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Travel with the 'D' around the world, Vol. 29

Bruce Willis plays Joseph Gordon-Levitt's future self in "Looper."

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

(CNN) -- "Looper," this past weekend's mind-bending futuristic thriller from writer/director Rian Johnson, follows "The Terminator's" time traveling mantra: There's no fate but what we make. The destiny audiences forged helped "Looper" land at the box office in second place, earning the film a cool $21.2 million. Not bad for an R-rated action flick whose big questions would have made sci-fi novelist Philip K. Dick smirk.

In the film, bottom barrel assassins are handpicked to do the future mobster's dirty work by killing targets in 2044, 30 years before time travel is even invented. Unfortunately, the hit men collecting silver bounty off of bodies sent to the past tend to die young (sort of). They retroactively commit suicide by murdering their future selves, giving them three decades to live life to the fullest. It's also full of space-time paradoxes. What if you could change the future by altering the past? That's precisely what happens when Joe the looper, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, makes the mistake of letting his future form, played by Bruce Willis, escape.

Time travel is obviously a sci-fi staple, but sometimes it's best to keep things simple.

"We'll be sitting here all day making diagrams with straws," Bruce Willis yells at his younger self after being hounded by questions about the history of things to come. But believe it or not, there are scientists who study the real world possibilities of time travel, and it's a lot of information to sip up.

Combating bad pop culture time travel

Joseph Gordon-Levitt in 'Looper'

Meryl Streep in 'The Iron Lady'

Robert Downey Jr. in 'Tropic Thunder'

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A look at 'Looper's' potential for real world time travel

Puntarenas, Costa Rica (PRWEB) October 02, 2012

This top award was given by the travel savvy voters of the World Travel Awards website and travel advisors. The awards were handed out to leading travel brands from across the Caribbean and Americas at the World Travel Awards Ceremony hosted at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa on September 14, 2012. A packed delegation of VIPs, senior tourism figures and international media travelled from more than 30 nations to attend WTAs Caribbean & The Americas Ceremony 2012.

Zephyr Palace is part of the Villa Caletas complex hotel in Costa Rica. This luxury mansion shines like a jewel in Costa Ricas Central Pacific coast and has seven thematic luxury suites that have been carefully decorated. Each suites detail and dcor will transport guests to a different time and style according to the rooms theme. The name and design of this Palace was inspired by the mythological Greek God of the west wind. Zephyros, considered the gentlest wind. Even today Zephyr means a warm and light breeze. Its over the top design and architecture makes guests feel a world away. Feel the enchantment of the mansion sunbathing in a private pool or relaxing in an African inspired suite.

Zephyr Palace is part of Villa Caletas, one of the first boutique hotels in Costa Rica. It not only boasts top services and facilities but a unique way to see Costa Rica. Located 1000 feet over the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by the rain forest, experience the best of Costa Rica. Zephyr Palace has access to a private beach where guests can relax in the year round pleasant weather as well as horizon pools where the views are endless. To explore Costa Rica, there are many attractions nearby such as beaches, National Parks, zip lining, sport fishing etc.

The World Travel Awards serves to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry. Winning a Word Travel Award is the highest commendation in the travel and tourism industry and this triumph serves as a testament of Zephyr Palaces excellence over the last 12 months. To Celebrate this great award Villa Caletass Zephyr Palace is offering this great package: Stay 3 nights, pay for 2! Total for three nights: $746 in Egyptian, 20 Years or New World Suite *Taxes included. Valid until December 15, 2012. Offer valid for two people per suite.

For reservations please contact: reservations(at)villacaletas(dot)com +(506) 2630-3000

For more information and reservations for the hotel, visit:http://www.zephyrpalace.com& http://www.villacaletas.com or join the Facebook to keep up with the latest news and promotions http://www.facebook.com/villacaletascr

For more information on the World Travel Awards: http://www.worldtravelawards.com

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Zephyr Palace Has Been Voted as Costa Rica's Leading Hotel

The new "Golfing in the Clouds" day trip includes a round at the La Paz Golf Club.

(PRWEB) October 02, 2012

Their 3 day La Paz Stopover is an introduction to the country and the worlds highest capital. Its also the natural starting point to explore Lake Titicaca and the Uyuni Salt Flats.

Goway has now added a Bolivia day tour for keen or amateur golfers to play a round at the worlds highest golf course touted as "Golfing in the Clouds. Founded in 1912 by British railway workers laying tracks through the Andes, the La Paz Golf Club is located in an upscale neighbourhood at the top of the massive bowl that is La Paz.

Holes are intersected with tall pillars of sandstone with immaculately kept fairways and green offering an amazing juxtaposition of browns to greens. With volcanoes in the distant framing the view, a round at the La Paz Golf Course is not only one of gaining a milestone by playing the highest course in the world it is also a day of beauty and scenery not seen anywhere in the world let alone on any golf course. The highlight for any serious golfer is the 12th hole, the fabled Valle de la Luna, (moon valley) as it requires a 180 yard shot over a forest of large, rocky outcrops below.

Goway specializes in custom itineraries for independent and group travel. Since 1970, Goway has provided unforgettable travel experiences to some of the world's most exotic and interesting destinations. Goways destinations include Australia, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Antarctica and idyllic tropical islands. For a free trip quote, visit http://www.goway.com.

Emma Cottis Goway 1-800-557-2841 Email Information

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Play the World's Highest Golf Course in Bolivia with Goway Travel

NEWTON, Mass., Oct. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site*, today announced it has acquired Wanderfly, a travel inspiration site.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080902/TRIPADVISORLOGO )

"The Wanderfly team understands the value in social travel planning," said Steve Kaufer, co-founder and CEO TripAdvisor. "They're a great asset as we continue our developments in this area and I am delighted to welcome them to TripAdvisor."

Terms of the acquisition will not be disclosed.

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 60 million unique monthly visitors*, and over 75 million reviews and opinions. The sites operate in 30 countries worldwide, includingChina underdaodao.com. TripAdvisor also includes TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to millions of monthly TripAdvisor visitors.

TripAdvisor, Inc. (TRIP) manages and operates websites under 19 other travel media brands, and together the sites attract more than 74 million unique monthly visitors.** TripAdvisor, Inc.'s travel media brands include http://www.airfarewatchdog.com, http://www.bookingbuddy.com, http://www.cruisecritic.com, http://www.everytrail.com, http://www.familyvacationcritic.com, http://www.flipkey.com, http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk, http://www.holidaywatchdog.com, http://www.independenttraveler.com, http://www.onetime.com,www.seatguru.com, http://www.sniqueaway.com, http://www.smartertravel.com, http://www.tingo.com, http://www.travel-library.com, http://www.travelpod.com, http://www.virtualtourist.com, http://www.whereivebeen.com, and http://www.kuxun.cn.

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

**Source: comScore Media Metrix forTripAdvisor, Inc.and its subsidiaries, Worldwide, July 2012

2012 TripAdvisor, Inc. All rights reserved.

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TripAdvisor Acquires Wanderfly

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Selling the Dream: Taking on the world with travel posters

Peter Alsop tells us how New Zealand first developed a tourism brand and marketed it to the world through travel posters and other tourism publicity the focus of new book Selling the Dream.

In the early 1900s, New Zealand could see a prosperous future in tourism but, to win that, needed an initial foothold in a competitive global industry. There was no clear identity for New Zealand itself, let alone an established tourism proposition. Without the web, TV and even colour photography, our publicity pioneers had to design travel posters and make them good enough to compete with those of the worlds best poster artists. And as if being a newcomer wasnt tough enough, we had to convince the most adventurous of northern hemisphere travellers to travel six weeks to get here by boat.

Overcoming these and other challenges must count as one of New Zealands most striking achievements on the international stage. The artwork was pivotal in creating our tourism industry and in shaping our national identity as New Zealanders. It is some of the finest graphic art ever produced in New Zealand, and as arresting and impressive today as when it was first created.

A foundation of this story was the establishment of the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts in 1901, the first government tourism agency in the world (now Tourism New Zealand). Forthwith, dreamy campaigns included 'Scenic Wonderland, 'The Pocket Edition of the World', Thousands of feet above worry level, The Sportsmans Paradise, Maoriland and A World in Itself suggestive of the exotica, diversity, adventure and escapism New Zealand had on offer.

As with most successes, the environment was also ripe. In the early 1900s, the "art of the street" would have surely impressed. Outdoor advertising beautified railway stations, as well as the landscape as thousands of advertising hoardings were progressively erected along the rail network. There was also a marked shift in poster style from typography to eye-catching graphic work, a trend that would strengthen to underpin the golden age of the travel poster in the 1930s. And commensurate with the growth of international boat travel (and much later air), posters were swapped internationally through reciprocal display agreements with other governments and transportation companies.

A hallmark of the best posters was their simplicity using a stripped back style. With posters needing to weave their magic on a passing gaze, simplicity was the essence of success but if you think it looks easy give it a try! From this poster style, it is easy to see the conception of pop art (coming decades later) and many facets of modern advertising. There is also good evidence that developments in commercial art lead the fine arts in New Zealand; until now a largely missing chapter in our art history.

Also spare a thought for the artisan production techniques used, such as stone lithography and silk-screen printing. We now take for granted a click of an icon or drop-down menu, whereas our publicity pioneers had to create fonts; completely redo paintings; and, to enable reproduction, use hand-cut stencils for screen-printing or slabs coated with greasy inks for lithography.

Were these pioneers good? Yes, very good, and certainly good enough to impress 50-100 years on. Let's also remember that these artworks, with lasting historical significance, were only designed for momentary appreciation and disposal. Instead, some posters luckily survive and resurface to again work their magic, this time in a comprehensive celebratory book.

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‘Selling the Dream’: Taking on the world with travel posters

Wednesday, October 03, 2012

The Marianas Visitors Authority reached out to over 125,000 travel trade representatives, media representatives, and potential visitors last week at Asia's largest annual travel show, the Japan Association of Travel Agents World Travel Fair 2012.

Japan is the Northern Mariana Islands' largest source country, and JATA is that country's national organization of travel agents and suppliers promoting the travel and tourism industry.

The fair was held Sept 21-23, 2012 at the Tokyo Big Sight convention center.

Although the number of visitors decreased on Sunday due to heavy rain, the total number of visitors was still 7 percent greater than last year, said MVA Marketing manager Bruce Bateman. In all, the MVA's outreach to tourism professionals and potential visitors was a resounding success.

In addition to distributing destination information and answering questions at the Northern Marianas booth, the Northern Mariana Islands delegation attended a reception at the U.S. Embassy, participated at an MOU signing between the USA and Japan, conducted an interview with Tabihaku TV and featured a talk show with the destination's Saipan Travel Girl 2010 Rieko Ayumi, Miss Saipan 2011 Mai Yukawa, and Miss Saipan 2012 Misato Shimizu.

The MVA also offered demonstrations of Carolinian beadwork, the art form of banana painting, crafting with coconut palm fronds, and a magic show by SandCastle Saipan. A paper-scissors-rock children's contest with the destination mascot Saipan-da! was held, and winners received a Saipan-da! backpack.

We saw long lines of waiting visitors around our booth, said Bateman. The audience was excited about the magic show and, as always, the children and adults were excited with the backpacks they received.

Visitors to the booth also walked away with temporary tattoos and other branded souvenirs as a reminder of the Saipan, Tinian, and Rota destination.

The fair featured 1,083 exhibition booths with companies and organizations from 156 countries and regions participating. Private partners also participating with the MVA were Pacific Development, Inc., Japan Saipan Travel Association, Fiesta Resort and Spa, Kanoa Resort, and Saipan World Resort.

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MVA joins JATA World Travel Fair 2012

Nepal participates in One World Travel Mart in US

Nepal participated in One World Travel Mart (OTM) 2012 held at the vibrant city of USA at San Francisco from September 27 to 30, 2012.

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), together with three private travel companies promoted Visit Lumbini Year 2012 along with Nepali culture and adventure tourism among others.

The incoming trade visitors had inquired about safety-security issues, Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS), new product offers, adventure attractions, investment opportunities; while the general visitors had inquired about travel connections, special attractions, food and accommodation, and safety issues. said NTB in a statement.

OTM has brought International destination sellers together with U.S. buyers. Opening with a two-day B2B marketplace, OTM supported international travel suppliers from more than 100 countries in face-to-face meetings with U.S. buyers, including tour operators, wholesalers, travel agents and media, NTB added.

US is one of the Worlds Top Outbound markets with 62 million overseas travelers. Spending by US outbound travelers is expected to reach US$ 121 billion by 2020. The US Outbound market has huge growth potential as only about 20 percent have traveled abroad. said NTB. Nepalnews.com

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Nepal participates in One World Travel Mart in US

At the 2012 World Travel Awards for Africa, Avis and Europcar were named as leading car rental companies in the region.

Avis won two awards: Africas Leading Business Car Rental Company, which the company has now won four times, and Egypts Leading Car Hire company, which the company has now won two times.

Europcar won Africas Leading Car Hire company, which the company won for the seventh consecutive year. This year, Europcar competed against Alamo, Argus Car Rentals, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Holiday Autos and Thrifty.

To see the full list of 2012 World Travel Award winners for Africa, click here.

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World Travel Awards Africa Recognizes Avis and Europcar

The hotel received this award for leading, hands down, in the All Inclusive Resort category in México and Central America.(PRWEB) September 28, 2012 Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, Spa & Nature Park confirmed its level of quality and prestige in tourist services in the Caribbean upon receiving this year’s prestigious World Travel Award in the All Inclusive Resort category, aptly naming the company ...

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Hacienda Tres Ríos Receives World Travel Award for Excellence in Tourism

New World Heritage Tourism and Travel magazine, brings travelers to the top heritage hotels and holiday destinations in the world. Each edition will feature places of special merit as a cultural, historical and travel destination: The first edition features Barbados' heritage, culture, people and holidays. http://travelersinsights.com/magazines/world-heritage-travel-tourism/Bridgetown, ...

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TravelersInsights.com Magazine Launches World Heritage Tourism and Travel Edition with a Travel Video Promotion

The World Travel Awards recognized Avis and Island Auto Rentals as the top car rental companies in the Caribbean and Jamaica.

For the fifth consecutive year, Avis was honored as the Caribbeans Leading Car Rental Company. This years nominees in the category included Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Holiday Autos.

Island Auto Rentals was selected as Jamaicas Leading Car Rental Company for 2012. The company was also honored with the award in 2011. Other nominees included Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty.

Click here to see the full list of travel winners.

The World Travel Awards acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. The next awards are Oct. 6 in Portugal for the Europe ceremony and awards.

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Avis, Island Auto Rentals Honored at World Travel Awards

By The Associated Press

Aung San Suu Kyi's life has been marked by family tragedy, world travel and a political mission that prompted her to choose Myanmar's democracy struggle over her children, whom she left behind in England.

Here are the key events in Suu Kyi's life that aides and biographers say shaped the stoic, pragmatic, eloquent woman whose sacrifices and struggles have earned her a Nobel prize and international acclaim.

- FAMILY LIFE

- June 19, 1945: Born in Yangon, then called Rangoon. She is the third child and only daughter of national independence hero Gen. Aung San and Daw Khin Kyi, also a prominent public figure.

- July 1947: Aung San and six members of his interim government are assassinated by rivals. Suu Kyi is 2.

- 1952: Suu Kyi's favorite brother, Aung San Lin, drowns in a pond inside the family's compound.

- 1960: After finishing high school, Suu Kyi leaves for further study in New Delhi, where her mother is Burma's ambassador.

- 1964-1967. Suu Kyi studies philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford University's St. Hugh's College, where she meets future husband and Himalayan scholar Michael Aris.

- 1969-1971: Suu Kyi moves to New York for postgraduate studies at New York University but postpones academic career when a family friend helps get her a job at the United Nations.

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Events in the life of Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi

China’s Hainan province is expected to become a world-class resort destination, according to a report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), referenced by the China Daily last week.

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Hainan to become a world-class tourist destination

Camps Bay in Cape Town, South Africa. Photo: AFP/wiw/shutterstock.com

The world winners will be announced at a ceremony in New Delhi, India on December 12.

Voters selected South African Airways as the best airline and O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg was selected as the best international airport in the continent.

Moroccos popularity continues to grow, and the country was selected as the best destination, with the luxury Royal Mansour in Marrakech named as Africas best hotel, and the Amanjena, also in Marrakech, voted as the continents favorite luxury resort.

The pyramid of Giza in Egypt was selected as the most popular tourist attraction. Africas leading safari lodge was given to the Shamwai Game reserve in South Africa.

Other winners include: Africa's Leading Beach Destination: Cape Town, South Africa Africa's Leading Beach Hotel: Diamonds Dream of Africa Resort, Kenya Africa's Leading Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International Africa's Leading Green Hotel: The Phantom Forest Eco-reserve, South Africa Africa's Leading Low-Cost Airline: 1time

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Delhi - [ Min 24.1 °C

The World Travel Awards has unveiled the list of winners for the African region, revealing the most popular travel brands and destinations across the continent for 2012. South Africa and Morocco were the clear winners scooping most of the awards.

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South Africa and Morocco dominate at the World Travel Awards in Africa

Anda Berada di Sini : Dunia Berita

20 September, 2012 13:56 PM

Peru's Andean Explorer Named Top Luxury Train In South America

LIMA, Sept 20 (BERNAMA-NNN- ANDINA) -- The 2012 World Travel Awards have named PeruRail's Andean Explorer as South America's 'Leading Luxury Train'.

The Andean Explorer beat other well-known trains, including PeruRail's Hiram Bingham, and the Great Brazil Express.

The Andean Explorer, which travels between Cusco and Lake Titicaca, has previously been named among the best journeys by Train of the World, and one of the best two in South America by the Society of International Railway Travelers.

The luxury train is built in the style of Pullman coaches from the 1920s, and includes dining cars, and an open-air observation car, website Peruthisweek.com reported.

The announcement was made during this year's World Travel Awards ceremony, which was held last Saturday in Turks & Caicos.

The World Travel Awards - often called "the Oscars of the travel industry" - was launched in 1993 to acknowledge and recognise excellence in the global travel and tourism industry.

-- BERNAMA-NNN-ANDINA

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Peru's Andean Explorer Named Top Luxury Train In South America

19 September 2012

According to a report, 'Hainan: Travel & Tourism Development Potential 2011 2021' released today by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), by 2021 tourism expenditure in Hainan will be roughly equivalent to that of Singapore today, and the industry will support as many jobs as in Malaysia and Italy today.

In December 2009, China's State Council issued a decree that Hainan in the South China Sea the largest Special Economic Zone in China was to be elevated into a world-class international tourist resort destination by 2020 and the Provincial Government is now well on the way to reaching these goals, according to the WTTC report.

Highlights of the report state:

Such rapid growth though does have some risks. It is important for the Hainan Provincial Government to ensure a carefully planned, island-wide approach, ensuring a spirit of co-operation and co-ordination among the different stakeholders, not to mention the best interests of the local population at all times. This will help ensure that Travel & Tourism does achieve the higher-end goals of sustainable development contributing to natural and cultural heritage protection and preservation, as well as poverty alleviation.

Speaking at the launch of the report in London today, David Scowsill, WTTC President and CEO, said: "Hainan is clearly well on-track to achieve its aim of becoming a world-class international tourism destination by 2020. With rapid growth in employment, visitor expenditure and contribution to GDP, it is not surprising that this tropical island has already attracted the attention of almost every major international hotel brand.

"The Government of Hainan Province clearly recognises Travel & Tourism's potential for economic and social contribution and great steps have been taken over the past three years to develop Hainan as a world-class destination. The opportunity is now to develop a sustainable, diverse product which draws on the Province's unique cultural and natural heritage, burgeoning business tourism sector and high profile new attractions."

The World Travel & Tourism Council is the global authority on the economic and social contribution of Travel & Tourism. It promotes sustainable growth for the industry, working with governments and international institutions to create jobs, to drive exports and to generate prosperity. In 2011 Travel & Tourism accounted for 255 million jobs globally. At US$6.3 trillion (9.1% of GDP) the sector is a key driver for investment and economic growth. For more than 20 years, the World Travel & Tourism Council has been the voice of this industry globally. Members are the Chairs, Presidents and Chief Executives of the world's leading, private sector Travel & Tourism businesses. These Members bring specialist knowledge to guide government policy and decision-making, raising awareness of the importance of the industry as an economic generator of prosperity.

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Hainan set to rival Singapore, Malaysia and Italy by 2021

Forget Argentina's steak and Brazil's red beans. Foodies now know where to head to find the finest of South American food, after Peru won the top honor as South America's leading culinary destination at the World Travel Awards.

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Peru wins South America's Leading Culinary Destination award

SOUTHLAKE, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Travelocity is committed to making the world a better place one trip at a time, and this week the company gave three winners of their Travel For Good Contest the chance to do the same by awarding them each a $5,000 voluntourism grant. Entrants of the contest were required to create a two-minute video telling Travelocity why they would like to experience one of eight signature voluntourism trips, ranging from wildlife research on the Amazon River, to educating local children in South America.

We had people from all walks of life apply for the Travel for Good grants, said Travelocity President & CEO, Carl Sparks. Students, parents, health professionals and artists impressed us with their love of travel and passion for giving back, and we are extremely excited about the three winners we have selected.

The Winners of the Travelocity Travel for Good Grants (Summer 2012):

Talia, a student in Long Island, is going to Brazil to help make a difference in childrens lives, working to improve quality care in under-sourced and overcrowded community centers and daycares. As she said in her song, Were one small part of the world one grain of sand on the beach swept together with the winds of change something bigger is in our reach.

Allie, a recent public health graduate, is going to Tanzania to focus on fighting the HIV/AIDS stigma in Africa. This is a continued passion that began while she attended Oregon State University, where she learned how to improve the populations health through education and prevention.

Aaron, a health educator, is going to Brazil to give marginalized populations affected by HIV/AIDS a voice to tell their stories and create platforms for change.

About Travelocitys Travel For Good

Travelocitys Travel for Good (http://www.travelocity.com/travelforgood) program is dedicated to making the world a better place through travel. We believe we can uphold our responsibility of making the world a better place by helping the destinations we love to visit while we're there, and by helping travelers minimize the environmental impact of their journeys. Started by Travelocity employees, the program offers travelers green travel options including carbon offsets, a Green Hotel directory and the option to rent a hybrid car, as well as Green Vacation and Voluntourism ideas. Each year, Travelocitys Travel For Good rewards travelers and employees with $5,000 voluntourism grants to give back to deserving communities around the world.

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Travelocity Announces Winners of Travel For Good Voluntourism Grants