Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26015375@N06/3750736085/sizes/z/in/photostream/

$199 Posh Naples Retreat With $100 Spa Credit, Regularly $585

Discover a AAA 4-Diamond waterfront paradise aka Naples Bay Resort

$25 Top Notch Mexican Fare & Margaritas For Two, Regularly $58

Enjoy any shared appetizer and two entrees and drinks at Mexican Post In Philadelphia

$69 New Union Street Spa: Facial And Mani/Pedi, Regularly $150

Treat yourself to a spa manicure, pedicure and facial at Plumberry in the Marina

$59 Long Island, New York Top Rated Dinner For Two With Wine, Regularly $118

Dine on new American fare at the Grill Room, rated excellent by Zagat

$120 Oceanview Room at 4-Star Ft. Lauderdale Beach Resort

Free wifi, on-site dining and lavish outdoor pool at B Ocean Fort Lauderdale

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.

When I travel, I enjoy being active. This is not to say that I have anything against laying on the beach for a few hours a day, but if I’m going to spend my time and money to leave my hometown and venture forth, I’d like to get my moneys worth. These “eco tours” in Baja are a great way to get more bang for my buck (and a tan too!)  For less than $1,000 you can pick one of two packages that include kayaking, whale watching, snorkeling, and of course, delicious meals.

Baja Kayaks

The first package is a kayak and snorkeling adventure in the Sea of Cortez which contains some remote islands that are easily accessible by kayak. The body of water has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site so you can bet that you’ll come face to fin with some of the most colorful and unique fishes out there. The package includes two nights stay in a Loreto Hotel and two or three nights’ camping in the Loreto Bay National Marine Park. This also includes the gear you’ll need to swim with the blue-footed boobies, blue whale and sea lions that populate the water.

Of course, this is a guided tour and the naturalist guides bring along delicious Mexican treats such as chile rellanos and margaritas. If you’re traveling with a friend or loved one, the kayaks are stable double seaters. No kayaking experience is necessary. Trips run October through April.

If you’re more interested in whales, dolphins and turtles, the three day whale watching excursion includes 2 hotel nights and the chance to spend a few days in a motorized skiff that gets you close to the mystic creatures in the Magdalena Bay. There’s also a land trek through the dunes of the bay where you can collect various whale bones and seashells.

Sea Kayak in Baja

As far as the whales go, from January to March, more ten 20,000 California gray whales arrive from the Bering Sea. This makes the 10,000 miles round-trip journey the “…longest mammal migration on the planet,” –Terry Prichard, founder of the outfit.

Most importantly, in my opinion, the food provided includes fresh fish tacos and delicious margaritas. As a foodie, the authenticity of the meals is particularly important. The Baja Gray Whale Adventure package runs at just under $1,000 and includes these meals and drinks as well as three days of whale watching by skiff, two nights hotel, transportation to and from the airport and all equipment needed. All in all this is a great package to get some sun and sand exploration in over the harsh winter months.

Mesa Verde means “green table” in Spanish. This Colorado oasis is known for the lush vegetation found around the park and the surrounding plateaus. Equipped with four restaurants, Mesa Verde National Park is known for celebrating organic and sustainable regional cuisine.

One of the parks restaurants, the Far View Lodge, recently announced the addition of Executive Chef Brian Puett, whose specialty is creating contemporary heritage foods from the original inhabitants of the Mesa Verde area, has created a to-die-for signature dessert “Napoleon Looking West.” This tasty treat consists of locally-grown seasonal fruit that is grilled, layered with sweet mascarpone cream, crispy wontons and given just a hint of java-caramel sauce. Sound good? Well now is the time to go and experience for yourself. 

Dinner with a View at Mesa Verde

 To celebrate the new flavor’s of Chef Puett, Far View will be hosting a series of workshops called “Taste of the Mesa.” These workshops will feature a chef’s demonstration and wine tasting along with a four-course Chef’s Table dinner with paired wines and a souvenir engraved wine glass. There will also be a guided, half-day tour of Mesa Verde’s ancient sites, cliff dwelling and farming terraces. The three-day package also includes two nights accommodations inside Mesa Verde National Park. Packages are available Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2009, and Oct.11-13, 2009.

Sunset in Mesa Verde

If you’re more of an explorer then a foodie, Mesa Verde can still be an excellent vacation destination. As a designated “top high-elevation hotel,” Far View Lodge is offering the “Soaring Savings” package. This package includes a one-night stay at the lodge, a half-day guided tour of Cliff palace and a continental breakfast for two at a 20% savings.

Ancient Ruins at Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde has a rich history that thousands of years old. In the 1760s and 1770s, European explorers founded the plateaus while finding a route from Santa Fe to California. Of course, the ancient Native American villages that surrounded the land masses weren’t discovered until nearly 100 years later. With wonderful rock formations and this rich history, the area is a photographers dream. Located in the southwestern corner of Colorado, the region has a Native American feel while maintaining the famous Colorado lushness. While you’re there, taking a walk through the Mesa Verde State Park can yield beautiful surprises – make sure you take a camera!

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.

While many people think of NYC as an expensive place to visit there is actually a lot to do on the cheap and even for free- especially in the summer.  With so many NYC hotels offering reduced rates, the start of NYC Restaurant week upon us, and so many free arts and cultural events you can spend a few days in the city without breaking the bank.  The team at Best Travel Deals has put together a list of free and low cost things to do in NYC to help you plan your trip.

New York City Restaurant Week

 July 12th is the start of NYC Restaurant week, which runs through July 31st.  Over 250 restaurants throughout the city participate and offer low prices and prixe fix menus.  You can get some amazing meals at great restaurants for low prices.  Combine these great deals with a hotel offering free breakfast and grabbing a light lunch on the go you can eat well for little money.  You can book reservations in advance by following the NYC & Co. twitter stream.

Things to Do

NYC is the arts and cultural capital of the world.  There are so many museums, historical sites, and events you can find something free to do everyday of the week. 

During the summer months many of NYC parks and landmarks host free concerts and performances.  One of the most popular events is Shakespeare in the Park.  This year’s series features Academy Award Nominee Anne Hathaway starring as Viola in the Twelfth Night and has gotten rave reviews.

On Thursday nights the Brooklyn Bridge Park hosts Movies with a View.  Watch movies under the stars and enjoy a breathtaking view.

If a Broadway performance is more your speed, you can spend Thursday evenings in Bryant Park instead.  The most popular shows perform some of their biggest hits in the park.   

If you love to dance or are a beginner who just wants to have fun July 7-25th Lincoln Center hosts a MidSummer Nights Swing showcasing some of the finest musicians and DJ’s from this country and abroad.

Many museums offer free admission or pay what you wish days.  It is possible to see a different museum everyday for free.  On Tuesdays and Saturday the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens offers free admission.  You can easily spend the afternoon strolling through thier many beautiful gardens.  Or take a free ride out to Staten Island on the Staten Island Ferry and visit the Staten Island Museum, located only 2 blocks from the ferry terminal.   On Wednesday the Bronx Zoo offers pay what you wish with suggested donations for kids starting at $11.  Thursdays its pay what you wish at the Children’s Museum of Art from 4- 6pm.  Fridays from 4-8 pm you can visit the Museum of Modern Art for free.  Saturdays check out the Guggenheim Museum in the evening for free admission.

Looking for something free to do on a rainy day with the kids or do you just need a break from the heat?  Bank of America is offering a fun promotion  for cardholders- free admission to museums in cities across the country.  The deal covers all major cities in the US as well as many smaller cities.  Some of the major cities and museums included are:

New York City:
The Bronx Zoo
The New York Aquarium
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
San Diego:
Birch Aquarium
The New Children’s Museum
Detroit:
The Motown Museum
Detroit Science Museum
Boston:
Museum of Fine Arts
Philadelphia:
Philadelphia Museum of Art
National Constitution Center

The next weekend this deal is offered is August 1st and 2nd.  Weekends through January 2010 are also available so if your summer is already booked check out the other available weekends and plan ahead!