Northern California has a slew of attractions between Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and the region known as Wine Country. There’s many outdoorsy type vacation spots within an easy drive from the Sacramento airport. The fall months bring not only beautiful foliage to the area but some valuable vacation deals as well.

A little hidden gem in the Eastern Sierra is Mono County. For the fall season, The Meadowcliff Lodge and RV Resort is offering a “See It All” fall vacation giveaway. Visit the Mono County website and enter for a chance to win one of seven vacations. Not interested in those odds? The Lodge is offering a third night for free from now until October 31.

Nearby, the Lake Front Cabins are a kid-friendly location for campfires, large grassy picnic areas, activities for children as well as plenty of opportunities to feed the ducks and watch Bald Eagles soar overhead. The new Kids Pond at the Conway Ranch Hatchery is located close to the campgrounds. There are also short hiking trails that will help the kiddos expend some of their pent-up energy. From now until the end of October, buy three nights and get the fourth for free. In November, all cabins are half price with a three night minimum.

If you’re interested in making a full-on vacation out of your trip, spend a few days in Lake Tahoe, the Granlibakken Resort is offering specials for Thanksgiving. If you go with three friends, rates start at only $95 a person per day. This includes lodging, daily hot breakfasts to fuel you up for an adventurous afternoon as well as a Thanksgiving Dinner. After filling up on traditional stuffing, mashed potatoes, yams, cranberries and table side carved turkey you can head out and catch some fresh powder on the slopes or enjoy some quiet reading by the fire. Of course, since the feast is served family-style, there will be some tasty leftovers for sandwiches the next day.

Yosemite National Park is also offering Thanksgiving deals for nature lovers. For under $500, two people can get a 3-night package at Yosemite Sierra View Bed and Breakfast including a full country breakfast each morning as well as afternoon tea or wine and cheese. If you’re traveling with the whole family, the Bed and Breakfast is offering a special rate when you book their entire 8 person floor comprised of 3 suites for only $1,400. The best part of this deal is the complimentary Thanksgiving dinner they offer. Imagine, being able to watch football with the family without being worried about burning the turkey!

Thirsting for more than the usual backyard cookout this Fourth of July weekend? Check out these 8 Fourth of July weekend beach hotel deals to celebrate our nation’s independence in the sun, sand, and surf this year.

1. 2-for-1 Discount on Turneffe Atoll Adventure Tours in Belize

Take a weeklong Caribbean tour based at the Turneffe Flats Resort to enjoy activities like snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving, dolphin watching, kayaking, and hiking around Turneffe Atoll and Lighthouse Atoll. With this 2-for-1 discount, you’ll save $1028 off the regular price for two people. This offer is only valid for departures between June and August 2010. Click here for more information.

2. Nightly rates Starting at $97 at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Myers, Florida

On Fourth of July Weekend, guests at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa can participate in a karaoke contest and a plethora of other activities, including volleyball tournaments, waterslides, live music performances, fireworks cruises, and dive-in movies. Rates start at $97 all summer and Florida residents get a special 15 percent discount. Click here for details.

3. “Red, White, & Boom” Packages Starting at $510 at the TradeWinds Island Resorts in St. Pete Beach, Florida

From July 2-7, 2010, celebrate our nation’s birthday in style at the Island Grand and Sandpiper Suites. Included in the “Red, White, & Boom” package are accommodations for three nights, a buffet for two on Sunday, July 4th, and all of the benefits included in the resort amenity fee. If you decide to extend your stay, you’ll get up to 50% off on July 5-7. For reservations and information, call toll-free (866) JUST LET GO (587-8538) or visit www.JustLetGo.com.

4. Book the Scuba Diving Package at the Small Hope Bay Lodge on Andros Island, Bahamas and Receive 5% Off

A small, family-run resort, Small Hope Bay Lodge is cozy and inviting. In commemoration of its 50th anniversary, Small Hope is offering a 5% discount when you book their 7 day/8day scuba diving package by June 30, 2010. The package includes three scuba diving sessions per day, a night dive, and all amenities. If you ask for the Nassau Airfare Special when you book your package, you’ll also receive free round trip airfare between Nassau and Andros. Click here for further details.

5. Save up to $300 on a Four-Night Stay at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel

After its $50 million renovation, the Loews Miami Beach Hotel is ready to show off its stunning new look. Through September 30th, guests at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel receive a fourth night free and a $100 food & beverage credit. Summer rates start at $199 per night, so this deal translates to savings of up to $300 on a four-night stay. Click here for more information about this package.

6. Get a $50 per night resort credit and Luxury Accommodations for only $159 per night at the Costa d’Este Resort in Vero Beach, Florida

Owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan, the Costa d’Este Resort in Vero Beach, Florida is one of the top 10 celebrity-owned resorts in the world. Take advantage of the “Sea and Be Scene” package this 4th of July weekend to get luxury accommodations starting at $159 per night, a resort credit of $50 per night, and a $100 voucher good for future stays of two nights or more. The resort credit can be used at the cabana bar, spa, or Oriente, the resort’s Cuban-fusion restaurant. To place a reservation, call 877-562-9919.

7. Kids Stay Free at the All-Inclusive Velas Resorts in Mexico

From June 1st to August 31st, two children 12 and under can stay and eat free when occupying the same room as their parents at the Velas Resorts in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, while children 16 and under can stay and eat free at the Riviera Maya resort. Nightly rates start at $190 at the Velas Vallarta Suite Resort in Puerto Vallarta, $394 at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya, and $425 at the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. Amenities include suite accommodations, a la carte gourmet meals, a fitness center, a kids’ club, evening entertainment, gratuities, activities for adults and children, and much more. For more information or to make a reservation, please call Velas Resorts at 1-888-323-4294 or visit www.velasresorts.com.

8. Save 15% at the Kalinago Beach Resort in St. George’s, Grenada

The Kalinago Beach Resort in St. George’s, Grenada is offering a 15% discount off of rack rates between June 20th and July 15th. Located on the white sands of Mourne Rouge Beach, the Kalinago Beach Resort boasts luxurious accommodations, panoramic views, and a tranquil atmosphere. Visit www.kalinagobeachresort.com or call 473-444-KALI (5254) for more information about this offer.

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via Jannisri

Airport lounges are seemingly out of reach for economy class flyers.  These road warriors usually opt for the least worn out chair at their connecting flight’s gate or perhaps a table at the nearest food court.  Without a corporate expense account or trust fund, they think, there is little hope of sitting in a plush chair in a quiet lounge surfing the internet and munching on complimentary snacks.

But there are several ways to access these lounges without springing for a first-class ticket.  In fact, with credit cards, club memberships and a variety of pay-in lounges throughout the world, it is now easier than ever to spend your layover in a lounge.

Here are some ideas for getting both economy class airfares and a first-class layover experience.

Priority Pass

Priority Pass is a service that offers access to 600 lounges worldwide for an annual membership fee.  Most major airports around the world have at least one lounge that is part of the Priority Pass network.

The company has several membership levels.  For $99 annually, members earn the right to access the lounges in the Priority Pass network for $27 per visit.  For $399, members receive free unlimited access to any of the 600 clubs.  There is also a $249 level where members get 10 free visits per year and additional visits at the $27 per entry rate.  Though $399 is a bit pricey, frequent flyers can take advantage of the access regularly and the membership fee is still less than the cost of most first-class upgrades.  The value of the lower membership levels is debatable, especially since the number of public pay-in lounges (see below) is growing.

MJTR, Flickr

Credit Cards

Premium credit cards can also offer lounge access.  The most famous of these (because of its aggressive advertising campaign) is the American Express Platinum card.  The annual fee of $450 is steep, but it qualifies card-holders for a variety of perks, one of which is entry to clubs operated by American Airlines, Delta and Continental.  The catch: you have to fly one of these airlines in order to enter their lounge.  However, if you usually fly one of these carriers and also plan to use the card to earn airline miles and take advantage of AmEx’s outstanding customer service, this is a reasonable option.

The Visa Black card has similar miles-earning potential and perks.  The $499 annual fee includes a Priority Pass membership.  However, after the first two visits, the admission fee is $27, making it less potent than Platinum when it comes to lounge access.

Plaza Premium Lounge

Pay-in Lounges

For casual travelers who don’t think the above-mentioned options are reasonable, the proliferation of public pay-in lounges is a welcome trend .  Sure, they might not carry the elitist vibe of airline clubs, but they offer many of the same amenities, and, in some cases, more luxury than traditional clubs.  The idea is already successful in East and South Asia, where Plaza Premium lounges can be found in most major airports.  Prices start at about $25 for a two hour stay complete with wi-fi, snacks, a comfortable and quiet atmosphere, and, the kicker, access to private showers.  Plaza Premium also has locations in Toronto and Vancouver, but none in the US as of this writing.

US-based pay-in options include The Lounge at JFK ($40 entry fee, unless you are a Priority Pass member) and Relax Lounge at LAX ($10 for a one hour stay and $25 for three hours.

Capsule Hotels

A company called Yotel recently opened locations in England and the Netherlands.  Their novel approach to airport hospitality is half-inspired by Japanese capsule hotels and a half by first class airline cabins.  The small Yotel rooms include a bed, television and shower and plenty of modern chic.  Rooms can be booked by the hour or for the entire night.  Though no locations are open in the US, Yotel is currently in talks with several airports and industry insiders claim that it will fill a valid niche in between airport hotels and lounges and arguably will offer better value than both.

Annual Airline Club Membership

Airline club membership is quite expensive (Delta from $400, American from $400, for flyers with little or no frequent flyer status).  These legacy airlines also offer one time entry into their clubs for a $50 fee.  If you normally rely on one airline, the annual pass can be a good deal, because you can use airline miles to purchase yearly membership and flyers who gain higher levels of frequent flyer status often receive significant discounts on these yearly passes.  In addition, renewal fees are usually less expensive than the fee for the initial year of membership.

Spas

Space, quiet and the opportunity for some serious relaxation are reasons you would try to gain entry to an airport lounge.  However, lounges are not the only airport venues that offer a chance to relax.  Xpress Spa is a chain of full service spas located in airports around the US.  What could be more relaxing than a massage or facial in the quiet, designer surroundings of a spa?  Locations are in many major airports in the US, including JFK, SFO, Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson, Boston Logan, and Orlando International.  A brief, seated massage is in the same price range as a stay in an airport lounge.

Of course, if all else fails, there is always the option of finding a restaurant with booths on your concourse, ordering an appetizer and zoning out with your iPod.

The Washington Post today is featuring a round-up of great spring and summer cruises for this season. From excursions to Albania or week-long ventures in the Bahamas, to a European river cruise down Germany’s Elbe River, this guide will give you some great ideas on how to plan your own getaway.

A couple of great discounts and travel deals are highlighted in the Dallas Morning News, including Southwest’s double Rapid Rewards credits for paid flights to and from Florida for travel through March 9. Other deals you will want to keep in mind is Amtrak’s 20% off winter fares on many routes for tickets purchased by January 25, and Delta’s sale on bargain airfare to Europe from Dallas, under $600 for round-trip airfare to Paris, London, Rome, and Milan.

Cruise Planners have organized an exclusive event, the Cruise With World Famous Astrologer/Psychic David Wells. David Wells, billed as one of the world’s leading astrologers, psychics and “past-life therapists,” announced this week he’ll be hosting a voyage focused on the topic for the first time in June on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas. The seven-night group sailing, organized by a branch of travel agency Cruise Planners, is on the ship’s June 13-20 departure out of Miami.

$45 a night for the New Orleans: Parc St. Charles Hotel. The hotel is located next to Lafayette Square, the second oldest park in New Orleans, and sits within walking distance of Riverwalk Marketplace, Audobon Aquarium of the Americas, Harrah’s Casino, and scores of world-renowned art galleries and restaurants. What’s more, the French Quarter, Louisiana Superdome and Ernest N. Morial Convention Center are all within five blocks of the establishment, and the hotel’s prices are good through the Mardi Gras celebration.

The Chicago Tribune highlights the great deals on skiing in the Midwest, detailing ample options for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and tubing. Families can put their kids in special winter programs and share in outdoor activities such as sleigh rides, dog-sledding and hiking, all the while inhaling clear country air and without incurring the cost of traveling out of state. Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin locations and prices are covered, and there are a number of great midweek packages for even bigger discounts!

The Guardian has a special section in travel called ‘Beenthere’ where people can suggest travel tips and highlight deals that might otherwise be overlooked. In today’s comments, one member points out how to save significantly on tours in Japan, by using the web site called “Tour Guide-interpreter Search System” maintained by Japan’s own Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, which can connect you with a licensed Tour Guide directly, saving you both time and money.

And of course, you can add to the discussion both here on BestTravelDeals.net and over at twitter, where you can follow @BesTravelDeals.

via Flickr: Andres Rueda

Earning frequent flyer miles is one of the perks of traveling regularly.  However, the effort spent to get those miles, through an airline’s loyalty program or by using a credit card with a miles rewards program, is often disproportionate to the reward.  Average airline credit cards give you one mile (sometimes known as a point) per dollar.  You’d have to spend $25,000 in order to earn a free domestic flight.  That is beyond what the casual consumer is wiling to put on their charge card at any one time.

But not all miles-earning credit cards are equal.  Some award multiple miles per dollar, but are restrictive about when the miles can be used.  Others have high annual fees, but offer a higher miles-per-dollar-spent ratio and other perks like airport lounge access and travel insurance.

Which card is the most useful?  It depends on the kind of travel that a person plans to do and on their spending habits.  With that in mind, here are some of the best credit cards for earning airline miles in 2010.

Basic Credit Cards with No Annual Fees

Miles by Discover Card matches the industry standard of 1 mile for every $1 spent.  But the extra perks offered by Discover, especially during the first year of use, make it a worthwhile choice for casual miles-collectors.  By making a purchase at least once during the month, users qualify to receive an additional 1,000 miles.  That’s a total of 12,000 additional miles during the first year (you are about half-way to a free round-trip flight).  Like many other Discover Cards, qualified cardholders get a 0% APR for the first six months that their account is open.

Blue Sky from American Express is another basic credit card with no annual fee.  New Blue Sky cardholders will enjoy six months of 0% interest.  The AmEx points system works slightly differently than Discover’s, with the first 7,500 points qualifying card-holders for $100 in credit with an airline, hotel, resort, or car rental agency.  Features like ATM access, a global customer service hotline and hotel room guarantees give the Blue Sky an impressive list of extras, especially considering that it is a no-fee card.

Premium Frequent Flyer Cards – These cards have high annual fees but also high dollars-to-miles ratios and extra perks like airport club access.

The American Express Platinum Charge Card is the most heavily promoted card in this market.  Its $450 annual fee seems quite steep, but for card-holders who actually take advantage of all the perks and miles earning potential, it can still be considered a good deal.  The card has a standard $1 for 1 point ratio, but that climbs to 4 points-per-dollar when shopping with American Express “Bonus Points Mall” affiliates.  Industry-leading extras include access to select premium class airport lounges around the world (for the cardholder plus up to two guests).  This access is even available to cardholders who are flying economy class.  American Express also offers concierge service to Platinum members who need help with travel plans or reservations at hotels and restaurants.

The American Express Gold Card ($125 per year fee is waived for the first year) tones down the extras compared the Platinum option, but still offers double points for certain online purchases, a global customer service hotline and worldwide ATM access.

Visa’s exclusive Black Card is their answer AmEx’s high-end cards.  Black has a $495 annual fee and essentially offers the same perks as its platinum counterpart: lounge access (via Priority Pass) and great miles-earning potential.  The Black also offers travel accident insurance coverage up to $250,000, $1,500 for trip cancellation insurance and lost baggage insurance up to $300.

Miles Cards for Specific Airlines – These cards can be the most useful option, especially if you are already a member of a specific airline’s loyalty program.

Delta SkyMiles Credit Card by American Express comes in two varieties.  The Platinum SkyMiles card costs $150 per year, while its Gold counterpart is $95 (with the first year’s fee waived).  Users earn an impressive 20,000 miles with their first purchase using either card (that’s $200 off the price of a flight on Delta or on one of the allied airlines that accept Delta frequent flyer miles).  Card-holders also receive an annual certificate good towards a companion ticket on any flight they book using their SkyMiles card.  The Gold Card awards a $99 discount, while the Platinum bestows one free companion ticket.

The JetBlue American Express Card has the lowest fee of any airline miles credit card at only $40 per year.  Card holders earn the standard 1 point-per-dollar, but that is bumped up to 8 points per dollar when making purchases using the card on jetblue.com.  Also, the card allows members to take advantage of JetBlue’s low prices by trading in miles once they reach the 10,000 mile mark.  Most other cards require users to have at least 25,000 miles before redeeming.

The Virgin Atlantic Black Card stands out by offering 1.5 miles for every dollar spent, as opposed to the usual 1-to-1 ratio offered by other cards.  In addition, flyers are awarded 20,000 bonus points with their first purchase and 3 points per dollar spent on Virgin Atlantic flights, services or merchandise.

The Citi AAdvantage Card is a reasonable option for people who fly the large legacy carrier frequently.  Citi awards cardholders who spend $750 in their first four months of membership with 25,000 free miles (enough for a round-trip ticket).  Miles are always good on flights to anywhere that AA flies.  The annual membership fee is $85 per year, which is slightly lower than similar cards offered by other legacy carriers.

The Chase Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Card is priced even lower than the AAdvanatge, with an annual fee of $59.  Chase offers double miles (2 miles per dollar) for all Southwest purchases.

It is imperative that cardholders read the fine print of both the frequent flyer program of their favorite airline and their miles-earning credit cards.  Also, the miles are not really a money-saver if you carry a balance from month to month on a card that does not offer a 0% introductory APR.  The money paid to interest will far exceed the money saved by earning frequent flyer miles since cards general have at least a 9% APR, with most around 13%-19%.  However, for frequent flyers who are disciplined enough and also belong to a specific airline’s frequent flyer (or loyalty) program, an airline credit card can lead to significant savings.

Zephyr Cove Resort offers a different take on the Lake Tahoe experience.  While most visitors cruise down the slopes of popular ski resorts, Zephyr guests will be treated to a winter mountain getaway with boat rides on the area’s namesake lake and snowmobile tours of the scenic back country of the Sierra Nevadas.

This winter, Zephyr Cove is offering a package priced 22% below regular rates.  The “ride, stay and cruise” package includes two nights in one of the resort’s studios, bungalows or one-bedroom cabins and sightseeing excursions on the lake and in the woods.  The reduced price is $200 per person.

With each room booking, guests receive two passes to cruise Lake Tahoe on the M.S. Dixie II.  This boat holds over 500 passengers, making it the largest vessel on the lake.  The cruise offers stunning views of the water and the Sierra Nevada range.

Guests also receive two passes to take part in a guided snowmobile tour of the Sierra Nevada’s back country.  The resort runs tours that are suitable for people of all skill levels.

Of course, most visitors come to Tahoe for excitement.  The Zephyr is located only one hour from Reno and is within a short drive of the nightlife, restaurants and casinos of Lake Tahoe.  So the excitement is accessible, but  just far enough away that Zephyr Cove  feels like a true mountain getaway.

Booking for this 22%-off deal runs until March 30th, 2010.  Travel dates run through the end of April.  To book now, visit the Zehpyr Cove web site or call 866-761-6240.  In order to obtain the discounted rates, you will have to use the promotional code RSC200PP.

Check out Lake Tahoe’s land accommodations as well. There’s plenty of Lake Tahoe hotel deals for your perfect fall or winter getaway.

When someone mentions vacationing in Arizona, golf immediately comes to mind.  Some of the finest courses in the country operate year-round and draw hoards of the world’s most avid golfers.

The Ridge at Sedona Golf Resort is one of many fairway-side vacation spots in the area.  But it stands out because of an off-season promotion by Krazy Kyote Tours and Activities.  Booking a stay at The Ridge through this tour operator leads to a discount of over 50% off of regular rates.

The Krazy Kyote deal has two options:  $199 earns you three days and two nights in a Studio Suite (regular price is just over $400).  These suites include a balcony, kitchen and sleeper sofa.  For $259, guests can upgrade to a one-bedroom suite with a fireplace, separate living room and in-room whirlpool.  The promotion runs through the end of January.

Of course, this is not merely an attractive deal for golfers wanting to scope out the facilities for their next golfing excursion.  The Sedona area is known for its stunning scenery, including the Red Rock formations that tower over the valley.

Because of the spectacular views and rugged natural landscapes, outdoor activities are as popular as golf in Sedona.  The area is crisscrossed with hiking trails (accessed with a $5 daily pass or $10 weekly pass), many of which lead to scenic overlooks.  There are also 4×4 tours that offer a less strenuous but more expensive way to see the panoramas of the Red Rock area.

The Ridge at Sedona wintertime deal is available through the Krazy Kyote web site or by phone (1.877.444.8044).

Ecuador, like many of its South American peers, is growing as an eco-tourism destination.  Travelers looking to experience the untouched, exotic landscapes and indigenous culture of the continent can choose from destinations in its jungles, mountains or plains.

BikeHike Adventures, a company that specializes in guided outdoor adventure travel,  is offering a 10-day trek through Ecuador’s diverse landscapes.  The family-friendly itinerary includes hiking, biking, horseback riding and a zip-line ride.  The places visited are as diverse as the modes of travel: a volcano, the Amazon jungle, a whitewater river, traditional villages, and a hot spring.

BikeHike is currently offering a $200 last-minute deal on the upcoming Ecuadorian adventure trip.  The departure date is December 26th, perfect timing for families who want to get a vacation in before the kids head back to school in January.  The usual price tag on the trip is $2099.  So after the last-minute discount, that’s $1899 per person.  Hotels and daily breakfast and lunch are part of the package.  Three dinners are also included.

Despite the somewhat daunting list of activities on the itinerary, everything is toned down to make the trip accessible to school-aged children.  There are cultural elements on the trip (a visit to an indigenous handicraft market, local dishes served at most meals) as well as the promised outdoor adventure sports.

To take advantage of the $200 discount, book soon on the BikeHike web site.  The site also has a complete itinerary for the jungle and volcano trip, as well as offerings and itineraries for several other South America destinations.

It is time to think about purchasing those last minute holiday gifts.  Here are some reasonably priced options that will be appreciated by the serious travelers on your shopping list.

Gorillapod is one of the hottest gifts this holiday season.  It is a tripod with flexible legs that allows the user to balance their camera on uneven surfaces.  The legs can even wrap around objects while still supporting the camera.  Camcorders and smaller cameras are supported by the $39.99 version of the tripod.  There is also a heavy-duty Gorillapod ($49.99) that is specifically designed for digital SLR cameras.

On the more practical side, the Rick Steves Essential Silk Money Belt is able to combine security and comfort for $13 (on sale for $10.95 during the holidays).  There is also a version of the belt that hangs around your neck and can be worn under your shirt.  The silk makes this a comfortable alternative to all those stick-to-your-skin money-belts out there.

Airlines have gotten into the gift card game.  Though you might think a $50 gift card will not cover the price of a flight, you might be surprised.  Southwest Airlines has plenty of sub $100 flights, as do other low-cost carriers like Alaska Air, AirTran, and JetBlue.

The Kensington Plug Adapter with USB Charger ($31 from buy.com) is a handy tool that not only allows you to plug your devices into electrical outlets around the world, it also has a USB socket for charging iPods and similar products.  This is one of those useful tools that no one considers buying, but everyone finds indisposable once they own it.

The Balanzza Digital Luggage Scale can save you from all those hefty airline baggage fees.  The best part is that you do not have to lift the bag in order to weigh it.  You simply have to lift the hand held scale up while it is attached to the bag.  The device can take an accurate reading without the bag ever leaving the floor.

Magellan’s Travel Supplies is one of the best places to find travel gadgets.  The Moshi Voice Activated Alarm Clock is a high-tech hit for only $32.  The Deluxe Seat-Back Organizer hangs off the back of the airplane seat in front of you, so you dont have to squeeze your carry-on between your feet during the flight.  The price is $40, well worth it for convenience-starved economy class fliers.

The Ultimate Travel Pillow is nothing like those funny-looking around-the-neck devices that seem to be strangling their users.  This pillow is light-weight and inflatable and tethers to your body instead of your neck.  It can be worn around your back or over one shoulder for more comfort.  Not a bad deal for $24.95.

There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of useful travel-related iPhone apps.  One of the coolest has to be PicTranslator.  At $1.99, it is a cheap download that is extremely useful and fun.  Simply snap a picture of a street sign that is in a foreign language and the app will translate it for you.  It currently supports 16 languages, with more being developed.

Noise-canceling headphones can be a great addition to any frequent traveler’s arsenal.  However, top-of-the-line models can run between $200-$400.  JVC’s Noise-Canceling Ear-Buds offer good performance for under $50.  This is a good gift for people who want a quiet flight (that’s everyone, right?), but don’t want to carry ear-muff-sized headphones around their neck.

There is no need to spring for a dream vacation or week-long Caribbean cruise to please the traveler on your gift-giving list.  The gifts above are only a sample of the unique, useful and fun travel-related gifts that you can choose from during your shopping trips this holiday season.

Maine is the perfect state for a bed-and-breakfast vacation.  The stylish quaintness of Upper New England fits nicely with the intimate/personal setting of a family-run inn.

The Brewster House in Freeport, Maine is offering a holiday shop, dine and stay package for those who want to get the most out of the town’s attractions.  The two night package costs $499 and includes a $100 gift card to the nearby LL Bean flagship store and a $50 gift card to the Azure Cafe, an upscale eatery that features Italian dishes, wine and local ingredients.  A third night can be added onto the package for an additional $100.

Of course, the local LL Bean outlet is more than a strip mall shop.  It is the original,  store of the popular clothing manufacturer.  The retail space is massive and is worth visiting even if you do not plan to purchase any products made from flannel.  LL Bean has regular events at its store and also sponsors events in Freeport.  The Northern Lights Festival will be going on throughout the holiday season.  Events include light displays, old-fashion carriage rides starting in front of the store  and complementary valet parking over the holidays.  Other events include weekend campfires and book signings by several popular children’s authors.  There is also a promotion that gives a $10 gift card to anyone who makes a purchase of $25 or more.

More information on the Brewster House can be found on their official web site.  A list of holiday events and activites at LL Bean’s flagship can be found on the store’s web site.