The Ultimate Travel Companion, WorldMate for iPad, Launches Today

SAN FRANCISCO, May 2, 2012  -- WorldMate, the trip organizer and travel planning app with over 9 million users, announced today the launch of its WorldMate App for iPad. The app was built from the ground up to take full advantage of the Retina display and Multi-Touch capabilities of the new iPad.

The WorldMate App for iPad stores all of the trip details for full access even when there is no Internet connection. The itinerary is carefully laid out to reveal an at-a-glance summary as well as the full flight, hotel, car rental, train, public transportation, and meeting details. These trip items are presented in a full screen map with point-to-point navigation. The app also customizes searches for points of interest, weather forecasts, and social network connections based on the details contained within the itinerary.

When there is a flight delay or cancellation, the alert provides suggested alternatives to keep the traveler on schedule. The various features are thoughtfully intertwined with each other and deeply integrated with the Calendar app in iOS allowing users to synchronize trip details across their iPad, iPhone and Mac.


Jean Tripier, WorldMate CEO, explains, "Our new WorldMate App for iPad features both itinerary management and a wide array of travel tools to ensure travelers have the right information at hand to make their trips smoother, more enjoyable and less stressful."

The WorldMate App for iPad's unmatched set of pre-trip and on-the-road services include:

• Itinerary Management - Simply forward confirmation emails from over 1300 travel providers and WorldMate will automatically build the trip itinerary.
• Calendar Sync - Synchronize trip details across iPad, iPhone and Mac.
• Flight Alerts - Get real-time alerts for gate changes, delays and cancellations.
• Flight Status - Check the status for over 99% of U.S. flights and 86% worldwide.
• Flight Schedules - Lookup schedules for over 1000 airlines.
• Alternative Flights - Search for alternatives to scheduled flights.
• Mapping - Plot every item in the itinerary for orientation and point-to-point navigation.
• Proximity Alerts - See which LinkedIn contacts are nearby.
• Post to Facebook - One-click add to Facebook.
• Share Itinerary - Share upcoming trips with friends, family and colleagues.
• Local Search - Find the best restaurants, nightlife, and shopping near the user's current location, hotel, airport, or meeting.
• Currency Converter - Calculate for over 160 currencies with auto-updated exchange rates.
• Weather - Access 5 day forecasts for itinerary cities and 68,000 others.
• Tip Calculator - Get country-by-country tip recommendations and calculations for restaurants and taxis.

The WorldMate App is available for free from the App Store on iPad or at www.iTunes.com/AppStore. Users can upgrade to a premium 'Gold' version, which includes several additional features, for the introductory price of $2.99.

About WorldMate, Inc.
WorldMate has served over 9 million business and leisure travelers by managing their itineraries and then guiding them through every aspect of their trips. This includes flight alerts, hotel & car rental booking, weather forecasts, maps, currency converters and much more. WorldMate, Inc. is privately held and based in California.

For more information visit www.worldmate.com.


SOURCE WorldMate, Inc.

Best Travel Website of 2012 to be Named by Web Marketing Association in 16th Annual WebAward Competition

HARTFORD, Conn., April 18, 2012 -- The Web Marketing Association announces the call for entries for its 16th annual international WebAward Competition for Web site development at www.webaward.org. The WebAwards is the standards-defining competition that sets benchmarks for 96 industries, including travel, airline and hotel & lodging websites, based on the seven criteria of a successful web site. The deadline for the best travel web sites to enter to be judged is May 31, 2012.

Websites are judged on seven criteria including design, innovation, content, technology, interactivity, copy writing and ease of use. Each WebAward entry in the Travel category is judged against other travel entries and then against an overall standard of excellence.

"The travel industry is very competitive when it comes to Web development and companies can benefit from the independent evaluation of their online efforts," said William Rice, President of the Web Marketing Association. "Travel web sites have been doing great in terms of creating dynamic portals to keep up with the shift in the industry that removed agents as the source of travel information. Judges have looked highly upon travel web site's use of design, copywriting and interactivity."

All travel entrants benefit from receiving valuable feedback in terms of their specific criteria scores compared against the average scores for their industry. They also may receive specific comments from the WebAward's professional judging panel on their Web site development efforts.

Winners of a WebAward in the travel categories will also receive:

• Handsome statue or certificate of achievement
• Increased visibility for their company
• Marketing opportunity to promote the company website to the media
• Links to your site from the highly ranked WebAward site to help SEO
• Admiration of peers, friends and co-workers

Each year, the Web Marketing Association names the Best of Industry for the various travel categories based on the score they receive from the WebAward judges.
Recent winners of the Best Travel Website include:

• 2011 – Civic Resource Group for Wyoming Travel and Tourism Web Portal and Online Management System
• 2010 - TravelChannel.com & Razorfish for The New TravelChannel.com
• 2009 - VisitSweden for VisitSweden
• 2008 - Teehan+Lax Inc for AirMiles Make Like Miles
• 2007 - Arnold Worldwide for Hungry Suitcase
• 2006 - Hospitality eBusiness Strategies for RIU Cancun Portal
• 2005 - Yellowstone Journal Corporation for YellowstonePark.com
• 2004 - Quicksilver Associates for Seabourn Cruise Line
• 2003 - Apollo Interactive for Excalibur Las Vegas Resort Hotel & Casino
• 2002 - Arnold Worldwide for Alaska

Recent winners of the Best Airline Website include:

• 2011 – Carlson Marketing for JetBlue – "TrueBlue Be True"
• 2010 - Lufthansa in partnership with Amadeus for Lufthansa Website
• 2009 - Blast Advanced Media for nature Air – Eco Friendly Costa Rica Airline
• 2008 - Atmosphere BBDO for Emirates.com
• 2007 - Cramer-Krasselt for AirTran Raceway
• 2006 - TM Interactive for American Airlines
• 2005 - TM Interactive for American Airlines
• 2004 - Cramer-Krasselt for AirTran Airways – E-Annual 2003
• 2003 – Agence Braque for Jetsgo
• 2002 – Air Jamaica for Air Jamaica

Recent winners of the Best Hotel & Lodging Website include:

• 2011 – Sabre Hospitality Solutions for The Shores Resort & Spa
• 2010 – TRAVELCLICK for Harbour Grand Kowloon Hotel
• 2009 – TravelCLICK for the Albert Hotel
• 2008 - E-site Marketing for Hotel Terra Jackson Hole
• 2007 - Cendyn for Stonewall Resort
• 2006 - T3 (The Think Tank) for ExperienceMarriott.com
• 2005 - Open World, LTD for WARWICK International Hotels
• 2004 - Interactive Sites for The New York Palace web site
• 2003 - Open World Limited for Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts
• 2002 - FreeRun Technologies for Simpson House Inn

The 2012 WebAwards are sponsored by the following leading organizations: BGT Partners, PR Newswire, Burst Media, MycroBurst, EContent Magazine, ExactTarget, ad:tech conferences, Internet World UK, SES Conferences, Webmaster Radio, and Website Magazine. The Web Marketing Association thanks these companies for their commitment to the entire online marketing community.

About the WebAwards
The Web Marketing Association was founded in 1997 to help define the standard of excellence for online marketing. Our internationally known award programs, such as WebAward Competition for Website Development, Internet Advertising Competition and the new MobileWebAwards, recognize the people and organizations responsible for developing the most effective online marketing programs on the Internet today. Entrants benefit from assessment of their marketing efforts by a professional judging panel and the marketing opportunities presented by being recognized as an award-winning web developer.

SOURCE Web Marketing Association

Introducing the Cosmos Guides to Greece - Don't Even Think About Leaving for Your Holiday Without Reading!

LONDON, April 18, 2012 -- The team at Cosmos Holidays are creating a series of articles on their blog exploring - in detail - the fantastic experiences available in Greece. As one of Cosmos' most popular destinations, Greece boasts all the ingredients for a perfect escape to the sun. And, with bargains galore on the Cosmos website, there has never been a better time to explore this ancient paradise. The Cosmos Guide to Greece is the perfect starting point for planning your dream holiday.

The first article in the series lifts the lid on the delightful culinary experiences holidays to Greece can offer. They've waded through their knowledge of Greek gastronomy to bring their followers their top tips, whether visitors are dining out or sourcing local produce to cook for themselves. Suggestions include lamb baked in a clay pot at The Blue Grotto in Gaios, Paxos, which is built in the style of the local caves, and the Chania Municipal Market in Crete, loved by self-catering visitors and tourists who want to experience living like a local.

Cosmos also have ideas for more adventurous epicureans, including the family-friendly organic farm and winery, Ikarian Winery in Piyi Evdilos. The winery offers wine tasting and cooking classes to pass on some of their family's 500 years of experience creating food and wine in this region.

After readers have had their fill of top Greek meals, from veal in lemon sauce to sea urchin soup, they can turn their attention to the second article in the series. This one explores both the nightlife and opportunities for daytime for indulgence on offer in Greece. The country has enough going on to satisfy everyone, whether you want to dance 'til dawn or while away the hours being pampered to perfection.

The Cosmos Guide to Greece recommends the laser show at Club 69 in Malia on Crete, the southernmost Greek island, and the volcanic soil of Santorini for some unique spa treatments. Lovers of watersports are advised to check out Ios, while those looking for a unique Mediterranean clubbing experience should stop off in Zante. Those looking for truly 5 star luxury should head to Kefalonia for some of the most sophisticated spas in Greece. All these fantastic options may just make you want to check the Greece Holidays offers by Cosmos and book your holidays for the years to come.

The articles provide details on the location of these unmissable experiences in relation to local airports and transport links, making it easy for holidaymakers to plan their trips. Cosmos also invites their followers to comment on their recommendations and provide tips of their own, so get over to the Cosmos Holiday Blog and get involved in the debate! The next article introduces prospective travellers to the best Swimming and Sightseeing on offer in Greece, exploring its crystal waters, ancient ruins and everything between. It's an absolute must-read before planning your dream vacation.

For further press information please contact Barbara Kurau on +44(0)20-8466-8199 or bkurau@cosmos.co.uk or Helen McNaught on +44(0)20-8695-4069 hmcnaught@cosmos.co.uk , or visit http://www.cosmos.co.uk.

SOURCE Cosmos Holidays

Celebrate HostelBookers' 8th Birthday. Win a Trip to 8 Cities of Your Choice!

LONDON, April 11, 2012 -- HostelBookers , the budget accommodation specialist, is 8 years old. To celebrate, one lucky customer will win a trip for two to 8 cities of their choice, plus GBP2,000 spending money.

The prize is 8 x 3-night stays in hostels and cheap hotels in any 8 cities in which HostelBookers has availability. The winner can choose to book consecutive nights away, or alternatively, plan a number of weekend breaks. To enter, participants need to answer a simple question about HostelBookers' Awards for Excellence 2012 and submit their email address to be in with a chance of winning.

The competition will run from 11th April 2012 to 8th of May 2012. The lucky winner will be drawn at random by the judges on the 9th May 2011. Accommodation stays must be booked by the 31st of December 2012 and must be completed no later than 31st May 2013.

David Smith, COO at HostelBookers, states: "This is another great opportunity for customers to enjoy free hostels and cheap hotels in 8 cities of their choice plus travel money. We are so proud of how far we have come in the last 8 years and our aim to be the number one budget accommodation provider in the world is soon going to be reached."

For more information about how to enter the competition and full terms and conditions please click here .

HostelBookers is the leading budget accommodation website in the travel industry not to apply a service charge and is, on average, 8.7% cheaper than its nearest competitor. It features over 20,000 hostels, cheap hotels and budget properties on its website in over 3,500 destinations across the world. Follow us on Twitter @PRHostelbookers.

SOURCE  HostelBookers

TripAdvisor Introduces Travel Advice from "Friend of a Friend"

The World's Largest Travel Site Expands Facebook Integration to Provide Dramatically More Personalized Travel Insight

NEWTON, Mass., April 11, 2012 -- TripAdvisor®, the world's largest travel site*, today launched its "Friend of a Friend" feature that highlights trusted reviews and opinions from friends of Facebook friends. Representing the next step in making travel planning more social for the TripAdvisor global community, travelers are now ten times more likely to see personalized travel advice on TripAdvisor.

"Travel advice from friends is incredibly useful, but your inner circle may not have all the answers on a particular hotel or destination you are researching," says Adam Medros, vice president of global product for TripAdvisor. "The Friend of a Friend feature increases the probability of an even greater personalized TripAdvisor experience by highlighting opinions from a larger network of travelers that know the people you trust."

Friendly Advice – And More of It

Every day, Facebook-connected people write one out of four reviews submitted on TripAdvisor. Each of these travelers has an average of 190 people in their friend network[1]. With access to friends of friends, the average network can soar to tens of thousands, making social travel planning exponentially more useful.

How It Works

When researching a hotel, restaurant, or attraction, people will see their friends' reviews first, followed by reviews of their friends' friends. They can use the TripAdvisor private message service to ask anyone in this network for further advice. As always, reviews from the greater TripAdvisor community will also be displayed below friends' reviews so travelers can continue to benefit from the wisdom of the crowds.

Travelers can adjust their privacy settings within their Account Settings on Facebook to limit what their Facebook friends can see on TripAdvisor. Travelers who do not want access to their friends' travel advice, or don't want their friends to see their own reviews, can opt out.

The "Friend of a Friend" feature is now available on TripAdvisor sites worldwide with the exception of China and Egypt. To experience Friend of a Friend, please log in to Facebook via www.tripadvisor.com.

About TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor^® is the world's largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools. TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 50 million unique monthly visitors*, and over 60 million reviews and opinions. The sites operate in 30 countries worldwide, including China under daodao.com. TripAdvisor also includes TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to TripAdvisor's millions of monthly visitors.

TripAdvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP) manages and operates websites under 19 other travel media brands, and together the sites attract more than 69 million unique monthly visitors**. TripAdvisor's travel media brands include www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.everytrail.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.holidaywatchdog.com, www.independenttraveler.com, www.onetime.com, www.seatguru.com, www.sniqueaway.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.tingo.com, www.travel-library.com, www.travelpod.com, www.virtualtourist.com, www.whereivebeen.com, and www.kuxun.cn.

*Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, Worldwide, January 2012

**Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Inc. and its subsidiaries, Worldwide, January 2012

©2012 TripAdvisor, Inc. All rights reserved.

Facebook^® is a registered trademark of Facebook Inc.

[1] Source: https://www.facebook.com/notes/facebook-data-team/anatomy-of-facebook/10150388519243859

SOURCE TripAdvisor

Celebrity Co-Founder Andy Samberg Unveils CanaryHop.com Viral Video

CanaryHop.com - A Modern Day Classifieds Bringing Local Activities and Travel Experiences to Life

LOS ANGELES, March 23, 2012 -- Andy Samberg, celebrity co-founder of the innovative travel website, CanaryHop.com, debuts his comedic thrill seeking viral video showcasing his worldwide adventures and travel experiences (http://www.canaryhop.com/andy-samberg-video/).

This hilarious video gives viewers a sneak peek of the vast range of potential experiences and activities that CanaryHop.com has to offer. CanaryHop.com is the newest international marketplace that connects travelers with locals in vacation destinations to plan activities, tours, lessons and experiences.

CanaryHop is like a modern day classifieds only its listings connect you to actual experiences. The site caters to two markets: Canaries – local individuals with expertise in an aspect of tourism who wants to market their services and host Hoppers – travelers looking to take part in tours, lessons and experiences with a local connoisseur. Whether Hoppers are visiting from a couple hours away or travelling from halfway around the world, they are sure to find some local flavor in their destination locations.

CanaryHop.com is the one-stop activity site for things to do around the world, whether you are exploring your own city or visiting somewhere for the first time! The process of planning an experience is as simple as typing in a destination and finding activities such as a personalized hiking tour in Vancouver, spending a day with a winemaker in New Zealand, paddle boarding down the coastline with a local Malibu surfer or taking a tuk tuk ride in downtown Bangkok. Other local activities can also be included such as food tours, sports instruction, cooking lessons, learning a foreign language, or ballroom dancing classes.

CanaryHop.com co-founder and Serial Entrepreneur, Damon Spiegel says, "CanaryHop.com is a fusion of culture, travel, and social networking. I am thrilled to be a part of such a forward thinking venture that allows us to make such a momentous impact on the next generation of booking travel."

Currently, CanaryHop.com is the only company that offers the opportunity to be your own travel agent. This new technology allows vacationers to find tours, travel destinations, activities and guides instantly. CanaryHop's user-friendly website boasts a database with thousands of activities uploaded daily, resulting in an up-to-date online search engine. The website adds 300 activities a week in over 350 cities worldwide including London, New York, Los Angeles, Rome, Chicago, San Francisco and Hong Kong.

Co-founder Brad Finefrock explains, "Our goal is to fill a fundamental need for both travelers and locals who are seeking exciting activities in the city they live or somewhere they are traveling to."

About CanaryHop.com
Exploring the world one hop at a time, CanaryHop.com hosts a marketplace for tours, lessons, and travel experiences. The website allows hoppers to discover and explore an endless option of adventure and guarantees an authentic user-based travel experience. This innovative travel website is the first of its kind and a groundbreaking opportunity for users everywhere. For more information on CanaryHop.com visit www.canaryhop.com .

SOURCE CanaryHop.com

Holland America Line Makes Summer Cruising in Alaska And Europe an Affordable Family Vacation

Limited-time savings include free upgrades, kids sail free and air credits

SEATTLE, March 14, 2012 -- Holland America Line is making an Alaska CruiseTour or European cruise a more affordable vacation option this summer with limited-time savings and special offers.

Guests who book select 2012 Alaska CruiseTours or European itineraries by March 31, 2012, are eligible to receive up to a $500 air credit per stateroom or a shipboard credit of up to $200 per suite, as well as complimentary stateroom upgrades from an inside stateroom to an oceanview or from an oceanview stateroom to a verandah. Families looking to take a summer vacation can take advantage of an exclusive offer that lets kids between the ages of two and 17 cruise free on select Europe itineraries when sailing as a third or fourth guest in a stateroom.

"Savvy travelers know that cruising is an incredible value when it comes to vacation options," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. "But when you add these extra incentives it makes it possible for more guests and families on summer holiday to enjoy an unforgettable cruise experience."

For the summer Europe season, seven Holland America Line ships sail 44 unique itineraries that span from the northern tip of Norway to the Black Sea and eastern and western Mediterranean. Five new maiden ports of call and four new itineraries make their debut, and guests can enjoy overnight visits in 17 cities, including Hamburg, Germany; Istanbul, Turkey; St. Petersburg, Russia; Stockholm, Sweden; Dublin, Ireland; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Venice, Italy; and Bordeaux, France.

Families with less time who are looking for a cultural and scenic adventure can opt for a seven-day sailing to the fjords of Norway or a Mediterranean adventure. Roundtrip cruises sail from Dover (London), England; Barcelona, Spain; Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; and Rotterdam and Amsterdam, Netherlands. Additional Holland America Line Europe itineraries enable guests to be among the few to cross the Arctic Circle, transit Germany's Kiel Canal, explore the ancient pyramids of Giza, and take a dip in the famous "Blue Lagoon," Iceland's unique geothermal seawater.

In summer 2012, the line will have seven ships sailing three different Alaska itineraries, as well as nine CruiseTours that combine a three-, four- or seven-day Inside Passage Holland America Line cruise with in-depth overland tours. Ranging in total length from 10 to 20 days. CruiseTours are designed to highlight the best of Alaska's wilderness, wildlife, native culture and history.

New for 2012, three new CruiseTours highlight Denali National Park with the only three-night Denali experience available; the line's first-ever round-trip Seattle, Wash., CruiseTour departures; and one-night Denali adventures. Six tours also feature Canada's Yukon Territory with its Klondike Gold Rush heritage and pristine national parks such as Kluane National Park and Tombstone Park.

Europe cruise fares begin at $699 per person, double occupancy. Alaska CruiseTours start at $999 per person.

For cruise brochures or for more information on the Alaska CruiseTours and European itineraries, consult a travel professional, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the home page at www.hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]

Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 350 ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

World's Leading Cruise Lines

Holland America Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

SOURCE Holland America Line