Top 10 U.S. Travel Deals for Labor Day Weekend

Submitted 31.08.10 in Hotel Deals, Resort Deals, Travel, Travel Deal Roundup | No Comments | Add Comment
By Kathleen

If you want to travel this Labor Day Weekend, but you don’t want to pull out your passport and venture to foreign lands, check out these top 10 U.S. Labor Day travel deals.  If you’re lucky, you may even find a travel deal on this list for a destination that’s only a drive away from where you live.

1. Save $60 per Night Off Standard Rates at the Homestead Resort in Midway, Utah

The Homestead Resort in Midway, Utah is offering their Garden Style rooms for $119 (for two adults) on September 5 and 6.  This offer is part of the Soldier Hollow Sheepdog Classic Package, which also includes tickets to the Soldier Hollow Sheepdog Classic, an invitational sheepdog championship.  Prices during this period are normally $179 per night for the room alone.  Visit www.homesteadresort.com for more information.

2. Save up to $30 on a Whitewater Rafting Expedition in West Virginia

The River Expeditions Labor Day Celebration Package includes one day of rafting (Saturday, Sunday, or Monday), a BBQ cookout, three nights of camping, and a light breakfast each morning.  The package only costs $120 (it normally costs $150 on Saturday and $125 on Sunday) this Labor Day Weekend.  Visit www.raftinginfo.com for more details.

3. Get a Two Bedroom Condo for the Price of a One Bedroom Condo from Jackson Hole Resort Lodging

This Labor Day Weekend, you can get a two bedroom condo for the price of a one bedroom condo at Jackson Hole Resort Lodging in Wyoming.  One bedroom condos at Jackson Hole Resort Lodging cost $199 per night.  Call 1-800-443-8613 to book this package.

4. Enjoy an End-of-Summer Getaway at July Rates and Receive a FREE Welcome Gift, Family Dinner, and Sunday Family Breakfast Buffet

For a 3 night/3 day end-of-summer getaway this Labor Day Weekend (September 3-6), the rates at Smuggler’s Notch Resort in the Green Mountains of Vermont will revert back to July pricing.  The FamilyFest package is suitable for a family of four and includes 3 nights of accommodations in a one bedroom, mountainside condo, a Vermont-style family dinner, a Sunday family breakfast buffet, full day children’s programs, and afternoon and evening entertainment.  The cost for this special package is $1395 plus tax.  Family-friendly amenities at the resort include 8 pools, 4 waterslides, an indoor FunZone, mini-golf, disc golf, and much more.  Visit www.smuggs.com for more information.

5. Enjoy a LuWow Party and Floribbean Buffet at the TradeWinds Island Resorts in St. Pete Beach, Florida

Book the Labor Day LuWow package at the TradeWinds Island Resorts and you’ll get three nights of accommodations, a LuWow party, and a Floribbean buffet.  This offer is valid from September 3-7 and includes the use of beach cabanas, fitness centers, tennis courts, paddleboats, and other benefits of the Resort Amenity Fee.  Prices start at $498 at the Sandpiper and $558 at the Island Grand.  At the LuWow party on September 5th, guests can participate in a “make your own lei” event, a hula hoop contest, a limbo contest, face painting, and more.  At the end of the party, there will be a fireworks extravaganza.  Visit www.JustLegGo.com for reservations or more information.

6. Buy 2 Nights at $179 Each and Get the 3rd Night Free at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort in Tucson

Enjoy deluxe accommodations at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort in Tucson for an affordable rate this Labor Day Weekend.  If you buy 2 nights at $179 each, you’ll get the 3rd night free.  The JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort in Tucson is located in the lush Arizona desert.  The area offers a myriad of activities, including horseback riding, mountain biking, and shopping.  Visit www.jwmarriottstarrpass.com for more information.

7. Get a $250 Gift Card and the 4th Night Free If You Book 3 Nights at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Book 3 nights at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in the Beaches of South Walton, Florida, and get the 3rd night free.  The nightly rate this Labor Day Weekend is $169 per night.  You’ll also get a $250 gift card that is good towards shopping at the Silver Sands Factory Outlet Stores in Destin or future Southwest Airlines Travel.  Complimentary amenities for guests include the use of kayaks and canoes, fitness center access, tennis court time, bike rentals, and more.  Visit www.sandestin.com or call 1-800-622-1038 to book this deal.

8. Friends Stay Free at the Omphoy Ocean Resort in Palm Beach Florida

The Omphoy Ocean Resort is a beachfront boutique hotel in Palm Beach, Florida.  With the Friends Stay Free package, guests are provided with an entire additional room at no cost.  Rates start at $299 per night.  This package is perfect for couples, friends, and family members who are traveling together.  Call 561-540-6440 or visit www.omphoy.com for more details or to make a reservation.

9. Save 35% Off Standard Rates at the Lodge at Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs

Save 35% on a 2 night stay at the Lodge at Garden of the Gods Club.  This 2 night package is priced at $339 and also includes a gourmet breakfast for two each morning and a 20% discount off of a facial or massage at the spa.  Call 719-632-5541 or visit www.gardenofthegodsclub.com for details.

10. Get a VIP Passport, $40 Gift Certificate, and Complimentary Breakfast at Finger Lakes B&B’s in New York

Seven B&B’s in the Finger Lakes region of New York are offering a special package that includes 2 nights of accommodations, a full complimentary breakfast each morning, a $40 gift certificate that’s valid at local restaurants, wineries, and retail outlets, and a VIP passport for FREE wine tastings and discounts at several local wineries and retail shops.  Rates start at $249.  Visit www.fingerlakesescapes.com for more information.

5 Destination Spa Deals for Labor Day Weekend

Submitted 24.08.10 in Hotel Deals, Resort Deals, Travel Deal Roundup | No Comments | Add Comment
By Kathleen

If you’d like to relax and unwind during your end-of-summer getaway, why not plan a rejuvenating trip to a destination spa?  The following 5 destination spas are offering unbeatable Labor Day travel deals.

1. Get $100 OFF the Total Price When You Book Any 11-Night Weight Loss Retreat Between September 1 and 3 at the New Life Hiking Spa in Vermont

The New Life Hiking Spa in Killington, Vermont is offering a $100 discount when you book any 11-night weight loss retreat between September 1 and October 3.  The all-inclusive nightly price includes accommodations, three meals a day, hiking and fitness programming, and more.  The rate for this 11-night package is $2419 after the discount.  Visit newlifehikingspa.com/ for more information.

2. Book a 3-Night Package in Premier Accommodations at the Lake Austin Spa Resort in Texas and Receive 20% OFF

If you book a 3-night package in premier accommodations at the Lake Austin Spa Resort by September 15th, you’ll receive 20% off.  Call 1-800-847-5637 or visit www.lakeaustin.com/ to request a reservation.  The normal rate at this resort is $1925 for a double room and $2385 for a private room.

3. Save 25% Off Standard Rates at the Regency Health Resort and Spa in Hallandale, Florida

Regency Health Resort and Spa is an oceanfront resort that boasts azure waters and white, sandy beaches.  For only $149 per day, Labor Day Weekend guests will receive standard accommodations, private nutritional consultations, five vegetarian meals daily, exercise classes, and wellness lectures.  The first 50 people who call and make reservations will also receive 1 free coupon towards a spa service for a 4 night stay ($75 value) and 2 free coupons for a 7 night stay ($150 value).  Visit www.regencyhealthspa.com for more information.

4. Get 5 Nights for the Price of 4 Plus a $25 Credit Towards Spa Services at the Tcherassi Hotel and Spa in Cartagena, Colombia

This Labor Day Weekend, get 5 nights for the price of 4, a $25 spa credit, daily breakfast, welcome spearmint lemonade, and a Silvia Tcherassi flower welcome gift at the Tcherassi Hotel and Spa in the heart of Cartagena’s Old City.  Rates start at $360 per night.  Visit www.tcherassihotels.com for more information.

5. Receive a Special Discounted Rate, Complimentary Breakfast, and the 4th Night FREE at the Hotel Kura Hulanda in Curacao

Guests who book three nights at the Hotel Kura Hulanda in Curacao for stays between September 3 and 6 receive a discounted rate (as low as $108 per person), the fourth night free, complimentary breakfast, and complimentary transportation between the Hotel Kura Hulanda Spa and Casino and the Lodge Kura Hulanda and Beach Club.  The hotel will also provide a free shuttle to the 2010 North Sea Jazz Festival, which will take place on September 3-4.  Reservations must be made by September 2.  For more information, visit www.kurahulanda.com or call 1-877-264-3106.

10 Romantic Labor Day Travel Deals

Submitted 19.08.10 in Hotel Deals, Resort Deals, Travel Deal Roundup | No Comments | Add Comment
By Kathleen

Kiss the summer goodbye by taking a romantic vacation with your significant other.  These romantic Labor Day travel deals will allow you to spend quality time with your partner while enjoying a relaxing, fun-filled getaway in an exotic new locale.

1. Get a $100 Activities Card and Historic Area Passes by booking a 3 Day/2 Night Package at the Williamsburg Lodge

The Williamsburg Lodge is offering a 3 day/2 night Labor Day package that includes nightly accommodations, daily breakfast, historic area passes for the length of stay, a “tavern ghost walk” in colonial Williamsburg, and a $100 activities card that can be used for dining, shopping, spa treatments, or golf at any location in colonial Williamsburg.  This offer is valid from September 3rd to November 24th, 2010.  Prices started at $449 per couple.  Visit www.visitwilliamsburg.com for more information about this deal.

2. Book the Sail Seneca Package at Rosemary’s Legacy B&B near Seneca Lake and Get a Sailing Trip, Complimentary Gourmet Breakfasts, and a Candle-Lit Gourmet Dinner

Sail the gorgeous Finger Lakes of central New York in style with the Sail Seneca Package.  You’ll sail aboard the Lee Sea Anne I, a 38-foot Cabo Rico Pilot House Sailing Vessel captained by a USCG licensed captain.  Labor Day weekend rates start at $340 per person for one couple and $270 per person for two couples.  The package includes a full gourmet breakfast each morning, a three hour sail on Seneca Lake, a two night stay at Rosemary’s Legacy, and a candle-lit gourmet dinner.  Visit www.rosemaryslegacy.com/Packages.html for details.

3. Buy a 3 Night Golf Package at the Grand Bay Hotel in Colima, Mexico and Get the 4th Night FREE

The golf package at the Grand Bay Hotel at Isla Navidad Resort in Colima, Mexico includes one round of golf for two people each day.  If you book 3 consecutive nights of this package, the 4th night is free!  Prices start at $299 for a luxury suite and do not include taxes, gratuities, and service charges.  Visit www.wyndham.com/hotels/ZLOGB/main.wnt for more information.

4. Save $135.60 on a 4 Day/3 Night Package for Two at Los Sueños Resort Costa Rica

Normally priced at $878 for two people, this 4 day/3 night package at Los Sueños Resort in Costa Rica will cost only $742.40 for two people this Labor Day weekend.  The package includes 3 nights of accommodation in a one bedroom luxury condominium, daily maid service, a welcome package with refreshments and snacks, a private beach club pass, and free ground transportation in a luxury private van.  Visit www.stayincostarica.com for more information.

5. Receive a 20% Discount on Spa Treatments, Free Daily Breakfast, and More at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa in Fort Myers Beach

For $699 plus 11% room tax, book a 4 day/3 night package from September 3-6.  You must book by September 3rd in order to qualify for this deal.  As part of this package, you’ll receive a one bedroom suite, daily breakfast for two, two welcome drinks, two beach chairs and one umbrella daily, and a 20% discount on any Aquagene spa treatment.  Visit www.pinkshell.com for more information.

6. Save $60 Per Night on a Beachfront Suite at the Reef Resort on Grand Cayman Island

For only $99 per night ($60 off the standard nightly rate), stay in a 450 square foot beachfront suite at the Reef Resort on Grand Cayman.  At this one-room beachfront studio suite, guests can enjoy a restful, rejuvenating vacation by the water.  The Reef Resort is located on the quiet East End of Grand Cayman, where guests can enjoy exceptional diving, snorkeling, and kite surfing.  Visit www.thereef.com for more info.

7. Save 44% Off of Rack Rate at the Bentwood Inn, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Book any available room at the Bentwood Inn in Jackson Hole within 72 hours of your visit and save 44% off of the rack rate of $350 per night.  This deal includes a chef prepared breakfast and evening wine and cheese.  The cost is $195 per night for two.  If you book your room within two weeks of your stay, the cost will be $250 per night for two, saving you 29% off the rack rate.  Stays at the Bentwood Inn in Jackson Hole always include a private balcony, breakfast, and concierge support for dinner or activity reservations.  Visit www.bentwoodinn.com for details.

8. Stay 3 Nights and Pay for Only for 2 Nights at the Ritz-Carlton in Key Biscayne, Florida

Stay three nights and pay for two at the Ritz-Carlton in Key Biscayne.  Rates start at $339 and include daily breakfast for two, deluxe accommodations, internet access and local calls, and overnight parking.  Visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/KeyBiscayne/Default.htm for more information.

9. Save 30% Off Standard Pricing at the Westin Riverfront Beaver Creek in Colorado

For $498, get two nights in a spacious studio suite, a $100 credit to Spa Anjali, a $50 credit to Restaurant Avondale, two 2-hour cruiser bike rentals, a welcome amenity, and complimentary valet parking at the Westin Riverfront Beaver Creek in Colorado.  To make a reservation, visit www.westinriverfrontavon.com.

10. Stay Four Nights for the Price of Three at the Parrot Cay Resort in the Turks and Caicos

Parrot Cay Resort in the Turks and Caicos is offering an “Extend that Summer Feeling” deal this Labor Day weekend and through December 20th on all room categories.  As part of this deal, guests can stay four nights at the resort for the price of three and take daily yoga classes at no extra cost.  The offer also includes breakfast and return airport transfers.  Rates start at $696.  Parrot Cay is an idyllic private isle that is only accessible by boat.  Off the coast of the isle, you can find some of the world’s best diving spots, and the isle itself boasts hidden coves, pristine beaches, and reefs.

Free Things to Do in Orlando

Submitted 9.07.10 in Free Things to Do | 6 Comments | Add Comment
By PJ

When one thinks of a trip to Orlando, they probably conjure up images of incredible theme parks, expensive dining, and luxurious lodgings. Orlando, has other faces, however; it’s home to a number of art galleries and museums, public nature reserves, and miscellaneous sites. This list covers just a few of the many free things to do in this great city. Whether you’re going on a budget or just want a way to break up your Universal/Disney trip without adding to the bill, Orlando has options for you!

1. Kelly Park

With a $1 entrance fee, seeing the rock springs at Kelly Park may not technically be free, but, given the beautiful sights which lay in this park, it’s an incredible bargain! This reserve offers swimming and tubing in a scenic, wooded area, packed with flora and fauna. Surrounding the springs is a boardwalk and picnic area for drying off and eating.

2. Big Tree Park

Witness astonishing cypress tree and this wilderness preserve. Among its many trees is “The Senator”, a 38 meter-high cypress estimated at 3,500 years old. The park is also full of picnic tables, so bring a lunch and make an afternoon of your visit!

3. Fleaworld and Funworld

Just North of Orlando are two of the largest flea markets in the country. Come and shop through bargain items from thousands of vendors while enjoying free entertainment, including acrobatics, circus performers, and live animals. Both are open during the weekends.

4. Zulu Exclusive Gallery

This unique gallery displays contemporary and ancient art Africa, including Zulu and Shona pieces. Learn about the distinct and underappreciated art from the continent of Africa!

5. Albin Polasek Sculpture Garden

Head to Winter Park and explore the works of famed sculptor Albin Polasek! The adjoining museum is closed for the summer, but you can the sculpture garden all year round free of charge!

6. Harry P. Leu Gardens

In addition to holding the largest rose garden in the state of Florida, this beautiful park contains a tropical steam garden, a butterfly garden, and palm, bamboo and cycad gardens. In addition to these diverse landscapes the grounds contains a museum and often functions as an art venue. Admission is free on the first Monday of each month, so get outside and visit the Harry P. Leu Gardens on your next trip.

7. Grand Bohemian Art Gallery

Even if you can’t afford the luxurious Grand Bohemian Hotel, you can check out their art holdings free of charge. The hotel has a diverse collection of paintings, jewelry, and art glass.

8. Peabody Ducks

The sumptuous Peabody hotel is home to a one-of-a-kind occurrence: every morning, a group of ducks, hens, and drakes descend from their suite in a special elevator and waddle to the hotel’s fountain. In the evening, the procession is reversed. Bring the kids to witness this unique, adorable spectacle.

9. Keila Glassworks Gallery

Award winning glassblower Charles Keila has a free gallery and public studio in the Dr. Phillips building. Check out this unique artist and learn about the art of glassblowing!

10. Cornell Fine Arts Museum

Students and children get in free at this fine arts museum, which houses works from around the world, dating from antiquity to the present day. Discover Native American artwork, Middle Eastern artifacts, bronze sculptures, and Renaissance pieces such as Rosselli’s Madonna and Child Enthrone.

11. Disney’s Boardwalk

Regardless of whether you came to visit Orlando’s famous parks, any visitor can check out Disney’s Boardwalk for free. If its many restaurants and nightclubs are out of your price range, you can still appreciate the street performers, ranging from musicians to magicians.

12. Spook Hill

An old Seminole legend has it that their chief Cufcowellax killed a gator which had been terrorizing their village. Their legendary struggle led to the creation of a small lake, Ticowa, which was sacred to the tribe. Since white settlers repopulated the land people have noticed that the forces seem to draw them the nearby hill, rather than down. Put your car in neutral on this mysterious hill and see if the legend of Spook Hill is true!

Things to Do on Memorial Day Weekend in South Florida

Submitted 28.05.10 in Festivals | 1 Comment | Add Comment
By Josh

Memorial Day in Miami is filled with events that are outside the norm for the holiday.  Yes, there are parades and celebrations related to the holiday itself, but some of the biggest fests have nothing to do with marking Memorial Day.  Urban Beach Week, one of Miami’s largest springtime parties, culminates on Memorial Day weekend with concerts and beach parties.  This event adds to the usual assortment of attractions along Miami’s seafront strip.  But there are plenty of non-wild-party options in Miami and the other cities along South Florida’s Gold Coast.

The most visible event during the last weekend in May is Urban Beach Week.  This event originally had a music theme, but has grown into a full-blown beach party that more-or-less dominates South Beach during Memorial Day weekend.  Parties at some of South Beach’s hottest clubs will feature appearance by rap luminaries like Sean Diddy Combs and Busta Rhymes.  For those who don’t care for the hip-hop scene, Miami also plays host to the Best of the Best Concert.  Many of reggae’s biggest names will be taking to the stage, as will stars of the Caribbean’s other musical genres.  The event will be held in Bicentennial Park on Sunday May 3oth.  The tunes will start at 1:30 and last for more than 10 hours. If you have too much fun while visiting, find great Miami summer travel deals to keep the party going.

While Miami’s city beaches are crowded – more-so than usual – during the holiday weekend, sandy spots up the Gold Coast are reasonably calm.  Fort Lauderdale is a favorite alternative to the big city, as is West Palm Beach  These beaches are cleaner and the vibe more laid back.  But not too laid back.  Monarchy, a club in West Palm Beach, will host legendary DJ Roger Sanchez on Sunday May 30th, while the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida features plenty of entertainment options to go along with its gaming tables.

Fort Lauderdale also hosts the Great American Beach Party, a family-friendly version of the holiday events taking place to the south in Miami.  The event is free and features movie screenings, a classic car show, sand castle contest and plenty of musical performances.  The Beach Party will take place on Saturday, May 29th.

Museum Month runs throughout May in Miami.  Visitors to area museums are offered a buy-one, get-one-free deal until the end of the day on May 31st.  For those who really want to explore the city’s exhibit halls, there is also a deal that allows anyone who purchases an annual membership to any museum to visit every other museum in the city free of charge during May.  The museums involved in this promotion include the Miami Science Museum, Miami Beach Botanical Garden, the Children’s Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Haitian Heritage Museum.

Florida’s Gold Coast has something for everyone on Memorial Day.  Fans of urban culture, hip-hop and reggae will enjoy the scene in central Miami, while those looking for a more relaxed South Florida vacation will find what they are looking for in Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and Hollywood.

Last Minute Vacation Rental Deal – Save 25% in Destin FL

Submitted 13.05.10 in Saving Money, Travel On The Cheap | 1 Comment | Add Comment
By Kathleen

Dreaming of relaxing on a sugary white sand beach along the emerald green waters of Destin, Florida? If so, you’re in luck.

Book any one of Holiday Isle Properties’ vacation rentals in Destin arriving between now and May 28th and receive a 25% discount off the base rate. Certain restrictions may apply, so be sure to ask the reservation agent for further details.

Call toll-free number 800-837-5102 to book your rental and claim your 25% discount. Keep in mind that the discount only applies to new reservations arriving between now and May 28th.

You can also read more about Holiday Isle Properties and this limited time-only deal by visiting their website.

Top Five Summertime Destinations in the Southern US

Submitted 26.04.10 in Travel | 1 Comment | Add Comment
By Josh

The Southern United States is filled with unique attractions.  In fact, this region, more than any other in the US, has a  distinct culture that inspires certain expectations from visitors.  Whether it is the theme parks and beaches of Florida, the rowdy good times of New Orleans or the modern, cosmopolitan Southern culture of Atlanta and Charlotte, visitors seek a certain amount of “southern-ness” when they choose to spend their summertime holiday south of the Mason Dixon Line.

Here are the five best summertime travel destinations in the Southern United States.  In many ways, these places fit the Southern stereotype, but more often than not, visitors find themselves confronted with unexpected – but welcome – surprises.

1. The Barrier Islands of South Carolina are known for their golf courses, beaches, gated communities and water sports.  Nearby Charleston, a city of rich history, is an attraction in its own right.  But the unique geography and natural, untouched beauty are what truly make this part of the Carolinas worth a visit.  Outfitters, such as Aqua Safari, take tourist on cruises to explore the natural side of the islands, allowing them to come in close contact with wildlife, including alligators and dolphins.

Of course, surfers are always at home on South Carolina’s Central Coast, one of the most underrated wave-riding spots in the nation, especially during summer hurricane season.  Or, you can remain dry and just enjoy the area’s laid back version of beach culture.

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular park in the nation in terms of the number of visitors.  Wander through the wild, rural landscapes and its easy to see why.  The Smokies boast some of the most unbelievably picturesque scenery.  Summers can be hot and hazy, but large parts of the park lie at higher elevation, meaning that the weather is cooler.  The road up to  Clingman’s Dome (more than 6600 feet of elevation) is littered with scenic overlooks, while trails can be accessed from the Oconaluftee Visitors Center, in North Carolina, and the Sugarlands Visitors Center, in the Tennessee portion of the park.

3. Key West proves that sometimes the classic destinations are still the best ones.  Seafood, water sports and, most of all, that un-copyable, frozen-in-time Key West vibe that attracted famous vacationers like Ernest Hemingway in years past.

There are plenty of touristy attractions, such as the Conch Train Tour and the Key West Nature Preserve, but also plenty of opportunities to get away from the city for some diving, fishing or simply for a boat ride or hike.  And Duval Street, though a bit overly-crowded with tourists sometimes, is home to some of the most iconic bars in the Southern US.

Yes, summertime is rainy season in Key West, but most of the showers occur during the morning hours, with the days being perfectly dry.

4. Atlanta is the cultural and economic capitol of the so-called New South.  Yes, the city suffers from all the standard big city woes, but the culture (especially the cuisine and nightlife) and the sense of history make this one of the more interesting and exciting all-around vacation destinations.  Of course, mainstream tourist attractions like the CNN Studio, Coca-Cola World and a world famous zoo are reasons to visit as well.  If you want to mix a bit of high-brow entertainment with your sightseeing, this is one of the better choices in the country, with The Atlanta Ballet, Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Symphony and more than 60 theater groups regularly staging plays and musicals.  Summertime festivals – the Atlanta Jazz Festival, Georgia Shakespeare Festival and the National Black Arts Festival, to name a few – make the warmer months the best time to get a full cultural experience.

5. Charlotte is another Southern city on the rise.  Attractions aside, this is arguably the best city to experience both the excitement and diverse culture of the modern South and a healthy dose of old fashioned southern charm.  Charlotte’s large immigrant population and numerous “new transplants” from other parts of the country give it its cosmopolitan vibe, while museums and art galleries give visitors plenty of high-brow options. Many great Charlotte hotel deals are available while enjoying all the excitement this city has to bring.

Summertime is the high season for golfers and stock car racing fans.  Most of all, though, June and July provide the ideal weather for getting out and experiencing Charlotte’s best trait: its public parks.

Food is always an integral part of a Charlotte vacation.  June’s Taste of Charlotte Festival is the perfect opportunity to find all of the flavors that make Charlotte’s eating scene  unique in one place.

Travel Deals of the Day – Jan. 29th

Submitted 29.01.10 in Hotel Deals, Travel Deal Roundup | 1 Comment | Add Comment
By wes

Southwest is revving up tourist-luring discounts for Orlando, FL vacations. The new “Super Deal” program shaves $150 off a seven-night Southwest Vacations package that includes airfare and starts at $35 to $57 per person nightly, based on availability and city of origin, with four people sharing a room at the Sheraton Safari or the DoubleTree near Universal Orlando Resort. Plus, each passenger can check two bags for free.

In time for Valentine’s Day, a handful of upscale hotel brands including Fairmont and RockResorts are offering Twitter-only discounted rooms and packages at resorts in the Caribbean, California, Colorado, and Florida.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants has a San Francisco hotel sale going, with eight hotels are participating. The Harbor Court Hotel and Hotel Triton start at $85 per night, and the Prescott, Cypress and Sir Francis Drake hotels start at $89 per night. The Serrano Hotel starts at $95.

USA Today reported today on loyalty bonuses from Marriott, Hilton and Loews, including Marriott’s “MegaBonus” promo beginning in Feb. 1st that lets members who register for the promo earn 2,500 bonus points with each paid stay, up to 25,000 bonus points.

Pauline Frommer suggests four great low-cost getaways on Good Day New York today to help you plan an affordable vacation. Her suggestions include finding the cheapest rates on Carnival cruises, Outdoor camping, and vacation packages to Cancun.

Paul Wade and Kathy Arnold in today’s Telegraph offer ten money-saving tips for travel in the USA, such as an 11-night package with Premier Holidays with visits to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Hawaii from £1,269 per person, including all flights and accommodation.

The Tamarijn Aruba Resort’s All-Inclusive deal offers fun, food, drinks, and a stunning location for a perfect island getaway from $899 for five nights, including airfare. Swim laps in the pool, borrow a resort bike to explore, or visit underwater worlds with a snorkel and fins. Floats and equipment for non-motorized watersports such as Sunfish sailing, canoeing, and snorkeling are part of the all-inclusive package.

And if you’d like to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking travel deals, you can follow us at @BesTravelDeals and subscribe to the blog’s RSS Feed.

Travel Deals of the Day – Jan. 27th

Submitted 27.01.10 in Travel Deal Roundup | 1 Comment | Add Comment
By wes

Julia Scott at WalletPop is highlighting the great airfare deals to Hawaii, Vegas, NYC, and more that Virgin America, Southwest and United Airlines are offering. With United Airlines all destinations, including London, Paris, Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean, are on sale.

Speaking of airfare deals, Air Tran is offering some pretty good deals right now. You’ll find airfare for as little as $44 one way, according to Terri Gruca of KVUE News.

Rent a car that’s miles away from the airport, and you could save a lot of money, according to Christopher Elliott. His article today explores how to avoid airports’ sky-high car rentals in today’s Seattle Times.

An 8 day fly and drive package to Tuscany in the NYTimes includes a seven-day car rental, six nights in a hotel and breakfast daily, starts at $949 a person with departure dates of March 31 and April 7.

Hilton Hotels is offering up to 33 percent off Friday through Sunday stays at more than 520 hotels and resorts worldwide for weekend stays through Dec. 26, must be booked by Jan. 31.

Truth.travel shows us how to get a free companion ticket to Barbados on American Airlines

20 perfect getaways for Valentine’s Day for our friends in or traveling to Europe

Get half-price tickets to Off-Broadway shows such as “STOMP,” “The Fantasticks,” “Avenue Q” and the new “Venus in Fur” in New York City. The “On the House” deal from NYC & Company, the city’s marketing and tourism organization, offers 2-for-1 tickets to more than 20 Off-Broadway shows for February performances.

$17 a night and up for a hotel room in Las Vegas, but these hotel rooms are going fast, so book NOW!

For more great travel deals, be sure to follow @BesTravelDeals on Twitter and subscribe to this blog’s RSS feed.

Travel Deals of the Day – Jan. 25th

Submitted 25.01.10 in Travel Deal Roundup | 1 Comment | Add Comment
By wes

Glacier Bay

Holland America has put on sale a seven-day Alaska cruise, according to the Washington Post. Rate is from $499 per person double, down from $949. Taxes of $108 are additional. The cruise departs from Seward (Anchorage) May 16. Also in the article, Universal Orlando Resort has extended its Military Salute program, which offers active and retired military personnel a free seven-day base ticket to both of its Florida theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. The pass, which is also valid at select Universal CityWalk clubs and venues, is good through March 26.

According to Sophie Butler, hotel rates in European cities are down 12 per cent compared with this time last year. Barcelona, Lisbon and Dublin are among the cities that have had the biggest drop in hotel prices (up to an 18 per cent fall compared with last January), with average double room rates at about £70 per night. Amsterdam and Madrid are about 12 per cent lower and Paris hotels are five per cent down. Learn more in her article in today’s Telegraph.

Also of interest, European ski destinations are offering dramatic savings on ski packages. According to Peter Hardy in the Daily Mail, you can find amazing discounts in Austria, Slovenia, Italy, and of course Switzerland. An example, stay in Kranjska Gora in Slovenia at the Hotel Lek, a comfortable four-star in a good position for easy access to the slopes: One week half-board from February 20 with Gatwick, Stansted and regional flights to Salzburg was £525, now £345.

In the USA, you can find a room at $82-$112 per night for a Washington, D.C. hotel stay. The Churchill Hotel offers travelers a haven of old-world refinement amidst the modern-day bustle of the nation’s capital. From the inviting ambiance of its finely appointed lobby to the gracious appointment of its over-sized guest rooms to the personal attentiveness of its professionally trained staff every aspect of the hotel has been carefully arranged to meet the requirements of the most discriminating guests.

Hilary Nangle at the Boston Globe on discount vacations in Bermuda reveals that by visiting between November and March, when temperatures are usually in the 60s, Bermuda is uncrowded and affordable. Be sure to visit Best Travel Deals to vote on the best Bermuda hotel deals.

Every day, New York Habitat offers a special South of France vacation rental apartment on Twitter. Follow New York Habitat on Twitter to see the latest discount. All Twitter discounts are valid for 7 days from the time of their posting on Twitter. One of their most recent offerings was a Studio in French Riviera.

Haven’t planned a Valentines Day Vacation yet? Annabelle Thorpe details her top 20 hideaways that are still available on Valentine’s Day, with picks from cute cottages to luxury hotels, in her Sunday article in The Observer. Bubrovnik, Istanbul, and Prague top her list, and includes some truly great package deals in places like Austria, Yorkshire, and rural Dorset.

Break for spring on Oahu, with Aston hotels from $91. The budget-friendly Aston Hotels & Resorts is offering a number of attractive springtime specials at its Oahu sites. Aston Waikiki Circle Hotel, just across the road from Waikiki Beach, is the least expensive of this group. Or enter to win a hotel stay: Shape Magazine is offering a Hawaii vacation sweepstakes for a two-night stay at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Enter to win here.

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