Pioneering Spirit Prevails as the Polar Travel Specialist Leads Innovation in the Arctic with Four New Expeditions and the First Ever North Pole Hot Air Balloon Ascents

Greenland's Northern Lights - Fjords & Tundra Treks - new Arctic 2012 itinerary from Quark Expeditions. (PRNewsFoto/Quark Expeditions)

WATERBURY, Vt., May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Quark Expeditions, a polar travel specialist, announced the company's 2012 Arctic expedition schedule, dates, and prices.  The 10 departures include 3 new itineraries, and 1 opportunity of a lifetime – to be one of the first 100 people to literally hover on top of the earth in a hot air balloon.

Hans Lagerweij, President of Quark Expeditions stated, "Quark Expeditions has a history of innovation in the polar regions. I am thrilled to continue this pioneering spirit with new programs and the first hot air balloon ride over the North Pole."

Hollywood, We Have Liftoff

TripAlertz.com to send public's favorite celebrity on a space trip aboard the Lynx Suborbital reusable space plane, thanks to partnership with XCOR Aerospace. Those who cast ballot will be entered to win a trip to Orlando, Fla., including VIP tickets to Kennedy Space Center, and those who vote in next month will be entered to win same star treatment as winning celebrity - an "out of this world" trip through the ozone themselves. (PRNewsFoto/TripAlertz.com)

TripAlertz.com announces balloting for public to send their favorite star on a space trip, and all TripAlertz members can also win a free trip into space!

 
BOSTON, May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Could Lady Gaga get to wow the cosmos with her wardrobe? Will Team Conan or Team Fallon reign supreme? Is space the place for Charlie Sheen to cool his jets? It's the public votes that determine who will win an "Epic Journey into Space" with collective buying travel site TripAlertz.com, which vows to blast off voters' chosen celebrity thanks to a space travel partnership with XCOR Aerospace. And beyond winning a space voyage for your favorite star, there are an infinite number of ways to win a trip for you, if you are a TripAlertz member. Joining is free and takes 20 seconds.

Voting is free at http://www.tripalertz.com/celeb2space, and those who cast their ballot will be automatically entered to win an all-expense paid trip to Orlando, Fla., including VIP tickets to Kennedy Space Center, a three-night premium hotel stay, meals and airfare. What's more, those who vote in the next month will be entered to win the same star treatment as the winning celebrity - an "out of this world" trip through the ozone themselves. Furthermore, you receive an unlimited number of additional drawing entries for this free space trip for each friend you refer to TripAlertz.com, via an easy "Invite
Friends" link, and additional entries for every dollar spent on the site's travel deals.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Opens SkyScreamer - Memorial Day Weekend

California's Six Flags Discovery Kingdom's new SkyScreamer opens on May 27. (PRNewsFoto/Six Flags Discovery Kingdom)

SkyScreamer Will Take Thrills to New Heights

VALLEJO, Calif., May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Travis Air Force Base squadron members took to the sky at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom today, as the first "flyers" to experience the park's newest thrill ride, SkyScreamer. SkyScreamer, which opens to the public on Friday, May 27, is the latest sensation in tower rides, and takes the concept of spinning round and round to a new level of thrills. The lofty attraction joins the park's unique array of rides, shows and interactive animal experiences.

At 150-feet high, SkyScreamer is the equivalent in height to the park's tallest roller coaster, Medusa, and will give passengers a bird's eye view of the entire park. With a capacity of 32 guests sitting two across in open air swings, the "star points" upon which the swings are attached, spin while climbing to the top of the tower, as riders orbit around. At full swing, guests revolve in a 98-foot circle at speeds of 43 mph for 2 1/2 minutes. Once the sun sets, SkyScreamer will be lit from top to bottom, creating a stunning focal point.

SAA Vacations® Offers a 3rd Night Free on Safari at Thornybush Private Game Reserve!

Book 9-Day $2,799* (plus taxes and fees) Majestic Cape Town and Kruger Package by June 15th to Earn Free Night*

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- South African Airways Vacations® (SAAV) has announced an offer that is majestic in scale: a 3rd night on safari free* with the purchase of its 9-day $2,799* (plus taxes and fees) Majestic Cape Town and Kruger package.  The package must be booked by June 15th in order to qualify for the free night.  Along with international and African domestic flights on South African Airways, Africa's most awarded airline, the Majestic Cape Town and Kruger package includes 4 nights at the modern and luxurious Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel in Cape Town on a bed and breakfast basis, with a welcome dinner and half-day Cape Winelands tour also included.

The hotel's proximity to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront situates travelers at the perfect spot for discovering the beauty and excitement of this world-renowned city voted #1 by Trip Advisor.  Two nights at the Thornybush Private Game Reserve will ensure an unforgettable safari, with multiple game drives viewing the Big Five and sumptuous meals included.

When booked by June 15th, a 3rd night of relaxation and excitement on safari will be offered for free*, courtesy of SAA Vacations®!  The package price, which includes the fuel surcharge, and free night offer are valid for departures from Sept. 1-Oct. 12.  To book this great offer, travelers should call 1-855-FLY-SAAV (359-7228), visit www.flysaavacations.com, or call your travel agent.

AMIGOS and United Airlines Announce Latin America Photo Contest

HOUSTON, May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Airlines, a wholly-owned subsidiary of United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL), and Amigos de las Americas (AMIGOS) are proud to announce the Seventh Annual United Latin America Photo Contest. Photos will be accepted until June 15th. The winner will be announced July 1st on the AMIGOS website: www.amigoslink.org.

The judges will look for a photo that captures the beauty and character of Latin America. The photos must be taken in countries served by both United and AMIGOS. Those countries are: the Dominican Republic; Costa Rica; Ecuador; Honduras; Mexico; Nicaragua; Panama; and Peru. Photographs and photo release forms may be submitted electronically at: http://secure.amigoslink.org/ulaphotocontest.htm. The winner will receive two coach-class United round-trip tickets to a destination in Latin America. Some restrictions, including blackout dates, will apply. More than 1,000 photographs were submitted for the competition in 2010.
"AMIGOS is proud to partner with United Airlines for the seventh annual United and AMIGOS Latin America Photo Contest. The contest highlights the beauty and opportunity in the eight Latin American countries where both United and AMIGOS have a presence and further fosters cross-cultural understanding in the Americas," said Marty Sinnott, President and CEO of AMIGOS. For more information, visit www.amigoslink.org .

SOURCE Amigos de las Americas

Earn a Free Night When You Stay Three Consecutive Nights at Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa

PALM BEACH, Fla., May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Enjoy a free night at the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa when you take advantage of the Fourth Night Free Palm Beach Vacation Getaway Package. Guests who stay a minimum of three consecutive nights at the Singer Island resort will receive their fourth night free through September 29, 2011.

Magnificently designed one- and two-bedroom Palm Beach condos are available at the resort for a nightly rate ranging from $214 to $419. While visiting the hotel, travelers can enjoy a luxurious retreat that offers south Florida's incomparable climate and dynamic energy.
The vacation spot features delectable dining, two pools, the indulgent Si Spa, children's program and more. Plus, the oceanfront resort is within minutes of world-class museums, shopping, nightlife and a wide variety of recreational activities.

Plan your summer getaway now to experience all that the Palm Beach Marriott can bring to your Singer Island vacation.

Be sure promotional code D52 appears in the Corporate/Promotional code box when making your online reservation, or call 1-888-213-0414 in the U.S. and ask for promotional code D52.