“As a new airline, Virgin America is reinventing the typical domestic air travel experience with award-winning service and brand new, beautifully designed planes equipped with the latest technology and entertainment. With power outlets at every Virgin America seat, Gogo(R) has now turned our planes into WiFi hotspots and home offices in the air,” said Porter Gale, Vice President of Marketing for Virgin America.

Virgin America in-flight teammate Mandalay Roberts chats with Oprah Winfrey on this Thursday’s episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, entitled “Where the Skype Are You?” via video chat from the First Class cabin of Virgin America Flight VX780 en route from Seattle to Los Angeles. Oprah Winfrey also surprised and met some of the 120 guests on board the regularly scheduled commercial flight and hosted the first ever Skype-enabled in-flight wine tasting, where Virgin America guests swirled, sniffed and sipped right along with her from the skies.

Although Virgin America does not typically allow Voice-Over-IP (VoIP) products like Skype video call in-flight due to concerns about maintaining a quiet, restful cabin environment, guests can currently use Gogo(R) to Skype via the instant message feature, in addition to e-mailing, tweeting, updating their Facebook pages and any of the myriad other ways the web is keeping people connected. The early roll out of the Gogo(R) service across the airline’s network makes Virgin America the first and only airline to offer consumers in-flight WiFi on every flight - regardless of route, aircraft type, or flight time.

The service is available for $12.95 for daytime flights of over three hours, $9.95 for daytime flights of less than three hours, $5.95 on red-eye flights and $7.95 for handheld devices. In November 2008, Virgin America launched Gogo(R) In-flight Internet on its first flight with a first ever “air-to-ground” video stream to YouTube Live - YouTube’s first official real-world user event. In February 2009, the airline became the first to host a live national television broadcast via WiFi stream while in-flight over the coast of Massachusetts with CBS News’ THE EARLY SHOW. This spring, Virgin America also became the first and only carrier to show guests which flights were WiFi enabled at the time of booking, as the airline continued to roll out its service fleetwide.

Virgin America flies to San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., Seattle, Las Vegas, San Diego, Boston and Orange County.

NOTE: Virgin America is a U.S. controlled and operated airline and an entirely separate company from Virgin Atlantic. Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group is a minority share investor in Virgin America.

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The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today released its summer air travel forecast.

ATA forecasts that 7 percent fewer passengers (about 150,000 per day)* will travel June 1 through Aug. 31, 2009, compared to the same period in 2008. Approximately 195 million passengers are expected to fly this summer on U.S. airlines, down from 209 million during the summer months of 2008. ATA is projecting that 7 percent fewer passengers (171 million versus 183 million) will travel domestically, and 6 percent fewer passengers (24 million versus 26 million) will travel internationally.

“The main driver behind the anticipated drop in passengers traveling this summer is the ongoing global recession, which continues to crimp demand,” said ATA President and CEO James C. May. “The weak economy has forced additional aircraft out of the marketplace, so despite fewer travelers, planes will remain near full. Even with fewer flights and the airlines’ heightened level of preparedness for summer travel, we remain concerned that delays may be inevitable due to the combination of an aging air traffic control system and convective weather period.”

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Just like its characteristic white-sailed Opera House, Sydney seems to cruise effortlessly through nights and days filled with myriad entertainment opportunities, sophisticated shopping, memorable museums, and strings of beautiful beaches.

 Families can explore the sights at Darling Harbour, including one of the biggest and most impressive aquariums in the world; observe some fascinating Australian fauna and flora at Wildlife World; and watch a film on the huge screen at the Imax theatre.

Those interested in history will want to explore the cobbled streets of The Rocks, a restored 19th-century village that was the site of Australia’s first European settlement in 1788. The Rocks also gives access to the Pylon Lookout on the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge for an amazing view of the harbour, Sydney Opera House and beyond. Adventurers will definitely want to experience the iconic bridge from a more thrilling perspective though, and can take part in an organised climb to the top of Harbour Bridge for breathtaking views and a sense of bold achievement.

The attractions not to be missed.

 Harbour Bridge

One of Sydney’s most famous landmarks, the Harbour Bridge (known locally as the ‘Coat Hanger’) was completed in 1932. The bridge spans the 1,600-foot (500m) gap from the north to the south shore, which was previously only accessible by ferry, and accommodates pedestrian walkways, two railway lines and an eight-lane road. Visitors can experience the bridge in an adventurous way by climbing to the top as part of an organised group for breathtaking views and a feeling of personal achievement. For the less daring 200 steps lead to the Pylon Lookout for equally fantastic views at 285 feet (87m) above the water, with three levels of exhibits on the way up depicting the history and construction of the bridge.

 Sydney Opera House

It may not be an ancient monument, but the architecturally distinctive Sydney Opera House epitomises the city as much as does the Great Pyramid in Cairo or the Acropolis in Athens. Situated on Sydney harbour at Bennelong Point, this intriguing white-sailed landmark is no white elephant. It is a fully functional performing arts centre in constant use. The complex consists of a massive Concert Hall that seats more than 2,500 people and has the finest acoustics in the world; a smaller Opera Theatre, also used for ballet performances; a Drama Theatre, seating about 500 people; the smaller Playhouse; and the Boardwalk dance and music venue. The building, designed by Joørn Utzon, was completed in 1973 and cost over A$100 million, most of which was raised with a series of national lotteries. There was so much controversy involved in its construction that the Danish architect returned home without ever seeing his finished product. Free performances of various types are given outside on the boardwalks around the Opera House on Sunday afternoons.

  Darling Harbour

The waterside tourist precinct of Darling Harbour, close to the central business district, is crossed by a monorail and offers plenty of entertaining diversions, museums, carnival rides, restaurants and shops. For example there is the Imax Theatre with Australia’s largest cinema screen; the magnificent Chinese Garden with its serpentine paths and placid pools; and the huge Star City Casino and the Sydney Entertainment Centre. An absolute must-see is the Sydney Aquarium, one of the world’s best aquariums, which has underwater walkways through two huge tanks filled with an amazing array of sea creatures. Also look out for the Powerhouse Museum and the National Maritime Museum.

 Sydney Aquarium

The aquarium is one of the most popular attractions at Darling Harbour, and is one of the biggest and most impressive in the world. More than 5,000 Australian fish are displayed in their natural habitats, along with Australian sharks, rays, platypus, seals, fairy penguins, crocodiles and much more. Underwater walkways give visitors an authentic view of the unique aquatic environment. The Great Barrier Reef exhibit has live coral and many tropical fish, and visitors can take a glass-bottomed boat ride to see 10 dangerous sharks from up close.

 Beaches

One thing that is not in short supply in Sydney are beautiful Pacific Ocean beaches. Anywhere in the city, except perhaps in the far west suburbs, you will never be more than half an hour away from one. Starting from popular Palm Beach to the north, you can take your pick along the coast: there is Whale, Avalon, Bilgola, Newport, Bungan, Mona Vale, Warriewood, Narrabeen-Collaroy, Long Reef, Curl Curl, Freshwater, North Steyne, Manly and Shelly! There are several small beaches around Sydney Harbour, and moving southwards one reaches the famous Bondi Beach, with its magnificent sweep of golden sand lined with an eclectic mix of ice-cream parlours, designer cafes and surf shops.  Eight miles (13km) from the city centre, Manly is perhaps the most famous of these northern beachesManly can be reached by ferry from Circular Quay.

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American is in the process of reconfiguring 18 of its 124 Boeing 757s for use on international routes, and Thursday’s JFK-to-Brussels flight is the first to make an international journey with the new configuration. Featuring new seats, new cabin interiors and updated inflight entertainment systems, the reconfiguration - slated for completion by the end of this year - will offer customers a comfortable international travel experience.

“American Airlines fleet of Boeing 757 international aircraft will be well-suited to serve select international routes following the refurbishment initiative,” said Lauri Curtis, American’s Vice President - Onboard Service.

The 757 Business Class cabin, with a 2-2 seating configuration, features 16 next-generation, angled lie-flat seats with drop-down armrests; the ability to slide forward interlocking tray tables that create one of the largest workspaces in the industry; on-demand audio/video in-seat entertainment systems providing 28 movies, more than 33 hours of television programming, 16 audio channels, 50 audio CDs, 15 interactive games; and new lavatories.

The Economy Class cabin, with 166 seats in a 3-3 configuration, will receive new seats, new lavatories, new LCD monitors that replace CRT monitors, and digital media file servers that will provide better inflight video and audio entertainment quality.

The 757 international fleet will serve select trans-Atlantic and Latin American routes. Routes are subject to change, but may include New York to Barcelona, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Brussels; Boston to Paris Charles de Gaulle; and Miami to Salvador, Brazil, to Recife, Brazil.

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This milestone is an opportunity to honor and showcase the people, the culture, and the events that have helped to build Bermuda over the past 400 years and make it what it is today.

“This year of celebration has been like none other,” said Dr. the Hon. Ewart F. Brown, JP, MP, Bermuda’s Premier and Minister of Tourism and Transport. “We invite locals and visitors alike to come Feel the Love and join in celebrating this monumental occasion.”

Upcoming events and celebrations

– Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009: June 11-15, 2009. The Tall Ships Fleet will race from Vigo, Spain to Halifax, Northern Ireland with a stop in Bermuda on June 11-15. It will be a historic moment for all to witness the Tall Ships arrival in Hamilton Harbour to celebrate Bermuda’s 400th anniversary.

– Cup Match Cricket Festival: July 30-31, 2009. This two-day cricket match between East and West End cricket clubs is an annual favorite.

The concurrent and equally important commemoration of both Emancipation Day, the 1834 freeing of Bermuda’s slaves, and Somers’ Day, which observe the discovery of Bermuda by Sir George Somers in 1609, make this festival a not-to-be-missed event.

– PGA Grand Slam of Golf: October 19-21, 2009. Visitors to Bermuda will once again have the chance to see some of the world’s top golfers compete in the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, the season-ending showcase featuring golf’s premier foursome. Returning to Bermuda for its third time, the high-stakes tournament will be held for the first time at the newly renovated Port Royal Golf Course.

Saint George Harbour, Bermuda

Bermuda Exposed:

• In honor of Bermuda’s 400th anniversary, the Bermuda Department of Tourism thought it was time to set the record straight and let travelers know the truth behind the triangle…
• Bermuda is not located in the Caribbean. Contrary to popular belief, Bermuda is actually located 650 miles off the coast of Cape Hatteras, NC, and less than a two hour plane ride from New York City!
• Bermuda goes one to one with the US dollar. Bermuda does not have its own currency nor does it rely on the pound.
• Visitors cannot rent cars in Bermuda. Due to a strong environmental commitment visitors may not rent a car when visiting Bermuda and residents may only have one car per household.
• Bermuda is the oldest British Colony and has the second oldest Parliamentary Democracy in the world (after England).
• Travel easy. Travelers clear customs at the airport in Bermuda before the flight back to the United States. This makes the arrival home pleasant, easy and custom free.
• Franchise free. Bermuda does not allow chain stores or franchise restaurants on the island. However, Bermuda offers a wide range of restaurants with the finest chefs featuring French, Italian, Japanese, to all American cuisine.
• A golfer’s haven. Bermuda is home to more golf courses per square mile than anywhere in the world, truly making it a golfer’s haven. This year, the PGA Grand Slam of Golf will return to Bermuda for the third time and will be held at Bermuda’s newly renovated Port Royal Golf Club, Oct, 20-21, 2009.
• Tennis was introduced to America by Bermuda. In 1874, Miss Mary Ewing Outerbridge, an American Sports woman, purchased tennis equipment from British army officers in Bermuda and set up the first US tennis court in the grounds of the Staten Island Cricket Club, New York.
• Fashion friendly in Bermuda shorts. Made from Irish Linen, Bermuda shorts are considered an acceptable part of everyday wardrobe in Bermuda and can be found on most businessmen. Bermuda shorts originated with the British army when they came to Bermuda from India.
• Pristine pink sand beaches. Bermuda’s signature pink sand comes from a combination of crushed coral, calcium carbonate, and foraminifera.
• Bermuda has a rich literary heritage. Bermuda’s rich literary heritage has attracted and inspired the likes of Mark Twain, Noel Coward, James Thurber, Eugene O’Neill, and John Lennon.
• Before publishing The Secret Garden in 1911, Frances Hodgson Burnett, the English-born writer, stayed at The Princess Hotel, giving rise to the rumor that the secret garden was located somewhere in Bermuda.
• William Shakespeare’s The Tempest was inspired by a shipwreck that occurred near St. George in 1609, the year before he wrote the play. Bermuda has also been the destination of choice for Eleanor Roosevelt and Prince Albert of Monaco.
• Finally…The Bermuda Triangle - The Bermuda Triangle is not recognized by the U.S. Board of Geographic Names. However…Bermuda remains the world’s number one wreck diving destination.

About Bermuda:

Bermuda, just under two hours from East Coast gateway cities, stretches for 21 miles along turquoise waters and is surrounded by a 200-square-mile coral reef plateau. Bermuda’s diverse activities offer an array of vacation options, including more wreck dives than anywhere else in the world, championship golf, horseback riding, world-renowned deep sea fishing and smooth pink beaches to rest on by day’s end. For more information, visit www.bermudatourism.com.

Getting there

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This is Delhi, city of contrasts, where an elephant can overtake an overheated Italian sports car on the streets, where colonial mansion stands next to squatter slum, and where cows are revered, but musicians are labelled ‘untouchable’. The city’s pace is chaotic, yet fairly relaxed, and makes it ideal for exploring. You’re certain to be confronted with some strange and exotic sights.

With a long and troubled history, Delhi is full of fascinating temples, museums, mosques and forts, each with a distinct architectural style. In Old Delhi, visitors will find a charming selection of colourful bazaars and narrow winding alleys. In comparison, New Delhi - the city created to reflect the might of the British Empire - consists of tree-lined avenues, spacious parks and sombre-looking government buildings.

Delhi Attractions

Red Fort

The Red Fort, known locally as Lal Quila, is Delhi’s signature attraction, rising high above the clamour of Old Delhi as a reminder of the wealth and power of the Mogul empire. The massive sandstone walls were built in the 17th century to keep out marauding invaders and still dominate the skyline today. Inside are an array of exquisite buildings, which once provided the living quarters for Shah Jehan, his courtiers, family and staff of three thousand. Visitors can marvel at the intricate decoration and only imagine the scenes here at the empire’s height when the walls were studded with precious stones and a ’stream of paradise’ drove an ingenious air conditioning system. The fort was the scene of the Indian uprising of 1857 and the mighty Lahore Gate, on the west side of the fort, remains a potent symbol in the fight for Independence.

 
Qutb Minar

The Qutb Minar is a mammoth tower that was built between 1193 and 1369 to symbolise Islamic rule over Delhi and commemorate the victory by Qutab-ud-din over the city’s last Hindu kingdom. Standing 238ft (72m) tall, the tower is decorated with calligraphy representing verses from the Koran and tapers from a 50ft (15m) diameter at the base to just 8ft (2.5m) at the top. There are five distinct stories each encircled with a balcony, the first three are built of red sandstone, and the upper two are faced with white marble. At the foot of the minhar, stands Quwwat-ul-Islam, India’s oldest mosque, which is built largely from the remains of 27 Hindu and Jain temples that were destroyed by the new Muslim rulers of India. The cloisters that flank the nearby courtyard are supported by pillars that were unmistakably pilfered from Hindu temples. Faces of the decorative figures have been removed to conform to Islamic law, which strictly forbids iconic worship. Incongruously, in the corner of the mosque, stands an Iron Pillar, bearing fourth-century Sanskrit inscriptions of the Gupta period attributing it to the memory of King Chandragupta II (373-413). It is said that anyone who can encircle it with their hands whilst standing with their back to it will have their wishes fulfilled.

 
Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb is one of the best-preserved and beautiful examples of Mogul architecture in Delhi and is often seen as a forerunner of the Taj Mahal in Agra. Building started on the tomb in 1564 after the death of Humayun, the second Moghul emperor; it was overseen by Haji Begum, his senior widow and the mother of Akbar. The tomb is an octagonal structure capped by a double dome that soars 125ft (38m) into the sky and is set in a formal Persian garden. In the grounds are some other monuments, including the Tomb of Isa Khan.
 

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Delhi is in October-November and in February-March, when the nights are cool and the days filled with mellow sunshine. December and January can be a little gloomy in Delhi while mid-summer (May, June and July) is very hot with temperatures over 45C; it is a dry heat and is sometimes accompanied by dusty desert winds. Most of the rain falls between July and September but they are not the tropical rains you’ll experience in India’s coastal cities.

Getting there

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Part 1 - Introduction to India

From the snow-capped Himalayas in the north to the sun drenched coastal villages of the south, India unfolds like an ancient tapestry. At times threadbare and fading, the land stretches from desert dunes and scattered slums to the rich embroidery of ancient, jewelled palaces, and the majestic domes of forgotten empires.

India is a feast for the senses; where the air is heavy with the scent of jasmine and dancers trail frenetic melodies in colourful silk saris. Its cooks compose dishes from a palette of exotic spices that may leave a lingering taste of saffron or aniseed. In India’s cities, the stench of slum living competes with the cacophony of seemingly endless traffic and a myriad of other textures, colours and movements all jostling for your attention.

The country contains an astounding diversity of people, landscapes, sights and sounds. Famous sights such as the Taj Mahal, Amber Palace and old Goa seldom fail to instill a sense of wonder in visitors, while the modern face of India evident in the crowded cities and chaotic traffic are also thrilling. It is the people, however, that live longest in the memory. They are renowned for their warm welcome, engaging conversation and obsessive-compulsive love of bargaining.

The majestic Taj Mahal - Agra, India

India’s vibrant culture remains distinctive and unique despite years of colonial and western influence. One reason for this is the centrality of religion to Indian life so that wherever you go the sacred and profane exist side by side, in perfect harmony.

Visitors seem to be divided between those on organised tours, seeking to make the most of their time in relative comfort, and backpackers on 9 month visas and flexible agendas. Despite recent incidents in Mumbai, India is one of the safest countries to visit, and it remains one of the best value.

The key to enjoying India is to have an open mind and an open heart, and a good dose of imodium.

On Deck - Part 2 - Delhi - city of  contrasts

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Statistical Note: According to the latest research released by the World Travel and Tourism Council, India’s travel and tourism industry was estimated to have generated approximately US $100 billion in 2008. This figure is expected to go up to almost US $275.5 billion by 2018, growing at an average of 9.4 percent over the next 10 years. Moreover, according to  research, travel and tourism is expected to contribute 6.1 percent to India’s GDP and provide almost 40 million jobs by 2018.

South Pacific, the box-office blockbuster about forbidden love in the tropics during World War II, was recently re-released on Blu-ray Disc by Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment to commemorate the movie’s 50th anniversary.

Kauai Coastline

Most of the filming for South Pacific took place in 1957-58 on Kauai’s idyllic north shore, an area renowned for its breathtaking coastlines, flourishing green fields, and picturesque waterfalls.

The location was a popular choice with the film’s crew and Director Joshua Logan noted at the time, “Kauai is a place that will enchant movie audiences, giving reality instead of stage illusion.”

Sue Kanoho, executive director of the Kauai Visitors Bureau, said an enduring attribute of Kauai’s north shore is that it remains largely unchanged five decades later. “Kauai’s allure and spectacular natural beauty helped tell the story of South Pacific. Travelers coming here today will enjoy many of those same qualities,” said Kanoho.

Kanoho added that visitors will recognize many of the sights and landmarks used for South Pacific’s signature moments, especially those captured in song.

Mount Makana’s towering twin peaks in Haena were the inspiration for the mystical “island of Bali Hai.”

Nellie Forbush (Mitzi Gaynor) was romanced by Emile de Becque (Rossano Brazzi) singing the ballad “Some Enchanted Evening” atop a garden-like plateau overlooking Princeville, now home to a popular resort area.

Nellie sang “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair” at Lumahai Beach, a crescent-shaped beach known for the many native hala trees on the beach’s edge.

The song “Nothing Like a Dame” took place at Hanalei Bay, a perfectly curved bay featuring historic Hanalei Pier, crystal blue waters, and one of Hawaii’s most famous surfing spots.

The ever-charming Bloody Mary (Juanita Hall) sang “Happy Talk” on the banks of the Kilauea River amid the fertile vegetation that is the Garden Isle’s trademark.

Kanoho noted, “South Pacific helped put Kauai on the map for travelers and our

Kauai Beach

island is as lovely and inviting today as it was 50 years ago.”

For more information about Kauai - Hawaii’s Island of Discovery - visit www.kauaidiscovery.com or call the Kauai Visitors Bureau toll-free at (800) 262-1400.

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Sample fares:

Los Angeles to Hawaii 05 May - 12 May American US$240 (taxes and fees included)

Vancouver to Hawaii 05 May - 12 May Northwest CAD$558 (taxes and fees included)

“So many have journeyed so far to this remote place inspired by the actions of the heroes of Flight 93. It is the purity of this pilgrimage that testifies so eloquently to the strength of these peaceful fields. The full emotional and educational journey will be completed with the dedication of the permanent Flight 93 National Memorial on September 11, 2011,” said Joanne Hanley, NPS superintendent, Flight 93 National Memorial.

The NPS began counting visitors on Memorial Day weekend of 2003. The NPS estimates the one-millionth visitor arrived in late February 2009 and that the total stood at 1,006,585 visitors as of March 31. In 2008 alone, more than 235 buses with schoolchildren made educational visits.

The temporary memorial, open from dawn to dusk, is on a hilltop overlooking the crash site. It is located in Somerset County, approximately 80 miles outside of Pittsburgh. Visitors can visually follow the plane’s flight path to the crash site, now solemnly enclosed by a fence and carpeted with wildflowers. At another fence, visitors have left over 30,000 mementoes and artwork including religious symbols, notes, flowers, flags and other forms of respect. Visitors also record their thoughts in journals maintained by volunteers and staff. The NPS catalogs and preserves these tributes to understand the visitors’ thoughts and emotions. Some of these will be part of the permanent Flight 93 National Memorial.

To learn more about the temporary memorial, including its National Park Week activities, visit www.nps.gov/flni. For information on how to help fund the permanent Flight 93 National Memorial, visit www.honorflight93.org.

Source: National Park Service