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By Fred Wright, Jr. |
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Dive! Dive! Dive!
Divers from around the world travel to Guam for unique underwater experiences. Here they can touch the sunken hulls of ships from World War I and World War II. The waters average 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 C), and the area offers more than 400 types of hard coral, 1,000 varieties of mollusks and 900 kinds of marine life, including moray eels, sea turtles, pilot whales and dolphins. There are dives in Guam for all levels of skill. For more information, go to www.VisitGuam.org/dive.
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Paris on the English Plan
For travelers who have always wanted to visit Paris but don’t know a word of French, Coach House Vacation Rentals offers a specialized service in combination with a stay at one of its Paris rentals. The company has 14 properties in Paris, from family homes to apartments. Guests will be met by an English-speaking representative who shows them in, tells them about the local area and answers any questions. Each rental comes with its own mini-guide — written in English, of course — and the company operates an English-speaking telephone help line to provide guests with information about what to see and do and answers to questions about the city. An English-speaking number is also provided in case of an emergency, such as the loss of room keys. For more information, go to www.rentals.chsparis.com.
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Australia Up Yonder
Animal-lovers don’t need to go “down under” to enjoy the sight of Australian kangaroos. The Kangaroo Conservation Center, in Dawsonville, Georgia, is a breeding facility for various species of ’roos, with more than 250 kangaroos living at the center. The facility offers guided tours (visitors must be at least eight years old) through the Georgia “outback.” The center is also home to a variety of other animals, including Australian birds and a friendly bearded dragon named Jack. For more information, call 706-265-6100 or go to www.KangarooCenter.com.
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Fueled for Flight
With fewer airlines offering free food, and in many cases no food available at all, passengers flying out of any Los Angeles–area airport, including Long Beach and Orange County, can now order a meal to go from SkyMeals. The vendor will deliver from its menu to anywhere in the airport area, including curbside, within 24 hours of the order. Meals will be delivered in an insulated tote bag, and since it’s your onboard meal, it doesn’t count as a carry-on. SkyMeals’ menu includes items such as sesame chicken salad (USD $21.75) and, for children, baby corn dogs (USD $8.50). Orders can be placed by going to www.SkyMeals.com or calling toll free 866-SKYMEALS (866-759-6325).
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Sleep of the Stars
If you’re hankering for a chance to live like a Hollywood celebrity, at least for a night or two, the luxury suites at Villa Delle Stelle in Hollywood may be what you’re looking for. Each suite has a Hollywood celebrity theme, paying homage to such stars as the late Dudley Moore, Humphrey Bogart and Grace Kelly. For example, the Dudley Moore one-bedroom suite, decorated in rich English detail, contains one of Moore’s favorite pianos, and memorabilia from his childhood. This is quite fitting, since the Villa Delle Stelle — meaning house of stars — is owned and operated by Moore’s former wife, Brogan Lane, who greets guests with a bottle of wine, gourmet cheese and baguettes. Suites start at USD $250 a night. For more information, call 323-876-8100 or go to www.villadellestelle.com.
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A Pirate’s Escape
Guests at the British Colonial Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas, have a chance to sign up for a Pirates Escape package in acknowledgment of the new Disney film Pirates of the Caribbean — Dead Man’s Chest. The prospects of a treasure chest for a prize is included. At the end of the promotional period, on September 30, the hotel will award three guests USD $1,000 in jewelry or watches. Guests will also receive a complimentary mug of grog (a rum drink) at the hotel bar and tickets to the Pirates of Nassau Interactive Museum. Hotel rates start at USD $145 per night. For more information, call 242-322-3301 or go to www.HiltonCaribbean.com/nassau.
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© Go World Publishing 2003 - 2010
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