NEW YEAR'S EVE SPECIALS

Stay from $24/night!
Book your bed now and you'll pay peanuts. NYC, London, Paris, L.A., San Francisco - where the party's at.

We've done the planning, now you go have the fun. It's New Year's Eve and you're gonna have a blast! Book your bed now.



Los Angeles from $24/night
L.A. has about a million things going on - especially at the clubs.

Les Deux
Area
LAX
Hyde Lounge
Epic All Access NYE at the Vanguard
Opera and Crimson NYE
Avalon Hollywood
Black and White Ball at Highlands
Renaissance Hollywood Hotel and Grand Ballroom: one of the huge parties in L.A.! This is at the Hollywood and Highland Entertainment Complex! Tickets are on sale now.


City Hostel Price*
Los Angeles USA Hostels Hollywood fr $24/night/pp
USA Hostels Hollywood is in the heart of Hollywood's Entertainment District, on a quiet street, off of both Hollywood & Sunset Boulevards. It offers comfortable and basic dorms that sleep between 6 and 8 people. Each room has a bathroom and lockers.

Hollywood Boulevard is home of the famous Walk of Fame. You'll find the Hollywood and Highland Center, the Kodak Theatre ("American Idol"), Mann's Chinese Theatre (film premieres), Universal Studios, and El Capitan Theatre ("Jimmy Kimmel Live").

*Price does not include tax. Price and availability are based on the night of December 31, 2007.

San Francisco from $36/night
CrawlSF is back for the fifth year in a row to throw its biggest party ever: Speakeasy 2008!

(For those of you who don't remember this chapter from U.S. history class: a speakeasy was where the socially elite went to party during the prohibition era.)

The Renaissance Stanford Court in Nob Hill will transform into a speakeasy from the roaring 20s. Tickets are on sale now and include open bar, heavy hors d'oeuvres, DJ's and dancing, party favors, VIP bags, and a few special surprises!

CrawlSF is a company that brings together the best restaurants, bars, clubs, DJs and bands in the Bay Area to ensure that you have the time of your life.


When you're ready to call it a night, stay at USA Hostels San Francisco. Each dorm room has only 6 dorm beds and its own bathroom. Mixed dorms are for couples and siblings only. The hostel is just three blocks from Union Square and just minutes away from the Cable Cars, shops, bookstores, restaurants, street entertainment, the Theatre District, and Chinatown.

*Price does not include tax. Price and availability are based on the night of December 31, 2007.

New York from $66/night
New York's Time Square will be rockin' for the umpteenth drop of the ball! It's free and will be insane since you'll be experiencing it with thousands of people in the freezing cold.

If you're more in the mood to party indoors:

Tenjune
Marquee
Cielo
Cain
Read about these clubs in our current edition of Travel Addicts eNews, "Best U.S. Cities after Dark!" You may get a few other ideas of what to do and where to go for New Year's Eve.


The Broadway Hostel and Hotel is like a visit to the Far East in the middle of Manhattan's Upper West Side. The interior is decorated with silks and Buddhas. Private rooms offer soothing colors, soft lighting, and a balcony or terrace. There are two eight-bed dorms as well shared bathroom.

Price does not include tax. Price and availability are based on the night of December 31, 2007

London from $38/night
Dance the night away and count down to 2008 at one of London's hottest clubs!

Fabric
Turnmills
Ministry of Sound
Pacha
Club Fantastic
Cross Central Warehouse Party
Restaurants thrive on the New Year's Eve crowd and hot-spots like Chez Gerard and Bertorellis deliver a fantastic menu, dancing and a champagne toast. If you want fun but a little lower key, hit a pub or two. Then there's always a champagne cruise on the Thames.


Clink is a former courthouse that's now a stylish hostel with high-tech pod beds. Rooms used to be courtrooms and some of the private rooms used to be police cells. So, Clink - get it?!? It's near King's Cross tube station so you're just a short hop from all of the sightseeing you want.

*Price does not include tax. Price and availability are based on the night of December 31, 2007.


Paris from $69/night
What's New Year's in Paris without a party at Le Moulin Rouge? This incredible venue has big plans for you: a high-class meal, vintage individual bottle of champagne, the big show at midnight, then dancing 'til dawn!

Also featuring New Year's Eve celebrations.

Le Lido
Le Paradis Latin
Le Brasil Tropical
La Belle Epoque
Dinner cruises on the River Seine are available at various rates and menus from companies like Les Bateaux Parisiens, Bateaux Mouches, and Marina de Bercy.


The Comfort Hotel Place du Tertre is in the famous Monmartre area and only 10-15 minutes walk from Gare du Nord. It's set on a quiet, cobbled street and is close to the Sacre Coeur. It offers single, twin and double rooms and bathrooms. Some rooms have balconies.

*Price and availability are based on the night of December 31, 2007.

New Year's Eve in the air

I am returning from Canada on December 31 and I was wondering if flying on New Year's Eve is any different than other nights. Are planes less crowded? Do airlines do anything special for passengers? Just wondering.
Colm Heaney


· With great expectations, three years ago this New Year's Eve, my daughter and I flew club class, from Vancouver to Heathrow with Air Canada. We were extremely disappointed to find that the few passengers were expected to sleep as normal. Midnight was announced but nothing special happened. Sorry to disappoint you, but perhaps a different airline will have more of a sense of occasion.
Sandra West

· On January 1 1992 we took the evening flight from Auckland, New Zealand, to Honolulu and Los Angeles. Flying eastbound from New Zealand you cross the International Date Line; the captain of the Continental Airlines DC10 announced that it was New Year's Eve 1991 again, and said he was sending a bottle of champagne back to the passengers. By the time it reached us in the rear part of the economy cabin not much was left!
Robert Goundry, Leamington Spa

New Year's Eve in the air

I am returning from Canada on December 31 and I was wondering if flying on New Year's Eve is any different than other nights. Are planes less crowded? Do airlines do anything special for passengers? Just wondering.
Colm Heaney


· With great expectations, three years ago this New Year's Eve, my daughter and I flew club class, from Vancouver to Heathrow with Air Canada. We were extremely disappointed to find that the few passengers were expected to sleep as normal. Midnight was announced but nothing special happened. Sorry to disappoint you, but perhaps a different airline will have more of a sense of occasion.
Sandra West

· On January 1 1992 we took the evening flight from Auckland, New Zealand, to Honolulu and Los Angeles. Flying eastbound from New Zealand you cross the International Date Line; the captain of the Continental Airlines DC10 announced that it was New Year's Eve 1991 again, and said he was sending a bottle of champagne back to the passengers. By the time it reached us in the rear part of the economy cabin not much was left!
Robert Goundry, Leamington Spa

American Tours and Travels

American Travel and Tours, established in Sacramento, California ( United Stated of America ) in 1993, is a leading provider of travel services worldwide. We offer tour packages and arrange customized trips covering regional/national/international flights, transfers, hotel booking, meals, tours and car rental arrangements. At American Travel & Tours we also undertake railway reservations within India and abroad eg. Eurorail Pass. At American Travel & Tours we also undertake and plan the tour packages as per the requirements of the traveler eg. We have most economical plans as well.

American Notes: Travels in America

1750-1920 comprises 253 published narratives by Americans and foreign visitors recounting their travels in the colonies and the United States and their observations and opinions about American peoples, places, and society from about 1750 to 1920. Also included is the thirty-two-volume set of manuscript sources entitled Early Western Travels, 1748-1846, published between 1904 and 1907 after diligent compilation by the distinguished historian and secretary of the Wisconsin Historical Society Reuben Gold Thwaites. Although many of the authors represented in American Notes are not widely known, the collection includes works by major figures such as Matthew Arnold, Fredrika Bremer, William Cullen Bryant, François-René de Chateaubriand, William Cobbett, James Fenimore Cooper, J. Hector St. John de Crèvecoeur, Charles Dickens, Washington Irving, Benjamin Henry Latrobe, Sir Charles Lyell, William Lyon Mackenzie, André Michaux, Thomas Nuttall, Frederick Law Olmsted, and Robert Louis Stevenson. The narratives in American Notes therefore range from the unjustly neglected to the justly famous, and from classics of the genre to undiscovered gems. Together, they build a mosaic portrait of a young nation.

Manchester Travel Guide

Why? Site of Britain's two biggest universities and home to two world-class football clubs, a holiday in Manchester is bound to include plenty of partying and action. There is a side of Manchester reserved for serious sight-seers too, with several historic and cultural attractions on offer.
When? When you travel to Manchester be prepared for the weather to be typically English, that is, highly unpredictable. Generally summer is a good time to holiday in Manchester, with mild, mainly sunny days. The city gets more than its fair share of rain, mainly during the cold winters.
Who for? Although it is not regarded as one of Britain's most important tourist destinations, a few days' holiday in Manchester is worthwhile for anyone touring the UK and interested in discovering this major north-western metropolis. The city is also very gay-friendly and the area concentrated around Canal Street is the site of a popular annual Pride festival.
More Info: Anyone deciding whether or not to holiday in Manchester is well advised to read our comprehensive Manchester travel guide which may reveal some surprises about the merits of this vast English city.



Manchester Overview
Although now best known for its football teams, Manchester was once one of England's greatest Victorian cities and was the birthplace of both rail travel and Rolls Royce. It is situated on the east bank of the Irwell River, in the north east of the country, and is the centre of a huge metropolitan area, which now encompasses the surrounding towns of Bury, Bolton, Wigan, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport and Oldham. Liverpool is just 30 miles (48km) down river. The area has long had a reputation as a drab, industrialised sprawl, but Manchester has succeeded in reinventing itself, becoming a vibrant metropolis with nightlife second only to London. The city boasts more than 50 free museums and galleries, a world-class sports centre that recently hosted the Commonwealth Games, and plenty of parks, gardens and other attractions.

The city's architecture is largely a reminder of its central role in the cotton trade and many of the original warehouses can still be seen, although modern-day Manchester is now very different from its heyday as an industrial hub. When the city centre was badly damaged in an IRA bombing in 1996, much of the central area was beautifully renovated. Now renamed the Millennium Quarter, it is a marvellous contrast of splendid Victorian architecture and towering glass edifices, including the eye-catching Urbis exhibition centre.

Manchester City and Manchester United are two of the biggest football clubs in England and Old Trafford (home to Manchester United) has become a huge tourist destination. For those more interested in arts and culture than football, the new Lowry complex in Salford Quays boasts a fantastic selection of art galleries and theatres. The city also plays host to countless events, concerts, festivals and parades, is home to world-class bars and restaurants, and has plenty of shops and markets. Manchester is also home to the United Kingdom's largest Chinatown, and a vibrant and friendly Gay Village, concentrated around Canal and Chorlton Streets.

York Travel Guide

Why? It is one of England's favourite tourist destinations, so a holiday in York is not to be missed when touring the UK. York is a compact medieval cathedral city that can trace its history back to the Vikings, and features some of the best-preserved historic buildings in Europe. Apart from the sights, many travel to York for its many festivals, which range from celebrating ancient Romans to horse racing and jazz.
When? Typical British weather is to be expected when you holiday in York, meaning that summers will be warm to hot, and winters wet, cold and frosty. The best time to travel to York is during spring, when flowers and trees come into bloom, enhancing the aesthetics of the city.
Who for? With plenty to do and see for all ages, a holiday in York is ideal for families with children, who will enjoy seeing the sights and experiencing fun attractions such as a huge maze and the frightening York Dungeon. York is also popular as a romantic weekend break destination.
More Info: Find out all you can see and do on a merry holiday in York in our York travel guide, which has details on all the main attractions.



York Overview
From the remains of a Viking settlement discovered deep beneath Coppergate Street, to the medieval wall surrounding the old city and the splendour of Castle Howard (the setting for TV's Brideshead Revisited), York is a city steeped in history.

Founded in 71 AD, York is located at the convergence of the Ouse and Foss rivers and was thus a strategic Northern hub, passing through the hands of the Romans, Saxons, Vikings, and Normans respectively. The varied history of the city is evident in its magnificent architecture - from Viking ruins and the walled city to York's most imposing building, the Minster. Northern Europe's largest Gothic Cathedral, the Minster took more than 250 years to complete, and is an impressive structure surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Other popular attractions in the city include the fascinating Jorvik Viking Centre, the York Maze, the York Dungeons and the Shambles, one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cobbled streets. The Shambles area is well worth an afternoon stroll, with its winding narrow lanes, picturesque buildings and quaint shops. Alternatively, a more 'other worldly' way to experience this historic area is on the York Ghost Hunt - a fun and fascinating tour that operates rain or shine through the city streets, in search of York's more illusive residents.

This is not just a city of history, however, and the presence of York University means that it is a lively mix of the old and the new. There are plenty of shops, bars, clubs and restaurants and weary travellers can spend their afternoon in one of the city's excellent tea rooms or coffee shops, while the evenings offer West End shows at North England prices, or some good English pub grub.

Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Travel Guide

Why? With its sparkling, stylish waterfront and a host of historic sites, Newcastle is a mix of fun and culture, spiced with the legendary Geordie folk heritage. Newcastle, the party capital of north-east England, is often underrated as a travel destination and has been dubbed one of England's best-kept secrets.
When? Like most of England, summer is the best time to travel to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, which has the advantage of being one of the United Kingdom's driest cities. Summertime brings warm temperatures, when locals and visitors alike can take advantage of outdoor party venues.
Who for? A weekend break in Newcastle is well-suited to the younger crowd, who will get the most out of the party culture of this university city. History buffs may also enjoya trip to Newcastle for its ancient Roman heritage and its proximity for excursions to Hadrian's Wall.
More Info: Find out all the information you need for an enjoyable holiday in Newcastle from our full Newcastle-upon-Tyne travel guide, which lists the major local attractions and a great deal more.



Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Overview
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, or Newcastle as it is more commonly known, has worked hard to throw off its image as a dreary, industrial city and to develop a thriving tourism industry. Clearly successful in its attempts at regeneration, Newcastle has now become a highly popular UK weekend destination, particularly with the younger crowd who flock to its bars, restaurants and nightclubs, intent on having a good time.

Situated on the River Tyne's north bank, the city boasts a 2,000-year-old history and a treasure-trove of architecture, with the most classical buildings listed in the UK. Although the city really only reached prominence in the Industrial Revolution, it has long been a capital and defensive point of the north of England for the Romans and Saxons respectively. The city's origins as a Roman town are still evident in Hadrian's Wall, whose ruins can be seen stretching eastwards to Wallsend.

Today, these Roman ruins and the grand elegance of areas such as the neoclassical Grainger Town in the city centre contrast with the ultra modern buildings of the city's new Quayside development. Newcastle's waterfront glitters with chic boutiques, excellent restaurants, stylish hotels and modern art. The Gateshead Millennium Bridge, a work of art in itself, arches across the River Tyne to link Newcastle to Gateshead Quays.

The city's modern amenities lie comfortably alongside a myriad of historic sites, parks, traditional markets, galleries and museums, and although it may not yet be on everybody's list of top destinations, Newcastle is a thriving, vibrant city with plenty to offer the visitor.

Salvador da Bahia

Salvador de Bahia is Bahia state's capital city (locals generally abbreviate its name to Salvador or simply Bahia). Salvador was founded in 1549 and quickly became the premier city in Brazil, and the second most important city in the Portuguese Empire after Lisbon. Salvador prospered in the 17th and 18th centuries; it was the country's major port and a significant portion of the sugar from the northeast and gold and diamonds from the mines in the southeast passed through the city. Today the wealth of impressive colonial architecture is evidence of the city's rich history. Between the modern tower blocks, well-restored enclaves of the old city remain with cobblestone streets, colourful mansions and dozens of ornate Baroque churches.

The spicy atmosphere of this delightfully decadent city is best soaked up on foot, within the narrow streets and in the markets, the best of which is the Mercado Modelo arts and crafts market. Most churches are open to the public and many have been turned into museums. One of the city's more unusual experiences is to ride the Elevador Lacerda, an Art Deco structure housing old electric elevators that carry passengers between the port and the old historic part of the town, on the hill.

The only thing wrong with Salvador's excellent beaches is that visitors are spoilt for choice. The range extends from calm coves (ideal for swimming, sailing and underwater fishing, such as Porto da Barra beach) to wild beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean, such as Aleluia beach, which attracts surfers. Some beaches are surrounded by coral reefs, forming natural swimming pools that are ideal for children. The beaches are the location for many of Salvador's great festivals, including the New Year festivities, which include performances and an impressive fireworks display.

Salvador is Brazil's most Africanised state, a result of the thousands of slaves that were brought here 400 years ago to work in the sugarcane plantations, and there is even a museum, the Museu Afro-Brasileira, which is dedicated to Black culture. The fusion of African and Latin cultures had given Salvador a unique brand of magic that is particularly evident at city's many festivals, most notably the massive 'Carnaval' in mid-November which attracts two million revellers from all over the world and is said to rival the famous Rio Carnaval.



Attractions

Angra dos Reis

This peninsula and group of 365 islands (one for each day of the year!) is a holiday playground that boasts 2,000 beautiful beaches and a natural wonderland of mountains, forests, waterfalls, lakes and secret coves. Visitors can take trips by schooner, yacht or motor launch to explore the delights of the area, particularly the main island, Ilha Grande. Fishing and diving are the favoured activities for tourists, and on land there are hundreds of walking trails giving access to some of the less frequented beaches like Canto, Abraaozinho, Morcego and Grande das Palmas. The beaches of Aventureiro and Lopes Mendes are also popular with surfers.

Website: www.angra-dos-reis.com; Transport: It can be easily reached from Rio by road in just over two hours, or accessed by bus with daily departures every hour from the Novo Rio Bus Station

Brazil Travel Guide

A large proportion of Brazil's huge population should have good reason to be unhappy about their lot in life. Yet, the long-lasting impression one has of this magical country is of carefree, colourful people dancing and celebrating in the street parades at Carnaval. It is this passion for life and exuberance of spirit that charms visitors from around the world. Tourists descending on the country's fabulous cities, such as hedonistic Rio de Janeiro, can enjoy the five-star hotels, shopping malls, beautiful beaches, sunny skies and inspirational restaurants without really having to confront the hundreds of shantytowns (favelas) where the poorest of the poor eke out a living in the shadows of the skyscrapers.

Brazil could have been an incredibly wealthy country, but institutionalised corruption and mismanagement of agricultural and natural resources are two of the main reasons why prosperity has been denied to the mass of the people. Despite this, life for most Brazilians is a sensuous adventure and visitors inevitably will get caught up in the rhythm of its samba.

Being so vast, larger than continental United States, Brazil offers a variety of cultures and topographies. The range is evident in the contrast of the Amazon rain forest to the mountain towns of Minas Gerais, the urban jungle of Sao Paulo and the vast central plateau around Brasilia and the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. It all adds up to an exotic and exciting Latin American mix where the common denominators are samba, sunshine, sultry smiles and soccer.