NYC Hotel Deals – There are a myriad of great travel deals available online, many of which even your travel agent won’t know about. Here’s how to find them!

via bribrito

For many travelers, business class seems to be reserved for passengers with a corporate expense account and those who have diligently saved up their frequent flier miles. However, a full slate of upcoming promotions will make it easier for average fliers to experience business class without going broke.

Business-class-only carrier OpenSkies, whose parent company is British Airways, launched last year with a lot of fanfare. It has yet to become very successful, but still maintains one route from New York to Paris. Though other airlines have been aggressively lowering premium class prices, OpenSkies’ $590 one-way ($1,350 round trip, after taxes and fees) is one of the best early winter deals for those flying to Paris. The current fares match the promotional prices that the airline offered when it originally began service. The $590 deal is a limited time offer. Tickets must be purchased by December 15th.

Continental Airlines offered some of the best business-class deals in the industry in September and October. Though the most amazing deals have passed, there are still some worthwhile fares for flights from Newark to Europe. The standout deal is a $1,448 round-trip business-class fare from Newark to Shannon, Ireland. A business-class flight to Stockholm will set you back $1564. Continental has competitive premium class fares to other European destinations as well.

The current prices at Aer Lingus for a New York to Shannon, Ireland flight are slightly higher than Continental’s ($1698 round trip). But Ireland’s national carrier offers quite a bit more flexibility. For the same $1698 price, passengers can choose to fly to Shannon or Dublin from New York, Chicago or Boston. Also, as long as tickets are purchased by November 30th, passengers are free to choose travel dates between January 1st and April 30th.

You don’t have to go to Europe for outstanding premium class tickets. Air Canada has been offering great deals on business-class (“Executive Class” in Air Canada’s vernacular) fares, though would-be passengers will have to sift through a myriad of overpriced premium class fares to find these gems. Current door-busters include $539 one-way business-class service from New York to Vancouver. Other deals are available to those who can purchase by December 1st and fly by February 5th.

United Airlines is a bit behind in this year’s race for business class customers. Compared with the other carriers mentioned above, their prices are almost laughably high in many cases. However, business-class offerings like $1032 one-way from Washington D.C. to Rome are worth noting, though travelers would be wise to shop around a bit before settling on a ticket from United.

Get more mileage for you money with these US airfare deals.

via Kevin Zollman

This coming Friday is the retail industry’s biggest day.  Online shoppers have to wait until Cyber Monday (on November 30th this year) to find the lowest prices of the holiday shopping season.  The travel industry is getting into the act this year with plenty of virtual door-busters for Cyber Monday 2009 deals seekers.

There has been an industry-wide effort by airlines to draw passengers to their premium class seats.  Cyber Monday promotions will include more than a few rock bottom business class fares on carriers like Continental and British Airways.  Some business class tickets to Europe will not be much more expensive than standard economy class fares.

Those who want to escape the cold Northern Hemisphere winter in the Caribbean will find plenty of one-day-only deals on Cyber Monday.  There are rumors that resorts in Jamaica and the Bahamas will be offering high-season rooms at low-season prices.

Of course, shopping is still a major theme on the Cyber Monday scene.  Hotels are offering special rates for shoppers who will receive extra perks like discounts at shopping centers located near the hotels.

Cruise lines are hoping that people will consider gifting cruises for the holidays.  Buyers can expect low prices from major cruise lines and travel agents on November 30th.

Best Travel Deals will be keeping you updated on the latest deals and promotions.  Check back early on Cyber Monday to find who is offering the best Cyber Monday travel deals during online shopping’s biggest day.

Yosemite Tenaya Lodge

Today’s Photo of the Day is from the Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite National Park.  Tomorrow officially kicks off the holiday season with Thanksgiving and we thought these beautiful holiday decorations would help put everyone in a festive spirit.

Yosemite National Park is a magical place in it’s own right.  It’s amazing views and terrain will leave anyone breathless.  The Tenaya Lodge located two miles from the south entrance of the park brings a little extra magic to the park this season with it’s holiday offerings.  These packages offer plenty of activities at affordable holiday prices.  From sledding, ice skating and horse-drawn sleigh rides outdoors to hot cocoa, gingerbread house competitions and cookie decorating workshops, children and their parents are sure to make lasting memories.

This year, Tenaya Lodge is offering a variety of family-friendly holiday packages for guests to enjoy. The 2009 Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite Family Holiday Packages are the “Kids Dinner with Santa” package (from $235 per room) where children have a holiday adventure that concludes with a dinner with Santa himself, and the “S’more Ice Skating” package (from $239 per room) where adults and children can enjoy a night of ice skating under the stars and warm up near a crackling fire with s’mores and hot cocoa.

Alaskan cruise specials, last-minute holiday vacation packages, cruises, hotel deals, and island getaways are just some of the best travel deals in today’s Travel Podcast.

Celebrity Cruises is offering $200 onboard credit for any Alaskan Cruise tour reserved by Dec. 31

$79 per night for Fall Weekends at Charlotte, NC Hotel. That’s 40% OFF the regular price!

In airline news, Midwest Airlines and Virgin America top Zagat poll of fliers, while JetBlue was named the top large U.S. airline for coach passengers, scoring 19 points on Zagat’s 30-point scale.

Cruising to Alaska? Get 2-for-1 Savings on Top Shore Excursions in Juneau and Ketchikan, including whale watching and helicopter flightseeing tours!

Italy:  Flights plus 5 nights in Venice and Florence for $989 includes air transportation from Los Angeles to Venice and then Florence back to L.A.; two nights in Venice; a first-class train trip from Venice to Florence; three nights in Florence; breakfast daily at both hotels; and all hotel and city taxes.

Lake Powell 2-Night Escape from $139. For just $20 more, upgrades are available to lake and canyon-view rooms.

25% OFF in San Francisco at the trendy Hotel Metropolis, $76-$89 a night.

30% off in San Francisco on a 3 night stay at the Cova Hotel, making it only $77 a night.

40% off in New Orleans at the Ambassador Hotel, $59-$79 a night.

Weekends at Greensboro, NC Marriott for only $79-$84 a night.

Up to 20% Off Black Friday & Cyber Monday Gap Adventures 4-Day Sale.

Enjoy the white sandy beaches of Tunisia while staying at the El Mouradi Palm Marina Hotel. Package price from 669.00 EUR includes: Accommodation, return flights from London Gatwick, airport taxes, fuel surcharges, air passenger duty, Gala meals and transfers to and from resort.

Europe Holiday Package Deals include a 4 star Prague city breaks package from 157EUR.

And skiers, be sure to check out the 9 Top Ski Europe Deals showing the best Earlybird Offers in UK from £239.

$249 for a 5-night Caribbean Cruise from Miami, ports of Call include Miami, Florida; Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; then back to Miami, Florida.

Last Minute Hotel Deals in Miami, FL, only $49 a night for a South Beach Hotel with $100 in Extras if you book by MIDNIGHT Nov 30

Visit Hotel Le St-James in Montreal Save 15%!

The Hotel Le St-James, Montreal just recently renovated its restaurant has added a brand new bar/lounge concept, Salon XO.  Renown Luxury hotel in historic Old Montréal with on site spa, situated at 355 St-Jacques Street.

While you’re in the area, spend some time with family and friends for the holidays, go Ice skating at Quays Skating Rink or Caleche carriage ride in Old Montreal: 30 minutes for $45 or 60 minutes for $75

The package includes: 1 night in a one bedroom Executive Suite, 7 course tasting for two elaborated by award winning Chef Michele Mercuri served in XO Restaurant, Welcome amenity selected for you, Full breakfast for two served at XO or through in-room dinning & Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet and Molton Brown bath products.

Offered: Now – December 31, 2010. Nightly rate per room (CAD) $1500.

Looking for more Canadian discounts? Check out these Canada hotel deals.

Dallas, TX

Travel dates: Friday-Saturday through Dec. 26

Planning on shopping at the Galleria Dallas on black friday? Why not spend the night at The Westin Galleria Dallas and get a $500 giift card from Macy’s?

The is located within the Galleria shopping center with over 200 shops, restaurants, and attractions an elevator ride away. For the holiday shopping season, this hotel is offering a $550 package which includes a room and $500 in gift cards for Macy’s (one per stay). This offer is for travel on Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 26 including the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Terms/Conditions:
Macy’s $500 PKG. Packges includes Deluxe guest room and $500 in gift cards forMacy’s per package. 1 day advance booking required. Credit card required at booking time.

San Diego whale-watching, Ski packages in upstate NY, last-minute travel deals from Southwest for Thanksgiving, half-price rooms inthe Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Québec, and much much more in today’s travel podcast.

The ‘50/50 Package’ begins November 23 – in time for Thanksgiving gatherings and holiday shopping expeditions – and runs through December 30, 2009.

For reservations or information, please visit www.theorchardhotels.com and use promotional code 50/50 or call toll-free 888/717-2881.