Orlando KOs Las Vegas for spring break championship

Orlando has dethroned Las Vegas as the top spring break destination, according to a new survey from Orbitz on consumer travel habits. Not only that, but Florida holds four of the top 10 spots, based on customer booking patterns. The leading 10 destinations, in order, are:


1) Orlando
2) Las Vegas
3) Cancun
4) Phoenix
5) Fort Lauderdale
6) Fort Myers
7) Tampa
8) New York
9) Los Angeles 
10) Denver

Guess what? Average hotel rates are up in all the top 10 except Los Angeles and Denver. Nonetheless, half the destinations -- Orlando, Fort Myers, Tampa, Los Angeles and Denver  -- offer average daily hotel rates under $100 per night. Other survey highlights:
* Beaches (29%), cruises (25%) and city escapes (24%) were of interest to most travelers booking a spring break trip.
* An overwhelming 88% of travelers will avoid destinations that are thought to be college party destinations, opting for a more relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere.
* Indicating that the destinations' images are recovering from last year's oil spill, over half of  travelers would consider the Florida Gulf Coast and surrounding beaches for their getaway.
Orbitz also offers three savings tips: Consider visiting a big city, such as Chicago or Boston, in the off-season. Look for packages that offer deals when flights, hotels and assorted amenities are booked together. And  search for hotel promotions such as "fourth night free" or "kids stay free."

Trivial question

What is the world's largest island country? And Australia doesn't count. (Answer somewhere below.)

A tasty shuttle trip with a Big Island chef
All  aboard the new Chef Shuttle at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on Hawaii's Big Island for a unique foodie weekend. Guests who book the Chef Shuttle Package wil be escorted by by the resort’s sous chef,  Jayson Kanekoa,on a trip to the farmers' market in Waimea on the first Saturday of the month. Together they will talk story (as they say in Hawaii) with farmers and vendors as fresh produce and seasonal items are purchased and taken to the resort to be prepared and enjoyed that Saturday evening at Hawaii Calls Restaurant & Lounge.  On Sunday, guests will  partake in the Royal Luau, which features traditional and contemporary Hawaiian cuisine, an open bar and Polynesian entertainment. The package starts at $289 per room night and is offered the first weekend of every month. A Friday-Monday stay is required.
Visit www.waikoloamarriott.com or call 808-886-6789 and use code D60.


Worth quoting
“Why buy good luggage? You only use it when you travel.” – Yogi Berra

Vacation in France and (probably) get a tax deduction

For A Cause organizes week-long cycling and walking vacations that raise money for nonprofit organizations. According to the organizers,  participants get a tax deduction equal to the cost the trip. This year's event,  France Walk or Ride on Sept. 11-17, lets participants cycle, walk or combine both both for their favorite charity.They will spend the week in an 11th-century castle in the Western Loire Valley, and make day trips, visiting towns, wineries and castles.
The registration fee is broken into three options: $500, $1,650 or $2,500, each with its own minimum fund-raising requirement. All expenses are included while on the event, such as accommodations, meals, snacks, and route support. Not included are transportation to and from the event, personal expenses and incidentals. The tax deduction comes into play because this is a fundraising event and a substantial part of the participant's day is dedicated to the fundraising activity. Participants, however, are encouraged to consult with a tax advisor or the IRS for their specific tax situation. Visit www.rfac.org.

Fascinating fact

Every day about 3,000 euros are thrown into the Trevi Fountain in Rome. The money is collected at night and goes to charity.

A six-night Irish idyll starting at $699 with air

Dooley Vacations is promoting an Ireland 3-City Package for six nights beginning at $699 per person, including round-trip air, two nights each hotel in Dublin, Galway and Killarney and a  rental car for the week. This package, Dooley says, saves travelers over $600 per person compared to the cost of booking air, accommodations, and car separately. The $699 (plus fees and taxes) is from New York City. It's $719 per person from Boston, $789   from Chicago, and $769  from Orlando. The price is based on two people traveling, on select Monday and Tuesday departures from April 1 to May 31. Other days of the week and departure cities are also on sale for slightly more. Discount pricing is also available for 1 and 3 travelers. Call 877-331-9301 or click here.

Trivial answer

Indonesia, with  an area of 1,919,440 km sq. (735,355 sq miles) is considered the largest island country.