5 Great Summer Destinations for Families with Teenagers

Submitted 7.02.11 in General, Travel | No Comments | Add Comment
By Kathleen

Are you a parent of teens who is planning to take a family vacation this summer? If so, you know all too well that teens are hard to please. From their tastes in music to their vacation preferences, teens make it more complicated for parents to decide where to go during summer break. You and your spouse might enjoy museum hopping and sipping tea in your hotel room, but your teen will roll his/her eyes if you even mention it. Here are 5 great summer destinations that are teen tested, teen approved.

1. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana resorts, such as Club Med and Dreams, boast teen centers and organize activities specifically for teens. Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa has a teen center for teens from 13 to 17 years old that features high-tech games, snack machines, audiovisual systems, and sporting equipment. Club Med Punta Cana is home to a teens-only skateboard ramp that has a lounge underneath where teens can hang out and get to know other people their age.

2. Multi-Destination Cruise

Cruises give parents a chance to spend quality time together while teens socialize and have a blast. From shore excursions limited to teens to youth spa programs and teens-only discos, there is an array of amenities catering specifically to the teens on board many cruise ships. Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line all offer teen programs, so choose a ship based on your teen’s hobbies and preferences.

3. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

From spotting seals and whales from the shore on the east side of Cape Cod to hanging out on the beach at night beside a bon fire with other teens, your teenage children are sure to stay entertained in Cape Cod. Cape Cod’s beaches and dunes are popular with nature-loving teens, and resorts in the region offer a number of outdoor activities that active teens will enjoy. Cape Codder Resort & Spa is known for its indoor water complex, while the Ocean Edge Resort & Club offers bike tours, movies by the pool, and ultimate Frisbee games, among other teen-friendly activities.

4. Orlando, Florida

Orlando’s world famous theme parks, such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, feature suspenseful rides and entertaining attractions that are popular with teens. Other teen-friendly activities in Orlando include exploring the shops and entertainment on Disney’s Boardwalk and visiting expansive malls, such as the Mall at Millenia and Pointe Orlando, to partake in the #1 pastime amongst teens: shopping.

5. Washington D.C.

Even the pickiest of teens will look at the White House in awe, but your teen will probably get bored if your entire D.C. vacation is spent visiting government buildings and monuments. D.C. is a hot spot for family vacations with teens because it offers entertainment for family members of all ages. Teens particularly enjoy exploring D.C.’s hip neighborhoods, such as Georgetown, Dupont Circle, and Penn Quarter.

Free Things to Do in Miami

Submitted 7.01.11 in Free Things to Do, Travel | No Comments | Add Comment
By PJ

Miami, the center of Florida’s largest metro region, has loads of activities for visitors! Enjoy Miami’s rich cultural heritage without opening your wallet! Explore Little Havana, peruse art museums, or visit one of the city’s many beaches, free of charge.

1. Viernes Culturales

Experience the vibrant culture of Miami’s Cuban population with Viernes Culturales! The last Friday of each month, the Little Havana neighborhood hosts a festival of music, art, and dining which attracts over 70,000 visitors a year. Tour the district’s thirteen art galleries, listen to outdoor musical performances, and taste free samples at the many fine restaurants that line the streets.

2. Miami Beaches

Soak up the sun at one of Miami’s many public beaches! Check out South Beach, Virginia Key Beach, and Haulover Beach, and the many other beaches that dot the Miami coast. Swim, run, or just enjoy the weather! Most beaches have free admission.

3. Gables Art Walk

Visit on the first Friday of the month and experience Miami’s burgeoning art scene with the Gables Art Walk! Over a dozen museums, studios, and other art venues open their doors to visitors through the evening. Expect to see some beautiful local art, talk to artists, and enjoy wine and cheese, all free of charge!

4. Wolfsonian Art Museum

This museum comprehensively covers North American and European art from the late 19th century to WWII. Explore Dutch and Italian art nouveau furniture, British arts and crafts, and German and American political propaganda. This wide-ranging collection can be viewed free of charge Fridays, after 6 PM.

5. Holocaust Memorial

This internationally recognized sculpture garden commemorates the six million Jews who died during the Holocaust. The site features sculptures of victims, a concise history of the Holocaust, a reflecting pool, and a passageway lined with the names of victims.

6. Miami Art Museum

Miami’s young art museum houses hundreds of pieces, focusing on works from the Western Hemisphere made during the last two centuries. Check out beautiful contemporary works from Miami, the US, and the world! Second Saturdays of every month are free.

7. Bay of Pigs Museum

In 1961, thousands of American-trained Cuban exiles invaded their homeland before being defeated by Castro’s army. This event shook the Americas and influences US-Cuban relations to this day. Visit this museum in Little Havana and view CIA photos and other artifacts pertaining to the invasion.

8. Miami Beach Architectural Historic District

This neighborhood, within a mile of South Beach, is home to hundreds of beautiful buildings of various architectural styles. In addition to its 800 edifices, the district contains Mediterranean Revival and modern architecture. Walk or take the shuttle through this beautiful, historic neighborhood.

9. Jewish Museum of Florida

This museum stands as a testament to Florida’s Jewish population. The museum, itself comprised of two historic synagogues, houses an addition 100,000 items which chronicle the Jewish experience in Florida. Admission is free on Saturdays.

10. World of Bacardi Museum

Anyone who drinks Bacardi and has a taste for history should stop by the World of Bacardi Museum. The museum chronicles the history of both the Bacardi family and corporation. Admission is free but appointments are required.

5 Best Vacation Resorts for Families with Tweens

Submitted 9.12.10 in General, Travel | No Comments | Add Comment
By Kathleen

So, you’ve booked your hotel, scheduled your spa treatments, and wrote a list of all the fine dining establishments that you and your spouse want to try. You are ecstatic about your trip except there’s one little thing you haven’t figured out… what do you do with your tweens?

While most hotels offer programs for kids and teens, tweens are often left out of the equation. When planning your summer vacation, let your tween help you decide on a destination so you can take his/her interests into consideration. As you explore your options, you and your tween ought to check out the tween-friendly vacation resorts below.

1. Club Med Cancun

Club Med in Cancun, Mexico is an all-inclusive resort that recently opened an exclusive area called Passworld for teens and tweens. Divided into two groups, ages 11-13 and 14-17, the kids at Passworld can hang out with others their age and spend some much-needed time away from their parents. Activities that tweens enjoy at Passworld include overnight camping, beach soccer, hiking, and hip hop dance classes.

2. Pinehurst, North Carolina

The North Carolina golf resort of Pinehurst offers family golf packages that allow parents to spend quality time with their tweens. Golf packages include a lesson, use of the driving range, rental clubs, and end-of-day tee times. There is also a teen spa where your tweens can undergo spa treatments like massages and facials.

3. Sheraton Kauai Resort

The Keiki program at the Sheraton Kauai Resort allows kids aged 5 to 12 learn more about Hawaiian culture through participating in activities such as lei making, bamboo pole fishing, hula lessons, and storytelling. This fun, educational program is available for full or half day sessions from Tuesday to Friday, year-round.

4. Smuggler’s Notch, Vermont

Although Smuggler’s Notch is a ski resort, you can also visit the slopes during the summertime, while they’re green and warm. The advantage of visiting Smuggler’s Notch during the summer is that the price is typically much lower. Activities tweens can enjoy at Smuggler’s Notch include playing at one of four water parks, participating in theater workshops, going to skate camp, sitting around the campfire, and much more.

5. Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa

Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa offers scuba diving programs for kids that allow kids to learn how to scuba dive from PADI instructors while observing pristine coral reef and marine life. The scuba diving equipment provided is designed specifically for children, so it’s sure to suit your tween’s size and stature. Even tweens who aren’t strong swimmers can join the program because the maximum depth is only two meters.

Free Things to Do in Philadelphia

Submitted 5.11.10 in Free Things to Do, Travel | No Comments | Add Comment
By PJ

Photo Credit: Adrian Sampson- http://www.flickr.com/photos/adrian_s/22440437/

The country’s sixth largest city, Philadelphia is commensurately rich in culture and history. It’s central role in the formation of the American country have earned it the nickname “The Birthplace of America”. Whether you’re interested in the history or the contemporary culture of this great city, there are ways to get your dream vacation without spending a nickel!

1. Independence Hall

One of the most historically important buildings in US history, Independence Hall served as the Founding Fathers’ meeting place when they debated and adopted the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. It was additionally the original home of the Liberty Bell and Pennsylvania’s original statehouse. Anyone interested in American history should take the time to discover this site, which was pivotal in the foundation of the country as we know it.

2. Philadelphia Museum of Art

One of the largest museums in the world, the Philadelphia Museum of Art holds hundreds of thousands of pieces. Their collection includes famous paintings by Dali, Duchamp, Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Plan your trip on the first Sunday of the month, when you can “pay what you wish”.

3. Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell, with its famous crack, have become an irreplaceable symbol of the American Revolution. Traditionally, the bell was rung during the First Continental Congress and the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Head to Independence National Historical Park and view this iconic piece of Americana.

4. New Hall Military Museum

This two floor museum is devoted to the role of the military in America’s early history. Artifacts include swords, grenades, and model ships. Come and appreciate the critical role that the marines played in the formation of the American Republic!

5. US Mint

Want to see where are coinage comes from? The US Mint in Philadelphia manufactures and distributes the billions of coins per year which enter our currency every year. The Mint is open to the public, so take yourself on a self-guided tour during your visit!

6. Rodin Museum

Auguste Rodin was a French sculptor, most famous for the statue “The Thinker”. Though that iconic statue remains in Paris, Philadelphia’s Rodin Museum holds more of his work than any museum outside of France. The museum holds such pieces as the Burghers of Calais and the Gates of Hell. Admission is free, though a donation of five dollars is suggested.

7. First Bank of the United States

The First Bank was the first central bank of the United States. Established during the Washington administration, this bank handled the nation’s monetary policy for twenty years. Visit this beautiful, historical building and learn about the key role in our country’s early history!

8. Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

Kosciuszko, in addition to being a hero in his native Poland, is also famous for his assistance given to America during the Revolutionary War. Honor this international hero and learn more about our Revolutionary War at this tiny National Memorial.

Free Things to Do in Seattle

Submitted 8.10.10 in Free Things to Do | No Comments | Add Comment
By PJ

Seattle’s vibrant cultural life make it an obvious tourist destination, and with these free options it’s also an affordable one! You can hear music, visit art museums, and learn how to boat without spending a dime!

1. Seattle Art Museum

Featuring collections from around the world, the Seattle Art Museum is the city’s most comprehensive art museum. Come on the first Thursday of the month and admission is free.

2. Seattle Asian Art Museum

Housing the largest collection of Asian art in the region, the Seattle Asian Art Museum has pieces spanning centuries of Asian art history. Current exhibits include Japanese woodblocks and a Seattle perspective on Chinese art. First Thursdays of the month are free and the second Thursdays are free from 5-9 PM. First Fridays are free for seniors over 62, and first Saturdays are free for families.

3. Olympic Sculpture Park

This outdoor sculpture gallery, featuring both permanent and visiting pieces, is a unique fixture of Atlanta’s art world. The park is situated on a beach, so feel free to take a refreshing dip after viewing the sculptures!

4. Center for Wooden Boats

Head to Lake Union and the Center for Wooden Boats will give you a free boat ride! If you’re interested in learning how to boat the Center also hosts educational programs. Also check out the library in their boathouse.

5. Concerts at City Hall

Head to city hall the first Tuesdays and Thursdays of the month and catch a free concert! Performers this summer include Caspar Babypants, Latin Expression, and Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band.

6. Bellevue Arts Museum

This museum, itself an architectural marvel designed by Stephen Holl, is home to some of the best artwork in Seattle. Bellevue holds no permanent collection; it displays traveling pieces and focuses on providing art education to the surrounding area. Take a trip to this remarkable institution the first Friday of the month, when admission is free.

7. Museum of Flight

This air and space museum, just south of Seattle, boasts over sixty aircraft, including the first Presidential Jet and the only remaining Boeing 80A. If you’re interested in the history of aeronautics this museum is a must-see! Admission is free on the first Friday of the month.

8. Coast Guard Museum Northwest

This museum, celebrating the history of the Coast Guard in the American Northwest, houses thousands of books, photos, and artifacts pertaining to the American Coast Guard. Among the museum’s many pieces are lighthouse lights, ship parts, and the coast guard flag brought on the first Space Shuttle flight.

Free Things to Do in San Diego

Submitted 1.10.10 in Free Things to Do | No Comments | Add Comment
By PJ

Heading to San Diego soon? America’s Finest City is home to scenic beaches, public parks, and museums which can all be experienced without spending a nickel. With this list you can explore the desert, see where Olympians train, view contemporary art, and learn about the early history of man for free!

1. Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine
If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, escape to this lake shrine. The shrine is a 10-acre oasis of tranquility located just north of San Diego; it includes a lake, several waterfalls, koi ponds, and beautiful gardens. The site also includes a Court of Religions, which displays the symbols of five of the worlds principal religions, and a shrine to Gandhi, which houses the only ashes of Ghandi outside of India.

2. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
This 600,000-acre State Park, east of San Diego, covers a vast expanse of desert which is home to iguanas, golden eagles, rattlesnakes, foxes, and bighorn sheep. If you arrive in early Spring you can witness the blooming of thousands of different flowers. Check out the Visitor’s Center to get a sense of the flora and fauna which inhabit this diverse region.

3. Balboa Park
This 1,200-acre urban park features a combination of open, green spaces and cultural attractions, including the San Diego Zoo and Spreckels Organ. Site of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition and the 1935 California-Pacific International Exposition, the park is a cultural and historical center of San Diego and California.

4. Mission Bay Park
At over 4,200 acres, Mission Bay is one of the largest municipal parks in the country. Sail, jet ski, or swim in the beautiful waters, or camp along its shore. The park also contains over 20 miles of trails for walking or jogging.

5. La Jolla
This San Diegan community features one of the most beautiful shorefront sunsets in the US. Its combination of rocky and sandy coast lines and clear blue oceans make the La Jolla coast an unforgettable sight.

6. US Olympic Training Center
Chula Vista, just south of San Diego, is home to one of only three Olympic Training Centers in the US. The facilities are open to the public throughout the week, so if you’re in the area be sure to take a free, self-guided tour!

7. San Diego Museum of Man
San Diego’s premier anthropology museum houses archaeological objects and publications from around the world, with an emphasis on the Americas and Egypt. Current exhibitions focus on the human genome, the history of board and card-games, and ancient artifacts from Mexico to Peru. Admission is free on the third Tuesday of every month.

8. Spreckels Organ Concerts
With 4,530 pipes which reach as high as 32 feet, Spreckels Organ is one of the largest outdoor organs in the world. Free concerts are performed Sunday afternoons by the region’s leading organists. Bring a picnic and enjoy the outdoors while enjoying this one-of-a-kind musical experience.

9. Stargaze at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
This science center sets up a number of huge telescopes for public viewing of the night sky on the first Wednesday of the month.

10. Julian
Julian was once the county’s second largest city after the Gold Rush of 1869; today, its Victorian architecture and quiet atmosphere remain undisturbed by San Diego’s growth. Come and explore this quaint community in the autumn to enjoy the hundred-year-old Julian Fall Apple Harvest, or at any point to simply take a glimpse into the past.

11. Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego
The Museum of Contemporary Art has two buildings, one in La Jolla and one downtown. Together they hold over 4,000 pieces from all mediums, with strong holdings in works from Latin America and the San Diego-Tijuana region. Admission is free from 5 – 7 PM, on the third Thursday of the month.

Free Things to do in Houston

Submitted 24.09.10 in Free Things to Do | No Comments | Add Comment
By PJ

Houston, a regional capital in art, theatre, and commerce, is also a great vacation spot for budget travelers! With this list you can experience the culture and history of America’s fourth-largest city at no cost.

1. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

This museum features fine art from around the world. Current exhibits explore fields as disperse as metal art, cowboy culture, and Sufi mysticism. Admission is free on Thursdays.

2. San Jacinto Museum of History

At 570 feet, the San Jacinto Monument is the tallest war monument in the world, passing the Washington Monument by 15 feet. Gaze at this incredible edifice and walk inside its base, which contains the San Jacinto Museum of History. The museum covers Texan history from Mexican rule to the present.

3. Holocaust Museum Houston

This museum honors the millions of victims of the Holocaust and other genocides of the 20th century. Its permanent collection includes footage, photographs, artifacts, a WWII rail car, and a Danish rescue boat. In addition, the museum is a venue for Holocaust-related artwork and theatre, including the Laramie Project.

4. Cullen Sculpture Garden

Next to the Museum of Fine Arts stands a beautiful, five-acre sculpture garden designed by Isamu Noguchi. The garden’s permanent collection includes works by Henri Matisse and Frank Stella, as well as an assortment of sculptures by local Texan artists.

5. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

On the Western edge of Houston’s Memorial Park is a 155-acre urban nature sanctuary. Explore the Arboretum’s five miles of scenic trails, and check out the many events held in the park year-round.

6. Contemporary Arts Museum Houston

This beautiful, stainless steel museum houses the best regional, national, and international contemporary art. Current exhibitions explore the relationship between static and performance art, with the audience interacting with pieces in fascinating ways.

7. Menil Collection

The impressive collection assembled by John and Dominique de Menil is on display at this free museum. Their 16,000-piece collection includes pieces from the Byzantine Empire, African, and Oceania, as well as contemporary art from around the world.

8. Tranquility Park

This two-block oasis commemorates the original, 1969 moon landing in the Sea of Tranquility. The park contains memorials to the Challenger and Columbia disasters.

9. Museum of Printing History

This unique museum is dedicated to the history, art, and science of printing. Current exhibits focus on printing in Bhutan, the technology of early photography, and minority publications through Houston’s history.

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.

7 Beach Hotel Deals for Labor Day Weekend

Submitted 25.08.10 in Hotel Deals, Resort Deals, Travel, Travel Deal Roundup | No Comments | Add Comment
By Kathleen

What better way to end summer than by spending one last weekend at the beach?  These Labor Day travel deals will help you plan an exotic getaway by the ocean without killing your budget.

1. Get a Complimentary Breakfast for Two and Valet Parking at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach, California

The Weekend in Newport Package includes overnight accommodations, breakfast for two at the Palm Terrace restaurant, and valet parking for one vehicle.  Rates start at $199.  Book a reservation by visiting www.islandhotel.com or calling 1-866-554-4615.

2. Get 25% Off Plus a $100 Credit Towards a Couple’s Massage at the El Dorado Seaside Suites in the Riviera Maya, Mexico

The El Dorado Seaside Suites by Karisma is an all-inclusive, adults-only property that was voted one of Forbes’ top ten most romantic resorts.  The hotel features in-suite Jacuzzis, five gourmet restaurants, seven bars and lounges, beach butlers, and private, swim-up suites.  Rates begin at $177 per person, per night and include 24-hour room service, full-service concierge, a 25% discount, and a $100 resort credit towards the beachfront couple’s sky massage.  Book online at www.karismahotels.com with the booking code FALL.

3. Get 1 Complimentary Night When You Stay 5 Consecutive Nights at the Cotton Tree on Grand Cayman Island

Cotton Tree is offering guests 1 complimentary night when they stay 5 consecutive nights at their hotel.  Cotton Tree is a boutique cottage hotel located just steps away from the Caribbean Sea.  The hotel consists of four, two-bedroom cottages with French doors overlooking the sea, plasma TVs, and state-of-the-art appliances.  Amenities at the hotel include a freshwater swimming pool, a fitness center, spa pavilions, and a personal chef.  Rates at the Cotton Tree are $650 per night.  Visit www.caymancottontree.com/cayman-island-specials.aspx for more information.

4. Save Up to $728 Per Night at the Marquis Los Cabos in Mexico’s Baja California Sur

Stay in one of the Junior Suites at Marquis Los Cabos and get the second suite FREE.  In addition, you’ll receive one upgrade to a Marquis Suite with Pool or a Private Pool Casita.  Marquis Los Cabos is a stunning resort features a 15,000 square foot spa, an exclusive gourmet restaurant, and private balconies.  A continental breakfast is delivered to your room daily via a private, in-room alcove.  Prices for Junior Suites start at $400 per night.  Visit www.marquisloscabos.com for more information.

5. Save Up to 55% at Breezes Resorts in Jamaica, the Bahamas, Curacao, and Panama

As part of their summer/fall supersale, Breezes Resorts are offering discounts of up to 55%.  Rates start at $72 per person, per night at Breezes Trelawny, $85 at Breezes Runaway Bay, $87.50 at Breezes Rio Bueno, $92.25 at Breezes Grand Negril, $108.75 at Breezes Bahamas, and $120 at Breezes Curacao.  Visit www.breezes.com/specials/2010/07/06/up-to-55-off-super-summer-fall-sale/ for details.

6. Get 50% OFF the Second Night of Accommodations at the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

If you’d like to spend some time on Myrtle Beach without the large summer crowds, take advantage of the Fabulous Fall Package at the award-winning Marina Inn at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach.  For $149 per night, you’ll get a value-added package that includes luxury accommodations in a grande guest room and the choice of one of the following: breakfast for two each morning, admission for two at the Carolina Opry, or 50% off the charge for the second night’s accommodations.  Visit www.marinainnatgrandedunes.com for more information.

7. Save 25% on Your Stay at Las Brisas Hotels & Resorts in Mexico

Save 25% on your stay at any one of the Las Brisas Hotels & Resorts in Mexico this Labor Day Weekend.  Prices after the discount start at $84 per night.  Visit www.brisashotelonline.com for details.  You must use the promo code 25%MHB in order to qualify for this deal.

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.

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