Value is the new green. Consumers are still interested in saving the environment but the incessant bad news about the economy has changed everything. Now being frugal is fashionable and excessive consumption is out.

Value doesn’t necessarily mean the least expensive but reasonable quality at an affordable price. And value seems to be across all socio economic levels. It’s not just about saving money but is socially responsible spending. It’s about living within your means and not borrowing or spending more than you earn.

So what’s a cash strapped family to do when it comes to vacation? We’ve put together a list of 30 ways to pay for your vacation by cutting out spending that doesn’t add value to your life in order to afford a vacation that will recharge your batteries and bring you closer to your loved ones. True value indeed.

1. Have a garage sale. Or two.

2. Stop smoking, one pack a day will cost $1600 or more a year.

3. Don’t eat meat twice a week. When we were kids, a trip to Europe was a big thing. I had a friend whose family wasn’t wealthy and the way they saved up to go was by changing to powdered milk (instead of fresh).

4. Cut out the latte or specialty coffee. Instead, make coffee at home and bring it in a reusable travel cup. It’s good for your wallet and the environment.

5. Pack your lunch – this can save you up to $1000 / year.

6. Get a short-term second job.

7. Stop buying name brand toiletries and start buying in bulk. Costco has some great deals. Go with a friend and split the oversize packages.

8. Instead of buying that book or DVD, borrow it for free from the local library. Yearly savings: $200

9. Buy the least expensive gas. Generally there’s at least one gas station in town that’s 10 cents less a gallon than the other stations. If you purchase 20 gallons per week, that’s $104/year.

10. Turn the lights off and unplug appliances that aren’t in use. If you can’t unplug the appliances, buy a Smart Power Strip which stops drawing power when the appliance isn’t in use. The device will pay for itself within a few months.

11. Canceling gym memberships for the summer months- exercise outdoors instead- you can save at $20+a month depending on the gym.

12. Get to your own bank for all your ATM transactions. Most foreign bank transactions are at least $1.50 per transaction.

13. As your light bulbs need to be replaced, put in compact fluorescent bulbs. They last longer and save $60 in electricity costs over their lifetime. That’s PER bulb.

14. Turn down the heat or AC. For every degree you can save up to 5%
on your bill.

15. Set your washer to cold and save 50% of the cost to heat the water. Only partially dry your clothes and hang them to complete drying. Or put up a clothes line in the summer.

16. Book a package, shop for a deal. Bundling air, hotel and rental car will usually save over booking each individually.

17. Really low on funds this year? Vacation close to home. You’ll save on airfare and possibly hotel rates if you live in a tourist area. Many of us haven’t visited the top tourist attractions in our own hometowns.

18. Consider camping. Although with budget cutbacks, reservations may be tough to get. Book early.

19. Consider staying in a hostel that offers private rooms for couples or families.

20. Consider houseswapping. Instead of paying a hotel bill, swap your house with another family and have all the comforts of home plus the added bonus of being able to save on meals.

21. Drop the land line. You can generally save at least $50/month. Most people have cell phones that they use all the time anyway.

22. Not ready to drop the land line? Can you live without caller id, voice mail and call waiting? Typically these charges are $10, $20 or more per month.

23. Drop the premium channels or cable altogether. That adds up to another $50 or more per month.

24. Cook at home more often. Eating out, even drive through fast food, really adds up, both in dollars and calories.

25. Plan your meals to maximize use of ingredients. Plan your grocery shopping and go as seldom as possible. You’ll save by not buying impulsively.

26. Most towns have a clipper magazine or entertainment book. Use the coupons to save on your meals out.

27. Use coupons for grocery purchases, restaurants and even travel.

28. Before you buy anything, go online and search for “product” coupon code or promo code. Typically you can find savings from 5% – 25%.

29. Carpool. It saves on gas and wear and tear on your car.

30. Sign up for free deal alerts that can be sent to your email or phone.

Visiting the Galapagos Islands, the archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin to develop the theory of evolution, is a truly riveting experience. There are few other places on earth where you can get so close to a vast number of endemic species in their natural habitat. From exploring dramatic, unspoiled landscapes to learning about Charles Darwin’s fascinating discoveries, touring the Galapagos Islands is an adventure that would make any passionate traveler weak in the knees.

Planning a Galapagos vacation can be overwhelming because of the sheer variety of options available. From helping you decide between day trips and cruises to deciphering the categories of boats and uncovering those that offer the best deals, the following info will help you plan an enjoyable Galapagos vacation without breaking the bank.

Which Is Better – Day Trips or Cruises?

One of the factors that hold many travelers back from visiting Ecuador’s Enchanted Islands is cost. A cruise package can cost upwards of a several thousand dollars per person, depending on the class to which the boat belongs.

In order to save money, some budget-minded travelers fly to the Galapagos Islands, stay in a hotel, and book day trips. Although this option will cost you less, you won’t see and experience nearly as much as you would on a cruise. The cruises take you to areas off of the beaten path, such as uninhabited islands that are far removed from the main ports.

If your hope is to do as much wildlife watching as possible during your Galapagos vacation, then taking a cruise is the best choice. If just the thought of having to stay on a boat for several days makes you seasick, however, then staying on land and booking day trips may be a viable alternative. Just bear in mind that seasickness can usually be controlled with over-the-counter motion sickness medication.

Why Tourist and Tourist Superior Boats Should Be Avoided

There is no official classification system for ships in the Galapagos, so the information you’ll find about boat categories will vary somewhat. Roughly, the boat categories in the Galapagos Islands are tourist, tourist superior, first class, deluxe, and luxury.

Boats in the tourist and tourist superior category should generally be avoided. Tourist and tourist superior boats lack creature comforts and tend to be very cramped. Naturally, on a Galapagos cruise, you will spend most of your time on board, and spending time on a crummy boat will make for a crummy vacation.

Tourist class boats are always on the older side, so it’s more likely that they’ll deal with mechanical problems, have rat infestations, or in the worst case scenario, be prone to sinking. Furthermore, the quality of the naturalist guides is far lower on tourist and tourist superior boats. Most of them do not speak English very well and have little scientific knowledge. Having a knowledgeable, bilingual naturalist guide on your Galapagos boat can make all the difference in your Galapagos experience.

First class boats have larger cabins and generally include air conditioning. You can also choose between different bed types, such as bunk, twin, and double beds. First class boats are usually the best choice for budget travelers.

Some travelers may even be able to stomach a tourist superior boat, but just think – you’re going to be stuck on the boat for six to ten days, so you’ll probably want to choose a boat that’s relatively comfortable and safe. You’ll also be eating the food served on the boat for several days, so it’s worthwhile to find a boat that serves decent meals.

Why You Should Book the Best Cruise You Can Afford

As with anything else, you get what you pay for on a Galapagos cruise. Book a cruise with the best cruise you can afford so your Galapagos dream vacation doesn’t become an utter nightmare.

Luxury boats are the cream of the crop when it comes to Galapagos cruises. Luxury boats offer the most amenities and have spacious cabins and excellent cuisine. The bilingual natural guides on board luxury boats tend to be the most knowledgeable.

The price for a cruise can range anywhere from $120 per night, per person to $1000 per night, per person. These prices do not include the tips for the crew and guide.

Are Large Boats Better Than Small Boats?

You can choose from large cruise ships, small yachts, and anything in between when booking a cruise to the Galapagos. Ultimately, the choice between large boats and small boats boils down to personal preference.
Large cruise ships typically offer more amenities than the smaller boats, and they also have more activities planned. Because they are high powered, the larger ships are able to go to areas that are farther off the beaten path, such as the west side of Isabela Island.

On the other hand, small boats are more cramped and it’s easier to get seasick on them because they are more sensitive to the conditions of the ocean. The advantages of riding a smaller boat, however, are that they are more intimate, you can get to know your fellow passengers better, and the schedule is more flexible. In contrast, the schedules on larger boats are more rigid.

The Best Time to Visit the Galapagos Islands

The peak travel season in the Galapagos runs from mid-June to early September and mid-December to mid-January. Avoid the peak travel season if you want to take advantage of last minute travel deals and other attractive bargains.

The Galapagos Islands have an abundance of wildlife and mild weather year round, so they can be visited at any time of the year. Just bear in mind that December through May is the rainy season. In addition, from June to November, the water and weather are colder because of the Humboldt Current. Scuba divers consider this period to be the best season for diving because of the wide variety of marine life that can be seen underwater.

September is a great time for budget travelers to take a Galapagos cruise because many of the boats offer discounts, such as a cruise package for two people for the price of one. Just keep in mind that the seas are at their roughest in September.

Have you ever been to the Galapagos Islands? If you have any tips that could help your fellow travelers plan a fun and affordable Galapagos vacation, please share them in the comments!

There are two types of people in the world – those who watch the Super Bowl for the extreme competition of a coveted prize that most players wait their whole life for, and those who watch for the ads.  This year I’m going to toe the line between both, as my favorite football team always leads me to be disappointed and miserable at the end of every season.  Luckily I never let them bias me in any football pools. (Next year, Eagles, you better not let me down.  Sigh.)

Spots during the super bowl reportedly cost $3 million per 30-second ad.  The vacation rental industry has not seen has yet to see one of its own go up against that pricing and competition, but this year Homeaway threw their hat into the mix.

Clark and Ellen Griswold from “National Lampoon’s Vacation” will be featured in Homeaway’s ad.  As most know, the movie featured a family vacation that goes from bad to worse.  To this day, it still entertains the young and old.  Rumors circulating put Clark Griswold in a Napoleon suite.  Upon arriving in the room they find it is made for… people a lot shorter than Clark.

Clearly the ad is designed to spur demand for vacation rentals….and if you are inspired here are some specials we’ve found:

Outer Banks vacation rentals 50% off, $99 weeknights in treehouses, Hawaii Villas with a free night, and for the pet lovers like me – a slew of different Outer Banks Pet Friendly Vacation Homes!

The ad has also fueled speculation that there is a new “National Lampoon’s Vacation” movie in the works – even providing some teasers from Homeaway.   I will take any Griswolds I can get, but my personal favorite was Vegas Vacation… what was yours?

This is by no means a complete list of all the events around the globe in support of Haiti. Here’s an additional list of events, and we’ll be highlighting other events here on the blog as well as we come across them.

Portland, ME:

Support relief in Haiti – Big Channel 13 telethon to benefit Konbit Sante

Washington, DC:

Solidarity with Haiti: LCLAA members and friends tonight, from 6-9PM

“Our World, Our People” Haiti relief benefit concert Friday, January 22nd at The Warehouse Loft from 8-11pm

Atlanta, GA:

Smith’s Olde Bar to Host Haiti Benefit on February 1st with Van Heiniken, Nelson Nolen Experiment & More!

New Orleans, LA:

I AM AYITI: hip-hop benefit for Haiti at Howlin Wolf in NOLA Friday, January 22nd at 8pm.

New Orleans Dance Benefit for Haiti at 3143 Calhoun Street (Crescent Lotus) starting Friday, January 22nd at 6:30pm

Portland, OR:

This weekend East Burn hosts 3 day Haitian benefit: Music, Prizes, Drink Specials

Great Barrington, MA:

James Taylor to hold Haiti benefit show Friday, January 22

Chicago, IL:

10 things to do this weekend to benefit Haiti

Boston, MA:

Come out to Roxy in Boston tonight to benefit relief efforts in Haiti!

Nashville, TN:

Whole Foods hosts benefit for Visitation Hospital Foundation’s work in Haiti. The “Haiti Have Heart—Save a Heart Taste of Haiti” at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5

Coatesville, Pa:

Haiti DISASTER Benefit

Los Angeles, CA:

Haiti Relief Benefit in LA tonight
Brian Larsen’s Benefit For Haiti Show on January 30th at the Room 5 Lounge

San Francisco, CA:

Drink for a good cause tonight! Bin 38 is hosting a benefit happy hour for Haiti.
Bay Area benefit concerts to aid Haiti earthquake victims.

Chicago, IL:

Every Drop Counts: Benefit Concert For Haiti Relief – January 31st

Nassau, Bahamas:

Unity Benefit Concert in Aid of Haiti: – Friday, January 29th

Portland, OR:

“SONGS FOR HAITI” Thursday, January 21

New York City, NY:

Helping Hands for Haiti Fundraiser Event NYC on January 21, 2010, with all proceeds benefiting Doctors Without Borders

Return of Gionfriddo’s Blackburn Prize-winning play U.S. Drag to Benefit Haiti Relief.

There are a number of upcoming Haiti benefit concerts in NYC:

At City Winery:

January 20 (Tonight) – Patti Smith, The Swell Season, John Wesley Harding, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Yo La Tengo, Young People’s Chorus of New York City, Joshua Bell, surprise guest

January 21 (Thursday) – Brian Stokes Mitchell, Lewis Black, Willie Nile, Vernon Reid & Corey Glover of Living Colour, Rich Pagano & The Sugarcane Cups, Marshall Crenshaw

January 22nd (Friday) – Jay-Z and U2, Plus Springsteen and 100-Plus Stars join MTV’s Haiti Benefit on multiple channels and in several locations around the world, including New York City.

January 24 (Sunday) – Rosanne Cash, Madeleine Peyroux, Nada Surf, Tabou Combo and Betty

January 25 (Monday) – The Bongos, Amber Rubarth, Ian Axel, Vienna Teng, Wes Hutchinson, Ari Hest, Will Knox, Joey Ryan, Rosi Golan, Nate Campany, Martin Rivas, Dov Rosenblatt, Alex Berger, Greg Holden, The Paper Raincoat, Jay Nash, Howie Statland

At The Bell House:

January 27 (Wednesday) – Jimmy Fallon, The Walkmen, Ted Leo, Eugene Mirman, The Wrens, Michael Showalter, Sondre Lerche, Todd Barry, A.C. Newman, Nicole Atkins, Here We Go Magic, Wahoo Skiffle Crazies

At Bruar Falls:

January 27 (Wednesday) – Breakfast In Fur, No Eye Contact, El Medio, Drew Citron (Music vs. Hunger benefit)

If you can’t attend an event, consider donating with Music For Relief: Linkin Park, Dave Matthews Band, Peter Gabriel, Alanis Morissette, Slash, The All-American Rejects, Hoobastank, Kenna, Enrique Iglesias and Lupe Fiasco are all featured on a compilation of unreleased music, and all proceeds go to aid the earthquake victims.

If you’re interested in traveling to the UK, Aer Lingus has announced transatlantic airfares to Ireland as low as $239 each way from NY or from $269 from Boston or Chicago for economy class for travel to Shannon or Dublin, from April 10 to June 15. Sale prices are slated to end on January 21 according to IrishCentral.com’s travel expert, Patricia Preston. She writes that Continental and Delta also have specials running for airfare to Dublin, and CIE Tours International has extended its discount on tours around Ireland as well.

$469 and up for an Iceland Getaway with Airfare, Hotel & breakfast. Enjoy shopping for quality Icelandic products, delicious gourmet Icelandic cuisine (including Icelandic game), invigorating outdoor adventure, highland wilderness beauty, soothing spas and more. The Reykjavík City Library hosts a walking tour in downtown Reykjavík where Icelandic literature, from the Saga period to newly published books, is introduced. This is a fun introduction to Icelandic literature and the downtown area at an easy pace that suits everyone. Deal includes accommodation at the friendly Fosshotel Lind or Fosshotel Baron, both situated in the historic city center.

Truth.Travel is covering the last-minute Hyatt hotel sale of 30% off rates at 180 Hyatt Place and Hyatt Summerfield Suites hotels. Travelers must book no later than this coming Saturday (January 23, 2010) for stays from February 7 through April 5, 2010. Hyatt Place, a contemporary-style chain aimed at business travelers, while Hyatt Summerfield Suites are extended-stay hotels that come with a full kitchen and 24-hour in-house grocery markets (making them especially convenient for families). Both brands offer free breakfasts and free WiFi, and this deal is good at nearly every location.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, MSC Cruises is offering Caribbean cruise deals on bookings through January. The “Wave Season” offer is available on new bookings through Jan. 31 starting at $419. The sailings, from Fort Lauderdale, go to the Eastern and Western Caribbean and Bermuda.

Southwest Airlines’ Swing Into Savings sale is last-minute fares that start at just $49 for flights from over 40 U.S. cities, and cap at only $99 on cross-country routes like Chicago to San Francisco, according to Elina Vaysbeyn. Booking expires January 21 for spring travel between April 7 and May 25. Fares are one-way, and round-trip purchase is not required.

Tom Johansmeyer of Gadling is highlighting Five Valentine’s Day deals in New England in his post today, and features romantic vacation adventures in Chatham, Massachusetts, North Conway, New Hampshire, and Kennebunkport, Maine among others. Tom writes, “There are plenty of deals at your disposal through the New England Inns and Resorts Association, and a tough travel market is leading many properties to put together some amazing deals.”

And finally, NASA offers Out-of-this-World Space Shuttle Deals. Originally, NASA was asking for $42 million per shuttle, but now they’ll take $28.8 (or best available offer). The Smithsonian has already called dibs on Discovery, but Endeavor and Atlantis are still available, as is “The Enterprise,” which never took an actual trip into outer space. While this is probably out of most everyone’s price range, it’s not very often we get to point out a travel-related deal that’s $14 million off the regular price!

For more up-to-the-minute travel deals, be sure to subscribe to our RSS feed and follow us on Twitter at @bestraveldeals.

In some places winter is defined as the coldest season of the year, with the shortest days and the longest nights. In Corning & the Finger Lakes, winter is defined as a whole other kind of cool!

Snowmobiling, Ice-Fishing, Tobogganing, Cross-Country Skiing, Snow-Shoeing, Skating, are just some of the ways you can turn those short days and long nights into flat out fun! And although some people believe that winter travel lends itself most naturally with activities like those, there are other spectacular family-friendly opportunities in Corning & the Finger Lakes you probably won’t find anywhere else. Not only are these opportunities fun for the whole family, they’re also FREE for kids and teens (19 and under).

There are galleries like West End Gallery, showcasing the work of nationally-recognized regional artists, and Lime Berry, where everything is handcrafted by friends or family of the owners-from Navajo art to jewelry to rugs hand-woven by Afghan refugees. There are concerts that feature artists from all over the globe and that offer an eclectic representation of musical styles, not to mention the live music to be found weekly at a variety of venues including wineries, restaurants, and museums (many of these events are free and kid-friendly).  The Corning Museum of Glass is one of those places you have to see to believe. In addition to housing over 45,000 glass items, including pieces dating back 3,500 years, to the time of the pharaohs, the museum offers visitors the chance to watch master glassblowers create original pieces, then to make their very own one-of-a-kind works of art in one of the daily workshops (with hands-on glassmaking activities for all ages).  In addition to having one of the largest museum shops in the US, there’s also a special Innovation Center where you can bend light, bend glass, and bend your imagination!

Corning Museum of Glass also offers a handful of concerts throughout the year (called 2300°) that feature artists from all over the globe. These 2300° events are FREE to the public and provide a unique combination of music, food, and art.  And for those adult families who like to vacation together, there are other wonderful adventures waiting for you in Corning & the Finger Lakes. With over 9,000 acres of vineyards and 117 wineries, the Finger Lakes region is the second largest wine producing area in the United States and is where you’ll find some of the best wines in the world.

Corning & the Finger Lakes juxtaposes small-town charm with big city culture (from antique shops with Tiffany windows to touring Broadway shows). The pace is as relaxed or as intense as you want, the amenities diverse (from town-square shops to department stores and malls, from kayaking rivers and days kicking up dirt to nights out under the stars or out on the town for fine dining and the arts). Winter is the perfect time to visit Corning & the Finger Lakes. The crowds are small, but the attractions and the activities are every bit as much fun!

For more information about February Family-Fun Corning & the Finger Lakes, visit CorningFingerLakes.com

The Austrian Tourist Office is holding a contest called “Its Got to Be Austria Facebook Sweepstakes” where the winner chosen (and their guest) will receive a 7-day themed vacation package of their choice valued at $4500.

To enter the sweepstakes readers need only to become a fan of “Austria Official Travel Info” on Facebook.

The winner and a guest will receive a seven day themed vacation package of their choice valued at $4,500. The sweepstakes invites fans to explore all that Austria has to offer by choosing from vacations oriented toward “Food and Wine,” “Art, Architecture and Design,” “Nature, Outdoors and the Alps,” or “Classical Music and History.”

Facebook fans can receive an additional sweepstakes entry by tweeting about Austria on Twitter using the hashtag: #itsgottobeaustria. The contest runs now through January 15.

More information and official rules can be found at ItsgottobeAustria.com or via Facebook. Contest is open to residents of the U.S., 18 and over.

Tour Egypt with this outstanding Nile Cruise and hotels in Luxor, Taba Heights and Cairo, from $2224 USD. Price includes: Flights, local transfers, 7 nights in Taba Heights on a half board basis, overnight stay in Luxor with dinner, 3 nights Nile cruise on a full board basis & 3 nights in Cairo on a half board basis.

Also in Egypt, Iberotel Coraya Beach Resort from £539.00 A diving school is located right on the sandy beach with adjacent calm and warm snorkelling waters for getting to know the Red Sea safely. The hotel is built in an oriental style, set in quiet surroundings directly on the Ghorayfat Bay, about 70 km from small village of El Quseir.

Looking for a last minute gift idea? Fly with a fighter pilot for only $349. Your fighter pilot instructor will teach you to fly aerobatic manoeuvres and the trip can be as mild or as wild as you choose. While this isn’t quite a travel deal, it’s certainly a great deal at a once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunity that makes an excellent gift!

$99 per night at a newly renovated Albuquerque Sheraton. The Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown, which has undergone a $20 million renovation, is offering $99 weekend rates through March 28. Stay on Friday and Saturday nights for 40% OFF.

Save 32% Pre-Olympics at the Shangri-la Hotel in Vancouver, Canada. This package offers great savings, and continues through February 7, 2010. Under this deal, accommodations start at $268 (C$285) for a Superior Room (including taxes and fees), and come with breakfast for two at Market by Jean-Georges and free overnight valet parking.

$139 per night for this southern Oregon Ranch Near the Cascades with full kitchens, gas fireplaces and incredible views that make Running Y’s two-bedroom townhomes and chalets an idyllic destination for everything from family gatherings to romantic getaways.

$109 a night for a Kansas City Country Club Plaza Hotel. The Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza is centered in some of the city’s best shopping and entertainment. Amenities at this hotel include a lap pool, fitness center and tennis courts.

Kids Ski, Fly, and Stay Free in Colorado. United Airlines and American Airlines are teaming up with Vail and Beaver Creek resorts in Vail, Colorado to offer families the deal of the season: kids fly, ski, and stay for free. Considering that plane ticket can set you back around $300 to $400 per child, and lift ticket start at $140 for three days, this deal offers some serious savings for families! With combined savings totaling at least $500 per child, there’s never been a cooler time to hit the slopes

Speaking of skiing, $420 a night for Park City’s famous 5-Diamond Lodge, Plus 4th Night FREE! Stay 3 nights at the five-star, five-diamond Stein Eriksen Lodge and get your fourth night free! Nearby all the fantastic ski resorts of Park City, you’ll enjoy gorgeous accommodations and fantastic service on your mountain getaway.

The Austrian Tourist Office is holding a contest called “Its Got to Be Austria Facebook Sweepstakes” where the winner chosen (and their guest) will receive a 7-day themed vacation package of their choice valued at $4500. Contest is open to residents of the U.S., 18 and over. Official rules can be found at ItsgottobeAustria.com or via Facebook.

$79 & up for an Orlando Hotel near Walt Disney World. This deal saves 50% off regular prices and includes complimentary daily breakfast. This hotel is a winner of TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award as a “Top 10 Family Hotel in the United States” and features three swimming pools, shuttle service to nearby attractions and complimentary parking

42 million people have yet to start their holiday shopping. With only four days left until Christmas, shoppers are quickly running out of time to find that “perfect gift” at the right price, so for unique gift ideas from racing sofas to playing paintball with real tanks, take a moment to listen to some of the great gift ideas available at BestTravelDeals!

Struggling to come up with that perfect gift idea? Perhaps an ideal gift to give someone who is a ‘bit of a car guy’ might be one of these driving experiences days; unique gift ideas & inspirational gift experiences from racing sofas, off-roading in a Hummer, or playing paintball with real tanks. Go behind the scenes at the Home of British Motor Racing, or challenge a friend to a race on a Grand Prix karting track!

Here’s 10 unusual gifts that promise an adventure full of excitement:

1. World’s Wackiest Racers – Are you ready for the wackiest day of your life? Come and be chauffeured through country lanes in the World’s fastest street-legal bed. Thunder round a race track on an 87 mph sofa. Tame the Double Decker car, as seen on BBC’s Top Gear, and pull up a seat to the World’s fastest office. This truly is the weirdest and wackiest way to travel.

2. Hummer H1 Off road experience – A unique opportunity to get “Hands On” and experience the awesome might of the iconic American Hummer in its element, off road. Using the power of its 6.5l V8 engine climb severe slopes, descend banks, side slopes in excess of 30 degrees, manoeuvre extreme changes in terrain, negotiate mud and water. A challenging course set out in a mix of open and wooded terrain.

3. Tank driving experience – If you have always dreamed of whizzing around in some mean military machinery, then it’s time to pinch yourself because this is your chance. You will be pounding around in all sorts of different vehicles during the experience which, depending on which location you choose, could include an Armoured Personnel Carrier, designed to carry troops into battle, the Ferret Scout Car used as a light reconnaissance vehicle and still in use today, a 17-ton Self-Propelled Abbot Gun, the Snowcat, which can operate on snow, marshes or on soft desert sand or even a 55-ton Cheiftain Main Battle Tank.

4. Half Day Quad Bike Adventure for One – You will be riding for several miles and will get to ride your Quad over all manner of different obstacles where the four wheel drive is an essential not just nice to have. Once you you have had your safety briefing, you will begin with an introductory session on flat ground to enable you to build confidence and practice maneuvers. You will then progress onto some more challenging areas where you will have a chance to tackle all manner of slopes and obstacles to find out just how much fun a Quad is. A fun and exhilarating half day experience that anyone of any ability can enjoy.

5. Tour of Silverstone – exclusive special offer – 2 for 1 – During an attention grabbing two hours you will see unique behind the scenes views of the Home of British Motor Racing, with plenty of memory making photo opportunities too. Stand in the footsteps of the Formula one greats on our famous podium, see exclusive roof top views from the landmark BRDC Clubhouse and get a closer look at legendary sites around the track.

6. Grand Prix karting experience – special offer 2 for 1 -Driving drones, motor maniacs, four wheeled floosies – put your pedals to the metal and get ready to take part in the karting Grand Prix. You will have a few laps of practice to get used to the karts, before the competition really hots up. Everyone will compete in four races, determining who’s the fastest driver. Then, the top drivers will race in the final to work out who the real karting daddy is!

7. Performance car driving experience – Fancy a break from your Nissan Micra? If you want to get behind the wheel of a high performance car then aside from winning the lottery, this is your best bet. You will get to drive a Ferrari, a Aston Martin and a Porsche among others. If this is a gift for someone who likes their cars, then get ready to score big brownie points when you hand it over, this one’s a winner…

8. Tankballing – paintball battles with tanks – If you’ve tried and enjoyed paintballing, then tankballing is the experience is for you. It’s paintballing, but taken to the next level. Imagine actually taking part in a tank battle? This is your chance, not with live ammunition of course, but with paint.

9. JCB racing experience – Get ready for the ultimate challenge… You are going to experience the thrills of JCB racing. After a safety briefing and individual instruction it’s straight into the JCB’s to challenge your fellow competitors in the heats and finals over a specially designed rough terrain obstacle course.

10. Speed Freaks Choice – Your choice of six experiences – If you are having trouble choosing which amazing experience to buy someone, don’t fret – let them do it themselves. This fantastic lastminute.com experience voucher is a perfect gift for those ‘difficult to buy for’ friends and relatives. The recipient can choose from a list of 6 exhilarating experiences such as quad biking, karting, power boating and much much more.