Africa Answers, Jason Mesnick of ‘The Bachelor’ Team Up to Give Away a Trip to South Africa

Facebook Contest Invites Fans to ‘Like, Follow, Play’ For a Chance to Win a 9-Day/8-Night Dream Vacation Package for Two to South Africa including Cape Town

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(March 14, 2011)— For people who have always dreamed of African safaris, Africa Answers (http://www.africaanswers.com) announces ‘Like, Follow, Play,’ a thrilling contest, the grand prize for which is a nine-day, eight-night South Africa vacation package for two, valued at $12,000.

The contest is timed to coincide with the finale of Season 15 of ‘The Bachelor’ on ABC, which was one of two episodes filmed in South Africa with Brad Womack and the final two women vying for his heart, Emily Maynard and Chantal O’Brien.

Taking part in the sweepstakes is easy. When logged in, Facebook users simply LIKE Africa Answers on Facebook, FOLLOW Africa Answers on Twitter and PLAY by correctly answering daily video questions that are posted on the Africa Answers Facebook page by Africa Answers Business Development Manager Jason Mesnick, from Season 13 of ‘The Bachelor.’

To enter, go to the Africa Answers Video Page, watch Jason’s videos, which contain questions about ‘The Bachelor,’ South Africa or both, then click the ‘Sweepstakes’ button above to provide the answers. Each correct answer earns one entry into the sweepstakes.

The Africa Answers ‘Like, Follow, Play’ Grand Prize* consists of an overnight, round-trip flight on South African Airways between Washington, D.C. (Dulles International Airport) or New York (JFK International Airport) and Cape Town, South Africa, as well as:

· Two (2) nights at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. 5-star accommodations along the Whale Coast, two hours from Cape Town, that combines luxury, excellent cuisine and an environment of planet-friendly conservation.

· Two (2) nights at L’Ermitage Franschhoek Chateau & Villas. Enjoy luxurious accommodations and the finest wines of South Africa in what some call the most beautiful village in the country.

· Two (2) nights at a Newmark Cape Town property on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Explore Cape Town, the most beautiful metropolis in South Africa, and take in the view from Table Mountain.

· Two (2) nights at the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve on Kruger National Park. This legendary property is situated in the world-renowned 65000 hectare Sabi Sand Wildtuin in the South-Western section of the Kruger National Park, is a wildlife oasis, where you can observe at close quarters the age-old natural relationship between predator and prey.

*In the event any accommodation is unavailable, the winner will be hosted in a property of equal value.

Eligibility:  The contest is open to persons 18 years of age or older.

Sweepstakes Entry Period:  March 7, 2011 at 5:00 a.m. (PST) until March 31, 2011 at 8:59 a.m. (PDT)

“This is an incredible opportunity for fans of ‘The Bachelor’ to fall in love with South Africa and experience the sights, sounds, tastes, and romance that Brad and the ladies are enjoying during the exciting finale of Season 15. Molly and I traveled there on our honeymoon, so I can say from firsthand experience that South Africa truly is an unforgettable trip of a lifetime,” confirms Jason Mesnick, who found love with his wife, the former Molly Malaney, in Season 13 of ‘The Bachelor.’

A dream South Africa vacation may be only a Sweepstakes button-click away: Enter now, and don’t forget to visit the Africa Answers website (http://www.africaanswers.com) for information on other fantastic Africa vacation packages.

Africa Answers employs seasoned travel experts that customize tours for independent travelers—ranging from unique, hands-on holidays to more traditional itineraries—and for groups of virtually any size. For further information, email info@africaanswers.com or call (866) 427-2540.

Follow Africa Answers Online:

Website: http://www.AfricaAnswers.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AfricaAnswers

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AfricaAnswers

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/AfricaAnswers

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/AfricaAnswers

Blogs: http://www.AfricaAnswers.com/travel-blogs

Jason Mesnick’s Blog: http://www.jasonsjobblog.com

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Down Under Answers Launches Africa Answers

Award-Winning Travel Experts Introduces New Division With Africa Vacation Packages Starting At Under $2,300

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(November 10, 2010)— Down Under Answers, one of the most respected specialists in travel to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, has launched a new division: Africa Answers (http://www.africaanswers.com).

Specializing in vacations to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Mauritius, Seychelles, Egypt and Dubai, Africa Answers will offer unprecedented savings and the same level of expertise and customized vacation packages that Down Under Answers is famous for.

To launch the new division, Africa Answers is offering the trip of a lifetime, a not-to-be-missed deal to Africa that includes three free bonus nights’ accommodation!

• Explore the wonders of South Africa in Style (7-night land only*, from $3,575 per person/double occupancy).

Home base for the first four days is Cape Town’s plush Cape Cadogan boutique hotel; highlights include private tours of: the Cape of Good Hope National Park and the southwesternmost point of the continent; panoramic views of Cape Peninsula; the food and wine offerings of the Winelands; and Hermanus, for land-based whale watching from June through November. Move on to three all-inclusive nights at Lion Sands River Lodge in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, and enjoy safari game drives to see the Big Five, hippo tours, wildlife lectures, bush walks and more.

Kirk Demeter founded DUA in 1992 and grew it steadily from boutique adventure operator to one of the leading multiple award-winning travel wholesalers in North America.

“Africa is a place people dream of visiting but postpone because they’re overwhelmed by its legendary exoticness and sheer vastness. We’ve built our business and reputation on making faraway destinations approachable for North American travelers,” says Demeter.

Helming Africa Answers is travel expert and General Manager Natasha Smith. Along with the company’s dedicated team of travel professionals, she will showcase Africa Answers to travel agent partners. Born in South Africa, Smith boasts more than 12 years’ experience selling deluxe, complex Africa vacations to North Americans, and prior to that she worked for many years in South Africa for one of the country’s largest inbound tour operators. Smith is intimately acquainted with not only the regions and people of these destinations, but also the high service expectations of travelers.

“Natasha’s many years of experience ensure that the best hotels, lodges and tours are selected for travelers,” comments Demeter.

Other extraordinary Africa adventure itineraries and Safari vacations to Africa designed by Africa Answers:

• For an unforgettable vacation in Africa, book Great Zimbabwe (11-day, 10-night land only*, from $2,680 per person/double occupancy).

Visit: Masvingo, ‘The Ancient City’; the country’s second-largest city, Bulawayo; the Matopo Hills, for cave paintings and breathtaking vistas at ‘View of the World’; and Hwange National Park, one of Africa’s finest wildlife havens, including herds of protected ‘presidential elephants.’ Also offering sumptuous meals and lodge accommodations, the tour culminates at Victoria Falls, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.

• Take a walk on the wild side with the Simba Safari (7-day, 6-night land only*, from $2,260 per person/double occupancy).

Rich in multicultural heritage and home to the famous Maasai people, Tanzania also houses some of Africa’s most impressive national parks and game reserves. Highlights include: Serengeti National Park; ‘The Cradle of Mankind,’ Olduvai Gorge; and the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Travelers will view wildlife daily and relax in comfortable lodge accommodations in four spectacular locations.

These and many more vacations to Africa are fully detailed at the Africa Answers website. For a complete list of all deals to Africa, plus terms and conditions, go to http://www.africaanswers.com/vacations or http://www.africaanswers.com/current-specials.

To reserve a brochure, visit http://www.africaanswers.com/tools/request-brochure.

*Airfare to and from Africa is not included in quoted tour prices; however, Africa Answers is able to supply the best available rate for a traveler’s dates and departure locations upon request.

Africa Answers employs seasoned travel experts that customize tours for independent travelers—ranging from unique, hands-on holidays to more traditional itineraries—and for groups of virtually any size alike. For further information, email info@africaanswers.com or call (866) 427-2540.

Follow Africa Answers Online:

Website: http://www.AfricaAnswers.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AfricaAnswers

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AfricaAnswers

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/AfricaAnswers

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/AfricaAnswers

Blogs: http://www.AfricaAnswers.com/travel-blogs

Jason Mesnick’s Blog: http://www.jasonsjobblog.com

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Down Under Answers Branches Into South Africa Market with “Africa Answers” Division

South Africa Takes the World Stage Hosting Soccer’s World Cup as Travel Specialist Expands to Include African Vacations

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(June 18, 2010)— Acknowledged as one of the most respected and awarded specialists in wholesale travel to Australia, New Zealand and the islands of the South Pacific, Down Under Answers has extended its scope to include Southern Africa and the nations of Eastern Africa.

New affiliate Africa Answers will specialize in travel packages to the nations of South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and the Indian Ocean, including the island nation of Seychelles.

Thanks to the easing up of the recession and subsequent company growth, Africa Answers is hoping to take advantage of the expected $2 billion in revenue generated by the nearly 460,000 international visitors for the 2010 FIFA World Cup running June 11 through June 24 in South Africa.

“DUA has experienced fantastic growth over the last 6 months. In the upcoming summer months our revenue is already expected to surpass any month in the history of the company. Africa is a vast, vibrant and under tapped travel destination and with the World Cup coming up, now is the time to expand in into this new market,” says company president and founder Kirk Demeter from Johannesburg, where he is currently enjoying the World Cup atmosphere.

Currently staffed with 24 seasoned employees, parent company Down Under Answers is zooming back to record-year status after a tough 2009. Already the company has seen a 95% increase in passengers and a 50% growth in revenue over last year for the first six months, and project overall business for the year to be an all time high.

DUA was awarded by both Tourism New Zealand and Australia as Best Travel Wholesaler six and five years running respectively. Similarly, Africa Answers will rely heavily on relationships built with South African Tourism and travel boards.

“South African tourism welcomed our expansion into South Africa with open arms, helping to build crucial relationships and forge ahead with our program. Kerryn Cook, our VP of Product and Marketing traveled to Durban, South Africa for Indaba, the trade show that unites travel professionals and suppliers, and was able to find the right hotels, safari lodges and tours to best suit our clients,” says Demeter.

Since its inception in 1992, the Seattle based company has grown steadily from a boutique adventure operator to one of the leading travel wholesalers in North America. Down Under Answers enjoyed a record year in 2008 in sales to the South Pacific (including Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, Cook Islands, Vanuatu and more); with Australia vacation destinations representing 65% of total sales. Projected sales for 2010 are expected to reach their all-time peak year. Pre-designed package or customized getaway, more travelers than ever before are placing their vacation dreams in the experienced hands of Down Under Answers/Africa Answers travel experts.

“It’s a natural progression for our company to include an African vacation focus, because so many people want to experience its scenic beauty, wildlife and cultural offerings firsthand. We’ve fallen in love with it,” adds Demeter.

Founded in 1992, Seattle-based Down Under Answers is the industry leader in travel to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, the Cook Islands, Vanuatu and Dubai. Repeatedly voted Best Travel Wholesaler by Tourism New Zealand and Tourism Australia specialists, the company employs seasoned staff members to customize tours—ranging from unique, hands-on holidays to more traditional itineraries—for groups of virtually any size. For further information email info@duatravel.com, or call (800) 889-1464.

Follow Down Under Answers Online:

Website: www.duatravel.com

Twitter: @DownUnderAnswer

Facebook: Down Under Answers

Flickr: Flick

YouTube: YouTube

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Media Contact: Andrea Courtney
Randall PR / (206) 624-5757