Traveling during the week if you’re able to is a great way to save a little money and still get some down time. The Dawn Ranch Lodge in Sonoma has lower rates for midweek stays. The Fall Vacation Special running through December 21, 2009 gives you three nights for the price of two or five nights for the price of three. Unfortunately Saturday night stays aren’t included.

Cabins at Dawn Ranch Lodge in the Fall time

If you’re not able to sneak away for a weekday getaway, there are still some specials available at the Ranch. For the Harvest season, weekend packages start under $300 and include a cabin for two nights and dinner for two at the Roadhouse Restaurant. If you’d like to travel with a group, larger cabins are available.

The Roadhouse Restaurant is known for their Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays – with an extensive list of Russian Fiver appellation. The restaurant also carries organic produce from both Napa and Sonoma counties.

The Dawn Ranch Lodge was named after a variety of Redwood – the Dawn Redwood – that was thought to be extinct. Nearly seventy years ago, saplings were found in China and some were transplanted in North America. The 15-acre Dawn Ranch Lodge is lucky to be home to two of these former saplings which are now towering trees.

Creekside at Dawn Ranch Lodge

Thanksgiving season is a good time to try new wines and enjoy the company of friends and family. The Dawn Ranch Lodge has Thanksgiving Packages starting under $300. These packages include two nights’ accommodations and $20 “Roadhouse Bucks,” which are good towards a meal at the Roadhouse Restaurant or a delicious boxed lunch for an outing on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Your choice!

Dawn Ranch Lodge Christmas Time

If you prefer to celebrate holidays at home, the Parade of Lights Weekend Packages are available for December 5^th and 6^th. The Holiday of Lights in Guerneville (near the Dawn Ranch Lodge) includes a parade of more than 100 floats, antique vehicles of all sorts, horses and marching bands. If you decide to skip into town earlier than the fifth, the Dawn Ranch Lodge will be participating in the Dining Out For Life event on December 3, 2009. A percentage of diner’s total food bill will be donated to Food For Thought. The weekend package includes two nights accommodations and a dinner one night and $20 Roadhouse Bucks for brunch.

Deck Party at the Dawn Ranch Lodge

The New Years Party Package starts at under $400 and includes two nights accommodations for two, complimentary champagne and a dance party! Better yet, there’s also a New Year’s Day champagne brunch for two.

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There’s a myth that lodging in New York City is expensive, especially around the holidays. The Cool Yule Deal brought to you by the GEM Hotels in NYC has savings of about $80 less than the average price for a similar hotel room in Manhattan. There are three locations, one in SoHo, Chelsea and Midtown West.

Ultra Posh but comfy lobby of the GEM Chelsea

Dates included in this deal are November 20^th-29^th (perfect for catching the Macy’s Day Parade!) and December 18^th-29^th. The boutique hotels have three very different locations. If you’re interested in catching some shows or visiting the Javits Center for any reason, than the Midtown location is perfect for you. Also near that location is the Empire State Building, the Broadway Theater District and Times Square.

Midtown is great for seeing some of the classic tourist spots. I’d advise staying in that location during the Thanksgiving season if you’re interested in seeing the parade – Herald Square is a few blocks away. It’s also great for shopping with Lord and Taylor nearby.

If you’re more interested in eating than sightseeing the SoHo location is perfect. It’s a little off the beaten track and close to the unique shopping opportunities of the Meatpacking District.

Of course, if you’re the type of person who travels for nightlife, Chelsea is the place to be. With a plethora of unique nightclubs, bars and galleries, the Chelsea GEM location is key for experiencing it all. Also, it’s only a hop, skip and a short subway ride from Midtown where you can take in the classic tourist sites as well.

Lobby of the GEM Chelsea

As a New York City frequent traveler, I recommend staying in Chelsea (although I am a bit biased – that’s where I usually stay so I know the neighborhood very well). It’s a funky, artsy area with many colorful characters to keep you busy people watching.

The GEM Hotels also offers tips and local guides that are constantly updated. Called the GEMine, travlers are also encouraged to add their own experiences to the lobby-located chalkboard. This is a great source for local events and other happenings that you can’t find in the typical guidebook. As someone who likes to travel like a native, this is extremely helpful.

If you are interested in some more traditional tourist attractions, the hotels are stocked with iPods that have pre-loaded audio tours of different areas such as Little Italy and Times Square. These GEMwalks are complimentary for hotel guests.

For on –the-go tourists, GEMtexts is another service the hotels offer. Twice daily you’ll be alerted to neighborhood and hotel offers via your cell phone. Talk about convenient! Make sure you get your room soon – there’s limited availability and with this rate, the rooms won’t be around for very long.

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I had the opportunity to spend a past New Years in New Mexico and thoroughly enjoyed it. Prior to my trip, the Southwest region was never very high on my list of destinations. After seeing firsthand the culture, color and attractions, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.

The architecture is wonderfully different from the Northeastern building I’m used to. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is one of those spots. Situated near the artsy district which is mainly pueblo buildings, the Cathedral, with its pseudo-Gothic yet decidedly Southwest style towers is a  juxtaposition of culture. If you’re interested in visiting other religious spots, the San Miguel Chapel in Santa Fe is said to be the oldest standing church in North America. Built in 1610, this building is open every day of the week and costs only $1 donation.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe /CC Meghan Butler

The Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort is the epitome of Santa Fe style with Spanish, Native American and Southwestern cultures beautifully melded into traditional structures. The resort itself has some interesting historical background. The land was bought in 1851 by bishop Jean-Baptist Lamy. The chapel he erected nearly 160 years ago still stands.

Main Building of Bishop's Lodge Ranch Resort

For the holiday season, The Bishop’s Lodge Ranch is offering Thanksgiving and Christmas deal of 25% off the regular rates.  The Ranch has many relaxing activities, including the SháNah Spa & Wellness Center with six indoor treatment rooms, two outdoor massage gardens and outdoor Japanese Watsu pool and even a hair salon. The word “SháNah” means “vitality and energy” in Navajo. With that in mind, the spa offers massages, yoga and Pilates, facials along with the traditional salon treatments of waxing, hair and nail care.

Guest Room of Bishop's Lodge Ranch Resort

After some relaxation, explore the Downtown Santa Fe area’s artsy district. Artists sell their unique and handmade wares out of authentic pueblos. One of the most notable artists (whose prints can be found in almost any store in Santa Fe) is Georgia O’Keeffe, Her colorful flowers and abstract renditions are well represented in the Southwest. And rightfully so – they’re beautiful.

You can purchase real skulls in Downtown Santa Fe! / CC Meghan Butler

For the more active travels, The Bishop’s Lodge Ranch has guided horseback riding trails, a skeet and trap range and tennis courts. To keep your entourage of kiddies happy, the Lodge has youth horseback riding programs. So sign em up, saddle em up and send em out to pasture. Then enjoy some quiet time!

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The idea of New Orleans as a vacation destination brings to mind, beads, booze and debauchery. I’m sure there’s plenty of that around during the non-Mardi Gras season but there are also some fun, family-friendly attractions for the under 21 crowd.

Audubon Insectarium / CC Dazed Effect

For the little guys, embrace their love of creepy crawlies with the We Love Bugs! Family Getaway.  For under $200 a night, a family of four (two adults and two children) will get overnight accommodations, breakfast and four tickets to the Audubon Insectarium. Insects are the largest group of animals on Earth and this exhibit is interactive so it’s sure to keep the kiddies interested. There’s an exhibit that allows you to shrink to bug size and wander through a Louisiana swamp, a beautiful Asian garden with thousands of exotic butterflies and a “touch a bug” exhibit where kids can see the tools used by entomologists. They even get to meet some live bugs!

JW Marriot New Orleans / CC Dazed Effect

Of course, the Big Easy is bound to draw plenty of over 21 year-olds looking to get away. For a big-kids playground, the Marriot has the Ultimate New Orleans Casino Package. This includes a voucher to the Harrah’s New Orleans Casino which is very close to the hotel – about a ten minute walk. So buck the Las Vegas trend and head to New Orleans. They have better gumbo anyway.

If slot machines and blackjack tables isn’t your idea of romantic, the JW Marriot also has the Cupid Checks into New Orleans deal complete with early check-in, late check-out and breakfast in bed. This “romance-laced” weekend getaway also includes champagne, chocolate and strawberries upon arrival and deluxe accommodations with a king-sized bed. This deal is good through January 28^th, 2010 so celebrate Valentines Day early for some savings and cuddle time with your honey!

New Orleans is a great place to get away, even before the Mardi Gras season. Beat the crowds (and the prices) by partying early in the season.

Welcome to the Big Easy! / CC Dazed Effect

Everything is bigger in Texas, especially the holiday deals. In Galveston,  the Hotel Galvez (a Wyndham Historic Hotel) has some enticing deals for the Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays.

Hotel Galvez holiday lights

Hotel Galvez’s Thanksgiving package includes overnight accommodations and a Thanksgiving Day Brunch with complimentary mimosas, wine or champagne.  It also includes two tickets to the Moody Gardens Festival of Lights. Friday, November 27^th kicks off the holiday season in Galveston. At Hotel Galvez, the festivities include gingerbread replicas of the historic hotel and Christmas carols, among other live entertainment.  There’s also the holiday events that are held annually at the nearby Saegerfest Park in downtown Galveston. These festivities kick-off on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Hotel Galvez pool area

If you’ve got Christmas on your mind, Hotel Galvez has the Getaway for the Holidays Package for the entire month of December.  You can unwind before the holidays and do a little holiday shopping – the package includes discounts to local merchants and complimentary shuttle services: No rental car needed! Travel on a weekday to avoid the crowds and you’ll get a deeply discounted price. After a day of shopping, unwind with special holiday-themed treatments at the Hotel Galvez Spa. There’s also the typical wellness treatments such as massage, facial and body treatments.

While you’re in Galveston, take in some of the history. As a wannabe architecture buff, Bishop’s Palace caught my eye. Built in the late 1800s, the so-called “Victorian castle” is now a museum managed by the Galveston Historical Foundation. For $10 you can see the luxury materials and furnishings, beautifully carved ornaments, stained-glass windows, and sculptures – the mansion even a fireplace lined with pure silver!

Bishop's Palace / CC stevesheriw

If you’re more interested in natural wonders than architectural ones, the Galveston Island State Park offers over 2,000 acres of beach front property and is believed to be over 5,000 years old. The entrance fees are fair (about $5 for the day) and there’s also camping available if you’re interested in roughing it for a few days. No matter what activities youre interested, Galveston is a great destination for a low-key stay.

Galveston Island State Park / C Indiana Stan

For Thanksgiving, try the Perfect Pawleys Plantation Thanksgiving. For under $300, you and one other person can stay for three nights in a double occupancy, one-villa suite. But wait, it gets better: this includes one 18-hole round of golf and a cornucopia of a buffet on Thanksgiving. Also available is a free second round of golf or a fourth night free when you mention the “Perfect Pawleys Thanksgiving Package.”

Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Looking to avoid a white Christmas? Head down the Pawley’s for their “Christmas Lights in the Low Country” special. For $275, you and one other person receive 3 night accommodations in a villa suite. Of course, this includes one round of golf (18 holes!) and a Sunday brunch. As an added bonus, enjoy the Night of a Thousand Candles at the Brookgreen Garden.

Brookgreen Garden is part of a 9,100 acre preserve on the South Carolina coast. It was also the first sculpture garden to be built in the U.S. The land is comprised of four plantations and usually costs about $12 for admission. Your admission is free with the Christmas Lights in the Low Country package.

Pawleys Island Carriage Ride

If you‘re interested in staying for New Year’s Eve, Pawley’s is hosting a Gala & Golf event. For under $400 you and a guest will get a villa suite for Thursday, Friday and Saturday (2 days!) and one round of 18 hole golf and Sunday brunch (this is pretty standard for all Pawley’s packages). You’ll also be invited to a New Year’s Eve Gala in the ornate Plantation Ballroom with premium open bar, a full-course dinner with coffee and cordial station. Of course there will be a delicious champagne toast at midnight and party favors.

So grab your clubs (and your sweetie) and head to South Carolina for some golf fun over the holidays.

Pure Beach Restaurant - Aruba Phoenix Beach

The Caribbean offers a ton of sunny spots for Thanksgiving and Christmas vacations. Divi Resorts has some great deals for some fun in the sun. So keep the holidays relaxed and bring the family to the beach and let the resorts do the rest.

Divi Resorts has locations in Barbados, St. Maarten, Aruba  and Bonaire.  Each resort offers a different ambience. If you’re interested in some time with your honey, check out St. Maarten at Divi Little Bay. With private accommodations and access to fitness centers, tennis courts and water sports such as kayaking, snorkeling and swimming, there’s plenty of quality time to be had. St Maarten is also known as a great destination for culinary fans. With a population that is half French and half Dutch, the fusion eateries are plentiful and worth a try, even for the most fickle eaters.

Divi Little Bay Oceanfront Suite - St. Maartan

If you’re traveling with a flock, the Aruba Phoenix Beach resort has two bedroom suites starting at under $100 a night which include kitchends and large private balconies. Making meals as a family is a great way to conserve funds for activities like snorkeling, boogie boarding and kayaking. Or, if you prefer to eat out the resort offers a value coupon book with dinner discounts for the kids and free cocktails for Mom and Dad.

If you’re more of an adventure seeker, the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort and Casino has a full-service, PADI five-star diving center on site along with a Casino that opens nightly with slot machines, gaming tables and an open-air lounge. There’s also a full-service spa and two open-air beach restaurants.

Whatever your perfect tropical holiday is, Divi Resorts has an option. Discounts vary from site to site; you can see the full list here.

I’m a huge food fan. I won’t go so far as to call myself a foodie, but my favorite part of traveling is checking out the local cuisine and spirit. While Northern California is what most people think of for wineries, Napa is not the only valley for excellent wine tours. In Southern California, San Diego to be exact, the Estancia La Jolla Hotel is offering a package deal for guests to check out the Temecula valley wineries. This package includes room, breakfast for two, parking and a full day in wine country.

Temecula Valley Vineyards (Photo Credit: Robert Holmes/CalTour)

If being pampered is more your speed (I know it’s mine!), you can add a spa treatment for two for an extra $250.  The spa also offers manicures, pedicures, massages, facials and other pampering treatments. My personal favorite is the Tension Tamer massage. There’s also Mother-to-Be Massage and the Couples massage, among other options.

For golf lovers, Estancia La Jolla is located only a mile from Torrey Pines Golf Course where the 2008 US Open was held. Estancia La Jolla also partners with San Diego Golf Reservations to help guests with recommendations and complimentary tee times at local golf courses. They also have all the information needed to choose the right course for golf outings.

La Jolla Cove, San Diego (Photo Credit: Robert Holmes/CalTour)

La Jolla is known for the beaches, so a trip out there should include some time in the sand. If you’re a fan of sea cliffs, check out the Blacks at the northernmost limit of the coast. The Shores is good spot for activities such as beach volleyball. The Cove is a sheltered swimming spot. For more information and directions to these beach spots and more, check out “the official travel resource for the San Diego region.”

Planning a trip to Southern California, don’t pass up these San Diego hotel deals.

You’ll probably never have a better opportunity to visit the UK and stay at a lavish hotel in the heart of London than right now. Flights are cheap. And if you act quickly, you can find yourself in the lap of luxury for up to 50% off, but you have to act quickly, these deals are good for today only.

4* Radisson SAS Portland Square from £64

You have to book within 24hours. This hotel is 50% off normal rates from August 9^th through 31^st. Great location in the heart of central London, just a minute away from the shops of Oxford Street or the Speaker’s Corner of Hyde Park. This hotel offers excellent facilities to satisfy needs of both leisure and business travelers, with fully equipped fitness centre, restaurant, 24 hours room service, concierge services and complimentary high-speed wireless internet connection.

Crowne Plaza London Docklands – 4* – London from £52

You have to book now. This hotel is 50% normal rates from now until September. The Crown Plaza is a contemporary 4 star hotel offering luxury accommodation in London’s thriving Docklands area. The hotel is situated just a few minutes walk from the ExCel Exhibition Centre and close to Canary Wharf, London City Airport and the O2. The new Docklands Bar and Grill serves traditional British and European dishes as well as some delicious new creations — all at great value.

Do you already volunteer with organizations in your community or have you been meaning to get more involved in a cause you care about but never seem to find the time?  Over 50 hotels across the country are providing a great incentive to reward those already volunteering their time and those that need a little extra push to get started by giving away a free night to guests who can prove they volunteered at least 8 hours of community service between July 1 and December 20th.   In order to qualify you must provide a letter from a 501c3 such as Habitat for Humanity or Meals on Wheels verifying your service.

Get out there and start volunteering!