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	WEB PORTAL NEWS Changing Travel Plans due to the Iraq War Special Offers New Member Hotels

Changing Travel Plans due to the Iraq War

Does the war against Iraq mean you have to give up your travel plans? Not necessarily, but a few changes might be wise. Many travellers are worried that they have to cancel any travel plans now the war is a reality. However, this is not necessarily so. Both airlines and travel operators are implementing a number of measures to deal with the situation. Firstly, any countries or areas which are felt to be unsafe by airline insurers are classed as "exclusion zones" and airlines have to reroute in order to avoid flying over or into these zones, so you should not be in any danger. If you have not yet booked your flight and are still nervous, you could check the routes various airlines take to your destination. Emirates, for example, flies in over Libya and Egypt. But don't let the fact that airlines will certainly cancel some flights to the region put you off as this will be for financial reasons rather than safety worries. Most airports in the Gulf hope to remain open and airlines based in the Gulf expect to carry on operating, some with a change of base. Emirates, for example, says it will continue to fly to most destinations in the region; Qatar Airways will relocate operations from Qatar to Sharjah, as will Kuwait Airways. The region's largest airline, Saudi Arabian Airlines, has not announced its contingency plans. Many are worried that airport security will be stepped up further in the event of a war, meaning longer delays at airports. However, most European airports say that the high levels of security currently in place are not expected to increase in the event of a war, so passengers will not be required to present themselves any earlier at check in, though getting through the departures gate may take longer. As far as tightening security in non- European airports goes, it is believed that it will be prudent to implement a number of sensible security measures in some destinations and other airlines will certainly do the same. In an effort to entice customers to book, many airline and tour operators are relaxing their cancellation policies, allowing customers to alter their travel plans (though not usually to cancel them altogether) without penalty, and offering free travel date changes for all bookings made before a given date and applies for departures until a given date. (But when making a booking, always check their cancellation policy first). Source: Daily Telegraph »

Special Offers

If you are travelling in Italy on business or leisure, Hotel Donizetti believes that comfort is a requirement and provides everything you need to do your job effectively and make your stay a pleasant one. Or are you looking for that perfect getaway that pleases every member of the family? We have chosen a splendid resort for the entire family, from active adventures to the ultimate in relaxation. The Blue Water Island Resort in Vanuatu is a beautiful property offers a special package designed for parents who wish to have a superb family holiday as well as steal some time for themselves. You can't really go wrong with golden sand, warm, translucent sea, lush landscapes and lashings of sun! Hotel Donizetti Ideally situated within few miles from Bergamo city, the newly built Hotel Donizetti is optimal whether you are travelling for business or leisure. As a guest, it offers you comfort and convenience with excellent standard of service. Efficient and friendly staff will welcome you at reception. Close to beauty Salon, hairdresser, pizzeria, pub and a fully licensed public restaurant with live music, providing the perfect setting for anything from a business lunch to a full "menù a la carte". You'll find the ideal environment for a relaxing stop-over and a perfect base for a most enjoyable stay. Hotel Donizetti has tastefully decorated bedrooms, for either single or double occupancy. All rooms are air conditioned and sound proofed. En suite shower room, wc, hand washbasin and hairdryer. Rooms have direct- dial telephone, satellite TV, radio, minibar, coffee/tea making facilities, safe-deposit and alarm Room service and room with working area for fax, PC, modem. Hotel Donizetti's Special Offer is valid all weekends plus the whole month of August 2003. Hotel Donizetti offers fantastic special rates for HEI members: Single room: Euro 52 - incl. breakfast Double room: Euro 74 - incl. breakfast Subject to availability at time of booking. Contact details: Hotel Donizetti Via Provinciale Bergamo-Dalmine 24040 Bergamo Italy Tel: + 390 (0)35 201227 Fax: + 390 (0)35 691361 E-mail: booking@hoteldonizetti.it Special family offer in Vanuatu »

New Member Hotels

This month we have 56 new hotels in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic , Estonia, Finland, Guadelope, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Malta,Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, St. Martin, Sweden, Thailand and the USA. For more details... »