Adventure Round Up: April 13, 2018

United Offers New In Flight Entertainment Options

(PRNewsFoto/United Airlines)

United Airlines announced more entertainment options for customers. United has expanded its personal device entertainment option to all aircraft with DIRECTV live streaming for purchase to provide at least one free entertainment option on all Wi-Fi equipped aircraft (which is any aircraft with more than 70 seats). Between February and April of this year, the airline installed personal device entertainment onto more than 200 aircraft that previously only offered DIRECTV. Customers can now use a personal laptop, Apple iOS device or Android device to access a library of complimentary movies and TV shows, in addition to having the opportunity to purchase DIRECTV to view live programming.

On select flights during the busy summer travel season, United will distribute free cardboard phone stands which prop up devices and allow hands free viewing. The airline continues installing in-seat power outlets to help customers keep their devices charged while watching their favorite movies and shows.

United is also improving the entertainment options for customers with disabilities. Earlier this year, the airline began offering a new main menu category on seatback on-demand that is labeled Accessible Entertainment. This new section makes it easier for customers with hearing and vision challenges to find accessible entertainment options, grouping all of the titles that are either audio descriptive or closed captioned in one main menu category. Seatback on-demand is one of United’s entertainment options available on 757, 767, 777 and 787 aircraft. The carrier currently offers approximately 20 different movies and TV shows that are audio descriptive and more than 50 that include English closed captioning. Select DIRECTV channels also include closed captioning when the TV station makes it available. United continues to add additional accessible entertainment and screening options across its fleet.

Unique highlights of United’s personal device entertainment programming include: an exclusive partnership with VEVO, delivering new, curated music video playlists each month; relaxation content including Headspace, a popular meditation app and Moodica, which takes the brain on a much-needed vacation using videos.

Customers can download the latest United app to access personal device entertainment on Apple or Android mobile devices. Visit www.unitedprivatescreening.com to learn about onboard entertainment options, watch movie trailers and filter content by language, genre, audio description and closed captioning that will be available on upcoming flights.

Four Adventures to Unwind and Spend Your Tax Refund from TravelLeaders and itravelbetter.com

(PRNewsfoto/Travel Leaders)

• Alaska cruises are hugely popular this year
  Alaska cruises ranked as the top domestic U.S. vacation in a recent Travel Leaders Group Travel Trends survey. For an ultimate Alaska experience, vacationers can enjoy a seven day-cruise with four-night land tour that includes stays in Fairbanks, Denali and Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodges before an amazing seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise onboard Star Princess. With prices that start around $2,114, before taxes and fees for the Alaska Cruisetour, guests will experience the state’s top two attractions: pristine Glacier Bay National Park and picturesque Denali National Park, home to North America’s tallest peak. Plus, they will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in all things Alaska with Princess’ award-winning North to Alaska enrichment program. Cruises depart on select dates through September 4, 2018.
• Exotic cruises are also great values
  Consumers can experience Taiwan and Japan on a 14-day cruise, for as little as $1,699 per person, plus an additional $234 for taxes, fees and port expenses. The sailing departs October 29, 2018, from Shanghai, China, on the Westerdam, a Holland America Line cruise ship. During an overnight in Shanghai, guests will experience The Bund waterfront district on the west bank of the Huangpu River. Along the mile-long stretch of the promenade, cruise passengers will marvel at the century-old architecture. During the cruise, they will also explore Naha, Taipei and Manila. The journey ends November 12 amid the lights of Hong Kong. Included with an array of onboard activities are a live cooking show and hands-on workshops with America’s Test Kitchen.
• Getaway to Mexico and the Caribbean
  A relaxing vacation to Mexico or the Caribbean may be the solution for earlier filers who feel the tax refund burning a hole in their pocket. Starting as low as $511 for a three-night stay, travelers can getaway this May or June to Cancun, Mexico, or Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Vacationers can enjoy a splash in a fresh water pool or head to the beach for windsurfing, kayaking or bodyboarding during an all-inclusive stay at Riu Palace hotel on the Punta Cana beach of Arena Gorda or while at a beautiful beachside resort in Mexico. A Travel Leaders travel advisor can recommend a Funjet Vacations all-inclusive experience in Cancun or other destination.
• Tour Australia for 10 days, starting at $1,185 per person
  Australia’s west coast beckons travelers with its beaches and rugged outback terrain. A small group tour from Perth to Broome Overland exposes the traveler to the region’s natural wonders and culture.  Through a Travel Leaders tour partner, clients can opt in for unique and traditional accommodations to help them experience the culture up close. Accommodations may include farm stays, bush camps or cabins in the heart of Aussie bush land.

Blog Post Roundup:

Luxury Under the Stars in Bubble Tents – Hotel Whisperer

A Bubbly Day Trip to Champagne France – The Sophisticated Life

 A One Day Guide to Bruges – Explorista