TravelLeisureNews

June 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NAVTEQ, a leading global provider of digital map data for location-based solutions and vehicle navigation, reminds drivers to update their GPS navigation systems to prepare for the summer driving season. Many drivers using older systems experience frustration when their GPS navigation system doesn't know about that new interstate exit or one-way street change. Map updates are ideal to address this concern.

NAVTEQ, the most widely used map for navigation*, builds the digital maps that power most in-vehicle navigation systems, as well as leading GPS device brands. The NAVTEQ field analysts make millions of changes and additions to the NAVTEQ map so that drivers who purchase a map update have the freshest, most comprehensive map data available. Read more

June 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Canada is all about authentic vacation experiences. And now travelers can have their companion fly absolutely free when they book their vacation of three nights or more by June 30, 2008 for travel through December 31, 2008.

The offer is quite simple to book -- just enter promo code FLYFREE at the time of purchase. The hardest part will be deciding between the two of you which amazing Canadian city to get immersed in. Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal ... thankfully United Vacations offers convenient flight options to 8 of the 10 Provinces! Read more

June 5, 2008 - Despite the sluggish economy and rising gas prices, those wishing for an Orlando summer vacation can't afford not to take advantage of Rosen Shingle Creek's incredible Summer Sizzle package.

Now through Sept. 28, the luxurious, AAA Four-Diamond rated Rosen Shingle Creek is offering the Summer Sizzle package for $230 per night, double occupancy, which includes unlimited rounds of golf at the award-winning championship Shingle Creek Golf Course, a delicious breakfast buffet at Café Osceola, complimentary scheduled transportation to SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Orlando, complimentary self-parking, complimentary use of the hotel's state-of-the-art Fitness Center, 20 percent off any service at The Spa at Shingle Creek and high-speed Internet access in all guest rooms. To book the Summer Sizzle package, visit www.rosenshinglecreek.com or call 866-996-6338. Read more

June 4, 2008--Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk have taken a “the show must go on” stance and are open for business as usual after a much-publicized weekend fire that damaged the King Kong backlot attraction and one area of film sets that were frequently visited by the Studio Tour.

All rides, shows and attractions are open and operating normally, including the new and much-acclaimed “The Simpsons Ride,” which opened to spectacular reviews just weeks ago and joined “Revenge of the Mummy--The Ride” and “Jurassic Park—The Ride” as stand-out Universal Studios Hollywood thrill-ride experiences. Read more

June 4, 2008 -- Hot off an impressive run of awards for his projects around the world, renowned designer and architect Jeffrey Beers of Jeffrey Beers International (JBI) brings his design talents to Fuse, Nashville’s first Las Vegas-style nightclub.

Located in the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, the 13,000 square foot space was designed to bridge the gap in the hotel nightclub culture in Nashville, where until the arrival of Fuse, nightlife was predominantly honky-tonk. Read more

June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a month of non-stop celebration, special events and festivities, Hard Rock Park is really blowing the gates off, literally. In a nod to its music heritage, the Park blew open the front gates to the world's very first rock 'n' roll theme park Monday, signaling to guests of all ages that this summer's most not-to-be-missed destination is officially open and ready to rock their worlds.

Hard Rock Park's two-day Grand Opening Extravaganza kicked off Monday with the "Save the Planet Invitational," a star-studded celebrity golf tournament presented by Olsen Family Vineyards and hosted by PGA TOUR professional Peter Jacobsen. Some of the music world's most legendary artists participated, including Darryl (DMC) McDaniels, Edwin McCain, and band members of ZZ Top, Aerosmith, Cheap Trick and Sister Hazel. The celebration ignited an extraordinary red carpet ceremony at the Park's massive iron front gates, leading into an exclusive concert performance by the Eagles. The festivities continued Tuesday, with renowned British rock band, The Moody Blues, who commemorated the official opening of the Park's psychedelic, Moody Blues-inspired dark ride, Nights in White Satin The Trip. An unprecedented live performance from The Moody Blues, accompanied by Myrtle Beach's Long Bay Symphony orchestra, followed at Hard Rock Park's Live amphitheater. Read more

May 30, 2008 – Home Office Highway, the digital road show that this summer will showcase how personal electronics and small business technology can empower the digital lifestyle from within the comforts of a recreational vehicle, has signed Verizon Wireless as a presenting sponsor.

“Verizon Wireless is an ideal sponsor because its communications products are vital to any road warrior or digital consumer,” said Jeff Zbar, the tour’s creator and host (www.homeofficehighway.com). “People who work from the seat of a car or a tech-laden RV must be able to reliably log on to the Internet or communicate with their wireless phone. It’s essential to working and living in the Digital Age.” Read more

May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Instead of the predictable tie or coffee cup, give your Dad the gift of being on an adventure -- with you. Unforgettable Discovery Channel Experiences gift packages are packed with excitement and are just a click away from becoming reality. All you need to do is pull Dad off the couch and point him in the direction of new horizons.

Giving experiences has become a staple among gift-givers in Europe, and Discovery is betting that its adventure and exploration-themed programming will inspire more loved ones in the U.S. to help Dad live out his own Discovery fantasy.

"Every father is unique," said Patrick Gates, president and general manager of Discovery Commerce. "And for Father's Day, Discovery has taken a cue from some of its most popular programming to coordinate some truly incredible packages. Now it's up to you to go for it and make your Dad's secret wish come true." Read more

May 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Garmin, the global leader in satellite navigation, announced today a one-time-purchase plan for Garmin Mobile for BlackBerry. This one-time, $99.99 purchase is only available in North America and will give customers who own BlackBerry devices unlimited use of Garmin Mobile's turn-by-turn, voice prompted directions for the life of their specific BlackBerry. Users will also have unlimited access to Garmin Mobile's dynamic content such as traffic, weather conditions and forecasts, fuel prices and more. The one-time purchase Garmin Mobile for BlackBerry is designed to meet the navigation needs of customers who prefer a one-time purchase rather than continuous monthly payments.

"Garmin is one of the first to offer a one-time purchase navigation package for BlackBerry devices," said Charles Morse, Garmin's director of mobile and online marketing. "Having turn-by-turn directions on a BlackBerry is essential to mobile professionals because it takes the stress out of navigating to that important business meeting or child's soccer game. It helps people arrive at their destination every time, while taking into consideration uncontrollable variables like traffic." Read more

May 13, 2008 – Even though Americans enjoy traveling abroad, many neglect the local customs of other countries and make common faux pas that can lead to confusion and embarrassment, according to a new survey conducted by international travel site vayama.com. To help travelers avoid cultural misunderstandings on future voyages, vayama has added country specific etiquette guides that cover everything from dining practices to appropriate attire, available at www.vayama.com/etiquette.

Vayama’s survey focused on U.S. adults’ know-how of appropriate etiquette in other countries and found that 95% of travelers[1] say they typically learn about the places they visit outside of the U.S. However, they don’t educate themselves on local customs as much as they could. In fact, over half of travelers (54%) said they typically stick to U.S. customs when traveling abroad, and nearly half (47%) said they did something when traveling outside the U.S. that they later learned was inappropriate behavior in that country. Read more