. In general, you can expect a younger clientele on a Caribbean cruise–from groups of Gen-Xers holding on to their college days to groups of babies holding on to their teething toys. Choose between Eastern, Southern and Western Caribbean itineraries. For the most Caribbean bang for your buck, leave from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
 
Europe cruises | flights | hotels | Europe forums | Venice forums
You’ve seen the dismal decline of the dollar take your European vacation out of price range. Want to go to Europe but pay for the whole whirlwind trip with the deflated greenback? Well, a European cruise offers just that AND you can visit several countries without ever unpacking or worrying about train schedules or airline strikes (Europeans strike more times than OJ in a jealous rage). The Europe cruise season runs from April through November. Choose from several different itineraries leaving from all over Europe. We recommend a romantic Mediterranean cruise, departing from Venice. Arrivederci il mio amore.
 
Alaska cruises | flights | hotels | Alaska forums | Vancouver forums
Even those travelers who have vowed to never step foot on a cruise ship will agree that cruising is the best way to experience Alaska. Only on a cruise can you visit several Alaskan cities, sail past breathtaking glaciers, see a massive whale outside your porthole or completely ignore the magnificent scenery and spend your time and money in the casino. Alaskan cruises fill up quickly, so book now for a trip this summer. Excursions are a little more expensive than other cruises, but well worth the extra dough. Where else can you go dog sledding, fly across the artic circle, hike a glacier or paddle a kayak by frolicking seals and sea lions? Take one of the cruises that departs from Vancouver, eh?
 
Deals:
  • Alaska
    Book early for luxury Alaska cruises from $709
  • Europe
    Cruise the Mediterranean for 12 days from $1,599
  • Caribbean
    Spend 7 nights on Carnival in the Caribbean from $429
See more deals
Anchors away,Steve and Paul, Kayak.com co-founders
Did you know?
To kick off our new cruise search, Kayak is sending one lucky Kayaker and a friend on a Caribbean cruise this March. Contest ends Valentine’s Day (so much better than that box of chocolates you usually buy from the drug store).

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No Passport, No Cry

Thursday, January 11th, 2007
Just in time for your winter getaway to the Caribbean, the U.S. government on January 23 will require that all travelers–including US citizens–have a valid passport for reentry to the U.S. by air from throughout the Western Hemisphere. Flunked geography? This means you’ll need a passport for trips to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. If you’re one of the 73% of Americans without a passport, Kayak.com is here to provide a list of islands you can visit–even if your only form of ID is a Costco membership card.It doesn’t get any more patriotic than the U.S. Virgin Islands - well, unless you’re vacationing in Crawford, Texas, with W. Which island should you visit? Let us help:
 
  • St. John flights | hotels | cruises | forums
    If your idea of heaven is snuggling with your honey in an intimate boutique hotel on a secluded beach, then St. John is the island for you. This is also the island for you overachievers who need to exercise on vacation. With more than two-thirds of the island preserved as national park land, there are an endless number of hikes to keep the vacation pounds off your hips.
 
  • St. Thomas flights | hotels | cruises | forums
    St. Thomas offers the widest selection of US branded hotels, so if you live and die by your rewards program, this is your island to build up points or use them for a free vacation. St. Thomas is also the shopping capital of the Caribbean so if your wallet isn’t swiped first, take advantage of the $1,200 duty-free allowance. Bring home a $3 “Ya Man” t-shirt for us.
 
  • St. Croix flights | hotels | cruises | forums
    If you’re looking to trade in your three-piece suit for a wet suit, then look into St. Croix. Buck Island, a national monument, features labyrinths and grottoes for more experienced divers. Don’t worry my snorkeling brethren, the island is surrounded by a massive coral system which is home to over 250 species of fish.
 
San Juan flights | hotels | cruises | forums
If you follow professional baseball or live in NYC, then you already know that Puerto Rico is the unofficial 51st state. If you love the nightlife–from casinos to upscale restaurants and of course enough bars to keep you hopping for days–then book a room in the cosmopolitan capital of San Juan today.
 
Deals:
  • St. Thomas
    7-night Carnival cruise to St. Thomas, more from $429
  • St. Croix
    St. Croix beachfront resort from $187/night
See more deals
Savoring the homegrown,Steve and Paul, Kayak.com co-founders
Did you know?
Sure you’ve heard of the islands recommended in this newsletter but what about Marco Island or Dauphine Island? We put together a list of islands right in your backyard. And since one or more of these islands might be in driving distance, you can go nuts on the size of your toiletries or pack as many lighters and eye brow tweezers as your locked luggage will carry!Get the Fare Buzz for these red, white and blue islands from your home airport.

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Kayak Pitch for the Family Ditch

Thursday, January 4th, 2007
Weren’t the holidays grand? What a special time for family: family gatherings, family dinners, family game night, family in your guest room, family sharing your bathroom, ENOUGH! The holidays are officially over and now it’s time to ditch your family for a little YOU time. Don’t forget to leave a note on the fridge: Gone on vacation, glad you’re not there.
 
Las Vegas flights | hotels | forums
Las Vegas is the perfect getaway to blow off some steam and hopefully win loads of cash while you fancy yourself the newest member of Ocean’s 13. Dizzy yourself with built-in entertainment, show girls, gambling, bars, restaurants, passed out pop princesses and enough Elvis Chapels to get hitched every day of the week, several times a day. When you’ve had your fill of debauchery, take a break at Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge Review to reboot your system with a dose of nature’s tranquility. When Britney wakes up, tell her we said hi.
 
Tokyo flights | hotels | forums
If you need to get as far away from your family as possible and put enough culture and language barriers between you to seal in the distance, consider a trip to Tokyo. Nothing like a 14 hour time difference to make even a “checking in” call difficult. Lose yourself in Tokyo’s high energy culture and old-world charm. Start your trip with a visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market. Next, do some shopping and stop off for some sushi at Asakusa where you can also see the infamous Sensoji Temple. Rest your weary and family-less head in the neighborhood of Roppongi Hills where hotels, shops and museums will tuck you in every night. Sayonara!
 
Venice flights | hotels | forums
Venice was purposefully built in a tangled maze of canals to thwart off invaders. So if you have to bring a family member(s), this is the place to lose them once you get there. Whether it’s culture, architecture, art, good food or just a good time, Venice aims to please. Consider the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, Rialto Bridge, Academy Gallery and St. Mark’s Square to give yourself an overview of what this jewel of a city has to offer. Then tie one on at Harry’s Bar, the infamous watering hole of Hemingway and cut a rug at Casanova, Venice’s popular Discotheque.
 
Barbados flights | hotels | forums
Nothing says “serenity now” better than an endless beach and copious amounts of umbrella drinks. For those of you without a passport, take advantage of entry back and forth to the Caribbean NOW before you’re required to have a passport on January 23. If you’re looking for more than just sun and sand, Barbados offers more sightseeing attractions and nightlife options than most Caribbean islands. The most popular tourist attraction is Harrison Caves, which feature bubbling streams, tumbling cascades and stalactites–but we prefer the Mount Gay Rum Tour which includes a tasting of course. Bring a bottle or two home for your next family get-together.
 
Deals:
  • Las Vegas
    Stay at the 4 star Hard Rock Hotel from $79/night
  • Venice
    Discover Venice with flights from $527
See more deals
Please don’t forward to our mothers,Steve and Paul, Kayak.com co-founders
Tip of the Week: Did you know?
While you can’t search for a hotel by longest distance from your mother-in-law, you can select amenities such as Internet, fitness room, pets, parking, pool and restaurant. Select new hotel preferences for every trip or save preferences in your profile.

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