Back in March, we highlighted an around-the-world green vacation that included a private jet, world class hotels, and an African safari. It’s quite the adventure for travelers who want to see the world and experience the height of luxury while doing so. However, people don’t seem to be jumping on the opportunity. Perhaps the $144,500 price tag is keeping them away.

Check out RickSeaney.com for the latest update on this around-the-world trip.

This is not the cheapest way to get to London - but it may well be the most luxurious way - and, it’s still a good deal.

Virgin Atlantic has first class airfare to London for under $2,000.

But hurry - this is a ONE-DAY SALE.

See RickSeaney’s post for all the details.

All the adventure of an around-the-world journey and an African safari, all of the luxury of private jet travel, and all the “green” of carbon offsets. That’s what Safari Air is offering with the “world’s first 21-day Around the World Grand East Africa Safari.”

The trip, departing on Oct. 15, is designed for eight passengers. Those lucky eight will take off from Orange County and head out around the world, enjoying luxury hotel accommodations in Quebec City, Edinburgh, Cairo, Agra, Hong Kong, Guam and Honolulu along the way.

The main draw of this luxury vacation is a two-week African safari that takes travelers to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, and Kenya. Of course, the Great Pyramids and the Taj Mahal might lure some people in, as well.

This 21-day world adventure is obviously not for the everyday traveler. The cost is set at about $144,500 per person. Along with the chance to see some of the most stunning sites on the globe, the party of eight will enjoy world class hotels, and inflight amenities including “fine wines, gourmet food, afternoon tea, and MacBook(R) laptops with Bose(R) headsets for each passenger to watch pre-selected movies…”

Check out Safari Air’s Press Release for complete details.

USA Today recently interviewed 360 frequent business fliers to get their take on hotels around the world. What the paper found was that while location is important, it’s the little things that really matter.

Some of the most famous hotels in the U.S. ranked highest on the list including The Palmer House in Chicago and The Waldorf-Astoria (both are personal favorites, as well). New York’s Muse Hotel and the Beijing Hilton made the list based on the personal attention both hotels’ staffs give to their customers.

Check out Frequent business travelers list their favorite hotels on USA Today’s website for an in depth look at more of the hotels on the list, and please let us know if you’ve discovered a gem of hotel out there that the rest of us should know about.

British Airways has teamed up with the Arion-Athens Hotel to offer vacation packages suited for families as well as couples seeking a romantic escape. You’ll find airfare (economy) as low as $296+ each-way, and for as little as $52+/person per night, you can add a stay in the luxury setting of the Arion.

With spacious rooms located just a short distance from markets, restaurants, bars in the historic Psirri area, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in both modern and ancient Greek culture. Along with airfare and hotel deals, you can also find savings on sightseeing tours through British Airways.

Visit British Airways Travel for more details, and check out our Deals Blog to learn more about British Airways Italy vacation packages.

Qantas has released airline tickets for flights on its Airbus A380 for flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Los Angeles and from Sydney to London and Singapore.

If you’re not flying out of Sydney any time soon, you can still catch a glimpse of how Qantas has tailored the A380 to fit the needs of luxury lovers who are in for the long haul. As you wind your way through the digital aircraft, you’ll find personal suites, touch-screen entertainment systems, reclining seats that convert to beds at the touch of a button, and much more.

Visit Qantas A380 for the full tour and a list of all the luxury amenities you’ll receive once on board.

NWA WorldVacations offers a range of luxury packages for those who are looking for a little more than just first class airfare and a few nights in a swank hotel. You’ll find luxury vacation packages to destinations all over the world, including Hawaii, Jamaica, Mexico, Europe, Vegas, and many more.

When it comes to luxury, it’s all about the perks. In order to entice you into the lap of luxury, NWA WorldVacations offers the following amenities no matter which destination you choose:

• First-class airport check-in
• Roundtrip first-class cabin seating aboard Northwest Airlines*
• Accommodations at deluxe or luxury-rated hotels
• 24-hour assistance from a WorldVacations representative
• Assistance of a hotel concierge for hotel services
• 3,000 - 7,500 WorldPerks Bonus Miles, in addition to credited flight miles
• Hotel taxes and service charges
• Plus, each luxury destination has additional unique inclusions!

Visit NWA WorldVacations Luxury Vacation Packages for more details and a full list of luxury getaways.

The Mirage continues to lure travelers to the Las Vegas Strip from the world over. With it’s world class shopping, dining, Cirque du Soleleil’s The Beatles - Love and the accompanying Beatles Revolution Lounge, wildlife habitat, and more, the Mirage has a little something for everybody.

The Mirage also has newly ronovated deluxe luxury rooms. If you want to head to the desert this winter, you can find deluxe room rates for as low as $72 per night (available Sunday - Thursday). This offer from the Mirage is good for stays from November 7, 2008 - February 1, 2009, so you can hit Vegas for the holidays, or just take a little trip when things get too cold or too dull in your home town.

Visit The Mirage Winter Offer for more details.

The Galapagos Islands, made legendary by Charles Darwin, remain a hub for scientific study, but the Islands have also been transformed into a truly unique luxury cruise destination.

If you’ve always dreamed of seeing the rare flora and fauna of Galapagos up close, you now have the chance to plan a vacation that is right for you. Whether you want to charter a private yacht, explore the terrain, plan a destination wedding, or sample some of the finest South American cuisine in the world, Wildlife Vacations is willing to work with you to give you exactly what you want.

Along the journey, you’ll enjoy luxury suite accommodations, gourmet dining, and much more aboard a ship bound for an exotic destination that maintains its natural beauty and one-of-a-kind ecosystem.

Visit Galapagos Legend for more details on this customized luxury getaway.

Haven’t you earned some pampering? Haven’t you earned a getaway that truly lets you leave the rigors of the real world behind?

NWA WorldVacations has partnered with Le Blanc Spa Resort to offer a luxury vacation package that gives you the chance to be pampered while relaxing on the sandy shores of Cancun.

These vacation packages include first class airfare, VIP transfers to and from the airport, “haute” cuisine, a world class spa, premium drinks, adults-only resort grounds , and much more.

Book your trip by October 4th for travel between September 1st, 2008 and April 30th, 2009. Make sure to use the promotion code: WV8409 in order to earn “enough Bonus Miles for a FREE Coach class ticket to Cancun.”

Visit NWA WorldVacations for more details.

For travelers who love to be pampered as much as they love the outdoors, the perfect vacation spot can be elusive. Sure, you might want to spend your days hiking broken trails, forging into the wilderness, or riding horses until you forget there’s a world in which cars are the major form of transportation, but at night, you want to enjoy gourmet meals, the comfort of high-thread-count sheets, and the chance to mingle with the occasional celebrity.

If you’re in search of the beauty of Nature and a resort that will cater to your every need, USA Today has compiled a list of destinations that might just suit you perfectly. These are ranches, spas, and retreats that put you in touch with all of the outdoor experiences and all of the indoor luxuries you could hope for. Get a glimpse at wildlife that everyday travelers will never see, hike trails that are closed off to the public, and enjoy a range of amenities in the process.

Keep reading for a look at USA Today’s top luxury nature vacation spots…

Looking to take a “mini vacation?” Why not escape this weekend to a luxury hotel in Atlanta, GA?

Northwest Airlines is offering luxury trips to Atlanta for as low as $385 per person (airfare and hotel). This deal is for true last-minute travelers, though, so you have to book quickly and be ready to head out tomorrow, Friday, or Saturday.

If the shopping, nightlife, storied history, and Coca-Cola products of Atlanta aren’t exactly what you’re looking for in a weekend escape, you can find luxury airfare/hotel packages from Northwest Airlines to beachfront properties, world class golf courses, vineyards, and much more.

Visit Northwest Airlines Last Minute Packages to find the latest luxury deals they’re offering for less.

If you’ve been itching to hit the tables or just enjoy a bit of luxury on the Las Vegas Strip, this is the weekend to do it.

For two days (August 1st and August 2nd), the Wynn is offering Resort Rooms at $259/nt and $100 dining credit. If you’re the impulsive type, this is the deal for you.

When staying at the Wynn, you’ll be just steps away from Manolo Blahnik at the Wynn Esplanade, Penske-Wynn Ferrari Maserati, world class shopping, five-star restaurant Alex, and all that Vegas has to offer.

Visit Wynn Las Vegas for more details, and start planning your last minute trip.

Forbes has just released its list of “Eight Sensational Scuba-Diving Trips,” and while all of the featured destinations offer the potential for unique diving experiences, Forbes has also manged to find underwater paradises located near world class resorts, eco-escapes, private islands, and all the luxury a weary diver could need.

These scuba vacations will put you face-to-face with rare species of fish, legendary predators of the sea, and even sunken ruins from the Civil War.

Keep reading for a look at Forbes’ Eight Sensational Scuba-Diving destinations…

British Airways is kicking luxury vacations up a notch. The carrier is offering London vacation packages that welcome travelers into a world of comfort from the moment they step on the plane.

With a British Airways first class “seat,” you’ll actually find yourself in a secluded “demi-cabin,” that comes complete with turndown service, gourmet meals, personalized service, and even a pair of velvet slippers to soothe your feet on the long flight.

Upon landing, you’ll be chauffeured to a five-star hotel where you can spend 3-nights enjoying your luxury accommodations and exploring all that London has to offer. When it’s time to return to the States, you’ll once again have the benefit of chauffeur service, easy check-in, and those demi-cabin accommodations for the flight home.

British Airways has partnered with several luxury hotels in London to give travelers the opportunity to find the perfect surroundings for their trip. These first class luxury packages from British Airways start at $9,425+ per person. You can also find business class luxury vacation packages from BA starting at $3,898+ per person.

Visit British Airways Luxury Vacation Packages for more details.

In search of a luxurious escape that rejuvenates the body as well as the mind? The Lodge at Chaa Creek in Belize may be the destination you have been dreaming about.

Located in the western highlands of Belize, the Lodge at Chaa Creek has earned distinction as one of the premiere eco-resorts in the world. During your stay, you’ll find yourself nestled among the sweeping landscapes of Belize, the flowing waters of the Macal River, and over 70 ancient Mayan archaeological sites.

A vacation package to the Lodge at Chaa Creek aims to enrich mind, body, and spirit by combining outdoor adventure, immersion into local culture, and invigorating spa treatments. Keep reading for a sample of what you can expect to discover when you escape to Belize…

The five-star hotel: The pinnacle of luxury. The top of the line. The envy of all those four-star hotels that just couldn’t quite make the cut, right? Well, maybe not anymore. At least in Berlin.

Upgrade: Travel Better has a great post that breaks down some of the struggles five-star hotels in Germany are currently facing. With the cost of business travel on the rise, it seems that those five stars are keeping the corporations away.

In order to deal with lost revenue and lost customers, some top hotels in Berlin are doing what they can to drop a star. So, will dropping a star really bring in the business travel? Will the move in Berlin spawn similar movements elsewhere? After all, Berlin isn’t the only city affected by decreased business travel spending.

Read Upgrade Travel Better: Downgrades wanted?! Hotels hoping to shed a star for more details and for a look at how a hotel might go about dropping a star, and if you’re a corporate travel planner please let us know if a hotel’s star-count ever comes into consideration for you.

American Airlines Vacations has a deal for those who like the finer things in life.

Stay at one of the beautiful Palace Resorts (in Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, and more) and you’ll get a Palace Passport.

This passport offers all kinds of free or reduced-cost amenities (historical tours, snorkeling, spa treatments and more) plus, children aged 12 or under stay free.

You have to book by August 31 and stay at least 3 nights (and finish your trip by the end of December). See all the details right here.

Just because we’re procrastinators doesn’t mean we have to miss out on some of the finer things in life. If you’ve been aching to get out of town to spend a few days enjoying what some the country’s top luxury hotels have to offer, now is your chance to do so.

Northwest Airlines offers a range of last minute luxury vacation packages to destinations throughout the US and Canada. Even if you’ve put off making plans, you can still find vacation packages (airfare and hotel) for as low as $334 per person (with taxes and fees).

Keep reading for a sample of the last minute luxury getaways Northwest Airlines is currently offering…

Trans-Pacific luxury air travel has just gone all-business class:

“Singapore Air is converting its ultra-long flights between the USA and Asia to all-business-class service, a first for the trans-Pacific market and yet another entry into the luxury airline market.” (from USA Today)

Singapore Air’s all-business class offering is the first of its kind. While carriers like Silverjet and the now defunct MaxJet provided all-business class flights between the US and Europe, there has never been anything comparable from commercial carriers for travel between the US and Asia.

Keep reading to see what you can expect to pay for a business-class jaunt across the Pacific once Singapore Air has converted to this new model…

Virgin Atlantic is throwing another perk to its first class travelers. The UK-based carrier has introduced a new Upper Class Wing at Heathrow. The main benefit of this wing? You don’t have to fight the crowds or deal with long security lines.

Keep reading for Virgin Atlantic’s step-by-step guide to Upper Class check and catch a glimpse of the added benefits of flying first class…

The folks over at Travel Hacker have just posted their “50 Best Sites and Resources for the Ultimate in Luxury Travel.” Check out the piece for some great tips on finding luxury deals, the finest hotels, the best cruises, and more.

(Full Disclosure: We’re happy to say, FareCompare.com is on the list.)

Just because you’re bringing the kids along, doesn’t mean your vacation has to be devoid of culture or luxury. At least that is what Forbes is suggesting with their latest list: Kid-Friendly Summer Vacation Spots.

Now, most destinations on the list aren’t your typical Disney World or Universal Studios. These vacations provide a little something for both the children and their parents. Cities that house some world famous museums, legendary golf courses, and 5-star luxury hotels might also offer theme parks and a bit of childhood adventure.

Keep reading for a glimpse at Forbes’s Top Kid-Friendly Summer Vacations…

The folks over at Wired are highlighting could be the greatest gadget to hit economy class in a long time: The Cozy Suite.

Delta Air Lines already has plans to install the Cozy Suite in Economy Class of its Boeing 767s and 777s by 2010, which will extend passenger leg-room by two inches, without forcing alterations to a standard economy cabin.

How does this new luxury seating gadget work? Keep reading to see how Wired breaks it down…

Sure, first class airline tickets can easily run you a few thousand dollars, but that’s nothing compared to what you can pay for first class champagne. At least if that champagne is one of the limited 12-bottle box sets of Perrier-Jouet champagne that will be available for 50,000 Euros ($79,919.59 USD).

No, the champagne doesn’t give you the power of flight, nor does it allow you to see into the future or anything like that. However, it does come with some considerable perks beyond just that of a fine champagne.

If you’re one of the 100 people lucky enough to buy one of the 12-bottle sets, you can turn your purchase into a full luxury vacation. Keep reading for the details…