The South may enjoy seasonal weather year round, but there’s not reason they can’t take advantage of these Labor Day deals and festivities.

Beautiful St. Pete Beach, Florida will offer the Labor Day LuWow Package for $495.    This 4 days/3 night deal includes a Luau Party on Labor Day with a full buffet of Luau treats, a DJ, and beach fireworks.

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If you’re interested in a tropics- inspired event, check out Amelia Island, Florida. Visit the Amelia Island Plantation Resort for several Barbados-themed Labor Day events including live entertainment, a mini parade, a dinner-dance, and a sampling of delicious Barbados food.  Event prices start at $5.  Overnight accommodations start at a reasonable $159.

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Check out the 2009 Southern Gospel Festival at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville.  Enjoy a weekend of Gospel inspired entertainment including music, comedy and inspirational speakers. Starting at $314 with packages that include 2 nights of accommodations, reserved seating for 4 concert events, a ticket to the Grand Ole Opry, and a Gaylord Opryland VIP booklet. Make sure you inspect the details – reservations need to be made by phone.

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For you Southern Belles out there, there are a few options at various Marriotts south of the Mason-Dixon. Book your stay at any Charlotte, NC Marriott and pay for your stay 7 days in advance and enjoy a rate of $89 per night. The Dallas/Fort Worth Marriott is offering a buy one night get a weekend night free deal.

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Head to D.C. to catch a Capital Concert. The National Symphony Orchestra will be playing a free concert on Sunday, September 6^th at 8pm. Help at the US Capital Building West Lawn, gates open at 3:20pm – so pack some sunscreen and a picnic to enjoy the luscious greens of our nation’s capitol to celebrate America’s day off for working professionals.

Join us tomorrow for a virtual Facebook kick-off. On August 21^st from 11am-6pm EST BestTravelDeals.net will be giving away a prize from their treasure chest. Prizes will include T-shirts, an Entertainment booklet valued at $1000 (great for budget travelers!) and a grand prize of a Marriott Gift Card. Read more about Marriott gift cards here, and then head to www.BestTravelDeals.net for more information

All you need to do to enter is become a fan on Facebook and let start voting on your favorite travel deals between 11am -6m EST. It’s that easy! Follow @BestTravelDeals for more updates. And tell your traveler friends, they’ll thank you later. Happy Trails!

Midwesterners have an abundance of options for Labor Day festivities. Whether it’s a festival or a quiet weekend sitting lakeside, there are plenty of deals to cash in on before the unofficial end of the summer.

Check out Yogi Bear’s campsite in Jellystone Park. For only $38 a night, you can camp-out and enjoy festivities such as tie dye, wagon rides and an Ice Cream social. And who knows, maybe Yogi himself will make an appearance – just be sure to watch out for your picnic basket!

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If you’re more interested in a little luxury for Labor Day, check out the deals at Trump Tower in Las Vegas. This ultra-modern high-rise offers every amenity you can think of and some you never dreamed of. And starting at $94 a night, it’s definitely within budget.

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Shopaholic? Look for fashion deals in an unlikely place with an excellent Shop ’til You Drop Package in Valparaiso, Indiana. This northwest Indiana location is central to a large outlet mall as well as a huge water park. Until September 7^th, a package includes overnight accommodations and 4 entry tickets into the water park is a mere $129.

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Calling all Marley Fans! For Labor Day fun in Scottsdale, AZ check out the Reggae BBQ Festival and enjoy the weekend grooving to some beats with three of your friends!

If you haven’t booked one of the fabulous Labor Day Deals Meghan has been blogging about Travelocity has just provided an extra incentive to book now.  They are promoting a deal with United for round trip flights to destinations in Canada, Hawaii and within the U.S. starting at $84.  You must book by August 21st.  Travel is between September 1st and September 9th.  Sample fares include: Albuquerque, NM to Denver, CO for $84, Denver, CO to San Francisco, CA for $128 and Hartford, CT to Milwaukee, WI for $108.

With seasonable weather in California and winter activites in the Rockies, The west has plenty of year-round attractions to offer. But if you’ve been waiting to take a summer vacation, remember that the end of summer fast approaching and there are some special Labor Day deals and attractions to take advantage of:

Visit the Copper Mountain Resort for the Copper Country Music Festival in Colorado Rates at the resort start at $69 a night. Featuring artists such as John Fogerty, Lynyrd Skynrd, The Doobie Brothers, Vince Gill, Peter Frampton and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, this festival is sure to be one amazing performer after another.

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The Broadmoor Resort, also in Colorado is offering a Labor Day Family Celebration package starting at $484 which includes accommodations for three nights, a 1 hour horseback trail ride for each person in the package, 50% off the adult rate at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 10% discount off of select Spa services, golf tee times, select retail purchases and children’s Bee Bunch program, and complimentary access to The Broadmoor movie theater. Children 10 and under stay and eat free (with paying adult – not including Brunch).

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Or check out a birds-eye view of Silicon Valley on a Zeppelin. For a promotional price of $199, you get a 30 minute ride which includes a tour of the airfield after your trip. And they haven’t forgotten about Los Angeles – the Zeppelin will be making an appearance for a “buy one get one” deal that runs until 12/31/2009.

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Greek festivals over the Labor Day weekend are also popular choices. Both Sacramento and Long Beach are hosting Greek festivities over the holiday weekend. The Sacramento festival is available in a package including overnight accommodations. Hosted through the Sacramento Convention Center, The Courtyard Sacramento Midtown Hotel is offering a special rate starting at $94 for Labor Day weekend.

Enjoy beautiful panoramic views including a spectacular view of the full moon at Point Lookout in Northport, Maine. Rates start at $145. Point Lookout is well known for its conference and wedding center, so if you’re looking to tie the knot on short notice, see if they have any openings  – the shore views are unrivaled in mid-coast maine.

While you are there, check out the Camden Windjammer Festival, a celebration of Camden’s sailing history that features sailing vessels from all over the Northeast. The Windjammer Fleet is joined by private vessels to be displayed.

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Always a family favorite, Old Forge, NY has attractions for all age groups My family held their reunion there 8 years ago and there was something for everyone from my 80 year-old grandfather to my 4 year-old cousin. For the Labor Day weekend, Old Forge is holding an annual event including an book and bake sale from Sept1-5, a craft sale on September 5^th and an all-day Labor Day celebration on September 6^th including fireworks, band concert and raffle.

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For those New York City -bound (and residents trapped on the island of Manhattan!)  there’s good news. New York City restaurant week has been extended through Labor Day!  With this deal, full lunches start at $24 and dinners start at $35 at some excellent culinary locations!

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Heading south, the Lancaster County of Pennsylvania will feature packages for both Hershey Park and the Dutch Wonderland. Hershey Park literally smells like chocolate and is every kid’s dream spot. There’s rides for all ages and plenty of activities to help the kids work off their sugar high! The Dutch Wonderland package includes two-nights lodging, admission to the park and a breakfast smorgasboard to fuel up for a day of fun!

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In Massachusetts, there’s an exciting NASDOG Flyball race.  Wondering what exactly NASDOG Flyball races are? There’s an in-depth description here but it is essentially a K9 relay race with four dogs at a time. Or head to the tournament in Foxboro, MA from September 5 – 6^th and see for yourself!

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To see more Labor Day Deals by state, check out:

Maine Labor Day Deals

New York Labor Day Deals

Massachusetts Labor Day Deals

Pennsylvania Labor Day Deals

Guatemala is a shopper’s dream not only for the great bargains you can find but also for the colorful variety of products for sale. Although there are plenty of ritzy malls you can stroll through in the capital of Guatemala City, the true Guatemalan shopping experience can be had at one of the many indigenous markets that take place weekly in the Guatemalan countryside.

The items sold at indigenous markets are reflective of Guatemala’s rich Mayan cultural heritage. You can find everything from silverware and ceramics to textiles and basketry at Guatemalan markets. The most famous of all Guatemalan markets is in Chichicastenango.

Chichicastenango, known as “Chi Chi” to locals, is home to a bustling market that takes place on Sundays and Thursdays. Sellers from all over Guatemala and a large mix of indigenous groups are present at Chi Chi’s weekly market. However, Chi Chi by no means provides the most authentic Guatemalan market experience. It has become a tourist trap over the years so many of the items sold are geared towards foreigners.

If you want to see a market hosted by Guatemalans, for Guatemalans, check out one of the many indigenous markets that take place in a town off the tourist trail. On Sundays, you can check out the markets in Nahuala, Soloa or Todos Santos, Huehuetenango. On Thursdays, the markets in Nebaj, El Quiche and San Cristobal Verapaz, Alta Verapaz, are open.

The best places to buy cheap ceramics are Villa de Chinautla, Rabinal, and San Luis Jilotepeque while Coban is known for its cheap silverware. The market in Antigua is home to inexpensive jadite jewelry, albeit from the low end of the market.

Bargaining

Never accept the first price a seller gives you at the market. Hone your haggling skills so you can get the best deals. When a seller tells you the price of something, name a price that is much lower than the quote the seller gave you. Typically, the seller will then quote something higher and the two of you will go back and forth until you decide on a price that’s reasonable for both of you. If the seller isn’t willing to budge on the price, pretend like you have given up and start walking away. They may start shouting prices out that are far lower than you ever imagined possible in order to get you to come back and buy the item.

Here are some photos of Guatemalan products that are popular with visitors:

Beaded bracelets – For around $3 a piece, you can find beautiful beaded bracelets at markets and handicraft stores throughout Guatemala.

Skirts – At the market in Antigua and along Santander Street in Panachael at Lake Atitlan, you will find lots of short and colorful wrap skirts. Local women do not wear these skirts as they are made with foreign women in mind. They are much shorter than traditional Mayan skirts and the material used to make them is much thinner. If you decide to purchase these skirts or any other fabric items, make sure to wash them separately by hand because the dye will bleed.

Textiles – Each region of the Guatemalan highlands boasts unique types of textiles that feature different color schemes and designs.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mariecarianna/2702065179/

My MegaBus from Albany, NY to NYC

With a full-time job, many of us travel fanatics, such as myself, have only a week or two of vacation time each year. Alas, there is hope for those who suffer from wanderlust: short weekend trips that don’t require lengthy travel times or even a suitcase on wheels. Making these trips even more convenient is the plethora of inexpensive bus lines that have popped up recently. Two of these bus lines are Bolt Bus and MegaBus.

I’ve never ridden the Bolt Bus – they service only major Northeastern cities (New York City, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington DC) although I’ve heard many nice things about the service. MegaBus, however, is my favorite new travel find. The service caters to smaller locations (such as Albany where I’m located). This service is perfect for travelers looking for a short weekend getaway at a steal. Last time I rode the MegaBus, I paid $10 to get from Albany, NY to New York City. On Amtrak, that would have cost between $35 and $50 for one-way.

As far as the service, it was great! Clean, comfortable seats with working AC. On my first trip, torrential downpours caused traffic to halt about 10 miles outside of the city. This created an hour delay of my arrival. However, my second trip was 15 minutes early arriving.

I’ve also heard some people complain about the fact that the bus doesn’t stop in a terminal but rather lets you off at a designated spot in each city. For New York City, it’s a central location near a subway station – and there’s plenty of taxi traffic as well as a small enclosed bus stop. In Albany, the bus loads and unloads near the train station – this makes parking convenient. As far as NYC is concerned, I prefer being let off at a slightly out of the way spot- easier than navigating the crazy crowds of Port Authority although I can see arriving during inclement weather as a hassle. All in all, MegaBus is a steal for travelers who want to get away for a quick trip.

Initially the service ran from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and San Francisco however, the service was cancelled after a dismal response. So unfortunately Bolt Bus and Megabus only runs in the Midwest and the Northeast – sorry West Coasters.

Attention Jetsetters – Through August 21st, JetBlue is offering an “All-You-Can-Jet-Pass.” This pass will entitle the holder to fly as often as they like within a one month span (September 8-October 8).

Jetblue flies to over 50 cities, the possibilities are endless. This is a great deal for a series of weekend trips if you’re not able to travel for the entire month (and I’m pretty sure most people don’t have a month of vacation time available).

Tickets are nonrefundable, nontransferable and no name changes can be made. Flights must be booked at least three days in advance, so those who are spur of the moment travelers need to plan at least a few days in advance.

Unfortunately for me, I don’t have the time or the cash to take advantage of this amazing offer but if you do, please do! I’d like to live vicariously through readers of this blog who’ll able to go on adventures in numerous different cities!

For those of us who crave luxury on a budget, there’s an appealing option for Washington DC bound travelers.  The Donovan House in Washington DC will feature reduced rates through September 7^th.

The modern hotel features sleek design elements, complimentary Keihl’s toiletries and a rooftop pool and bar. The Donovan House is well known for it’s high-end, socialite and celebrity scene. Thompson’s Hotels owns and operates several hotels in Beverly Hills, New York City and Toronto. The rooftop bar, which serves food, has been nicknamed “Above D.C.” or ADC.  ADC is open on a limited basis to D.C. locals as a “one-stop urban resort”” according to co-owner Jason Pomeranc.

In addition to a chic party scene, the hotel also offers guests yoga classes, 24-hour room service, trendy Dean & DeLuca mini-bar items and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Bel-Air bound for some holiday fun? For Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Luxe Hotel on Sunset Boulevard is offering rates starting at $159.

The Luxe Hotel offers “Daycation Packages” that include Jazz brunch for two (mimosas!), use of a private poolside cabana, massages for two and a tennis court rental. These packages are only available for Sundays, so plan accordingly.

Not in the mood for mimosas, Jazz and cabanas? Schedule a tennis lesson with Celebrity Tennis Pro, Chris Ojakian. Chris Ojakian has trained celebrities such as Diane Sawyers, Alan Thicke, Dustin Hoffman, Harrison Ford, Spike Lee and Helen Hunt.

Whether you’re interested in enjoying a rejuvenating spa experience during Thanksgiving weekend or a family tennis match on Labor Day weekend – Luxe Hotel Sunset Boulevard is the ultimate urban retreat at a fair price.

Thanks to the Perrin Post for these great tips!