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.

If you’re planning to visit New York City in January or February, you’d be remiss to miss the Real Deal Winter promo by NYC & Company, the city’s marketing and tourism organization. Deals include two-for-one attractions admissions, $50 hotel credits and 50% off Sunday night stays at certain hotels. You can also save on theater tickets, circus tickets, tours and more.

$79 & up a night for a luxury French Quarter New Orleans hotel. Recently renovated and one of the only LUXURY French Quarter hotels on Bourbon Street at the corner of Orleans directly behind Jackson Square, the Bourbon Orleans offers a glimpse of 18th century French Country House decor & sanctuary. One of the most unique & historic New Orleans hotels directly on Bourbon St in the HEART of the French Quarter.

$110-$120 per night for a north Indianapolis 4-Star Hotel. The Renaissance Indianapolis North Hotel was awarded “Renaissance Hotel Opening of the Year” in 2008 and offers easy access to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Lucas Oil Stadium, fine art galleries and world-class golf courses. This deal saves 35% off the hotel’s regular rates and is available over weekend and holiday dates.

$89 a night for this Minneapolis Luxury Collection Hotel (Reg. $229). It features Minneapolis’ only spa destination, the Ivy Spa Club and the upscale Porter & Frye restaurant. Additional amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center and guest rooms with 10-foot floating ceilings, original works from local artisans, Italian linens and flat-panel televisions.

$139 a night for a 4-Diamond Kentucky Golf Resort & Spa. This hotel is located the rolling Bluegrass Country of Kentucky near the Kentucky Horse Park and features a Rees Jones-designed golf course, luxurious full-service spa and upscale restaurant JW’s Steakhouse.

$85 a night in Bangor, Maine, where January and February stays are on sale. Accommodations include complimentary WiFi, Four Points Comfort bedding and flat-screen TVs. The hotel features a restaurant as well as Godfrey’s lounge, which is open until 12:30 AM on Tuesday-Saturday.

$99 a night for a Washington D.C.-Area Hotel with breakfast & parking. This value packed deal offers a $99 per night rate and includes extras: breakfast for two, free self-parking and wireless Internet. These extras normally cost $70.

$99 a night for a Puerto Vallarta All-Inclusive resort. Safe, exotic, pure and accessible, this all-suite luxury resort is nestled between ocean and tropical rain forest just minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta. The awarded property (5 Star Diamond Award) features four swimming pools (one reserved for adults) with waterfalls, Jacuzzis, children’s slides, fitness center, water sports, pool volleyball, tennis court, Spa, and ample activities for both adults and children such as scuba diving, mountain biking , and horseback riding.

Jamaica Holiday Package from $225/Night. Sunset Resorts in beautiful Jamaica is offering a terrific holiday package priced from $225 per person, per night ($100 for children) at three all-inclusive properties on the island: Sunset Beach Resort & Spa in Montego Bay, Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa in Ocho Rios, and Sunset at the Palms in Negril. From December 23 through January 1, 2010, guests can stay at one of these three oceanfront resorts and participate in a whole slew of family activities that are sure to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

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Las Vegas-Grand Canyon helicopter tour now 41% off. The four-and-a-half-hour tour includes a helicopter ride (45 minutes each way) with views of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and the Las Vegas Strip en route between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. Guests will also get a ride on a horse-drawn wagon to the Grand Canyon West Ranch where they’ll be served a western meal and be entertained by cowboys.

USA Today is reporting that, effective today through Jan. 4 2010, travelers can buy tickets for the 48 contiguous states and Canada at the last minute without necessarily paying more. The airlines that waived their advance purchase requirements are American Airlines, United, Delta, Northwest, US Airways, Frontier, AirTran and Midwest.

$99 a night for this Atlanta 4-Star Boutique Hotel. The property features a state-of-the-art fitness center and the re-concept-ed Terrace restaurant, offering farm fresh American cuisine. The hotel also offers complimentary evening wine receptions and coffee each morning.

$384 for a 7 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Costa Cruise Lines. Offer is good through January 15th for travel from January 24th through January 31st, and visits the islands of Saint Thomas, San Juan Port, and Grand Turks before returning to Port Everglades, FL.

$149 a night for an AAA 4-Diamond Top-Rated Dallas Hotel. The Palomar is listed on the Conde Nast “Hot List” (2007) and the “Best Dallas Boutique Hotel” by Citysearch. It’s located in downtown Dallas and rooms include FREE wireless Internet access, goldfish, and a plasma TV.

$119 per person each night at this Florida Gold List Resort. The offer includes a free round of golf for one person per night at the resort, a $95 value. Both golf courses at the Marriott Bay Point Golf Resort & Spa were voted by readers of Corporate and Incentive Travel Magazine as a “Greens of Distinction Winners”.

Adults-Only Mexico Resort from $359 a night in Riviera Maya, Mexico this winter. For a limited time only, this opulent all-inclusive beachfront resort is slashing its nightly prices to $120 off standard rates! Plus, El Dorado Royale is giving its guests $500 worth of resort credit. Just be sure to book soon. Although travel is valid from January 4 through February 28, this offer expires December 22.

Stay for three or four nights Dec. 18-31, including Christmas and New Years Eve, for $79 per night at the Element Lexington hotel, just outside of Boston, MA. Element is a new concept hotel by Westin offering open-layout public spaces and eco-friendly design, and this offer includes a full hot breakfast daily (and there are additional last-minute Christmas travel deals here on BestTravelDeals.net).

Save Up to 20% on a Ski Vacation at Steamboat, Colorado with the Champagne Powder Family Package Sale offering up to 20% off lodging, lift tickets, and ski rentals, plus a $100 resort credit, and a $25 American Express Gift card. The discount applies to all Steamboat lodgings, including premium accommodations such as the Steamboat Grand and the ski-in/ski-out Sheraton Steamboat Resort.

Today’s podcast highlights all the great Holiday travel deals out there, picking three of the best last-minute deals available. Get some ski-time in this winter, visit Myrtle Beach, or finish off your shopping tax-free in New Hampshire!

United has extended its holiday fare sale to over 50 cities nationwide. Round-trip fares start from just $94 for bookings made by December 16.

Book 3 nights, get a Free Night in Aspen at The Gant. Located three blocks from the Aspen Mountain Gondola, The Gant has 120 roomy,upscale condominiums with woodburning fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, and daily housekeeping.

$499 — Cabo All-Inclusive 5-Night Vacation includes air from Los Angeles, all meals, drinks (alcoholic & nonalcoholic) and on-site entertainment, hotel taxes and gratuities. In addition, kids stay and eat free. The resort is located in San José del Cabo on the beach of the Sea of Cortez and is surrounded by the Sierra de San Lazaro mountains.

$760 and up for Europe Getaways with Airfare, Hotel + Meals. London has it all, from traditional pubs, historic landmarks, hundreds of museums, and superb theater, to incredible dining and Europe’s longest shopping street. These deals are $150 off regular prices.

$126-$189, Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain, the top-rated hotel in Collingwood, is offering a deal to stay two nights and get the third night free during ski season.

$89 per night for Texas Hotel near Bush Presidential Library, $50 OFF. Each guest room is equipped with a full kitchen, complimentary Internet and parking. Explore historic downtown Bryan and enjoy local wineries. Nearby attractions include the George Bush Presidential Library, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical Park and Texas A&M University

Cancun, Mexico: Broader beaches, great vacation deals on horizon for those who take advantage of cheap rates currently available for Cancun stays this winter, and watch as through Feb. 10, 2010, 1.3-billion gallons of sand are being delivered to the beaches of Cancun.

$79 a night for Washington D.C.-Area Hotel with Breakfast & Parking situated across the river from the nation’s capital at the Sheraton Crystal City in Arlington. This value packed deal offers a $79 per night rate and includes extras: breakfast for two, free self-parking and wireless Internet.

Save More Than 25% on Vacations in Ireland with Aer Lingus’ The Emerald Castle Package, which runs all of 2010 but promises the best rates for travel in the period from January 1, 2010 through March 10, 2010—includes round-trip airfare from more than 50 U.S. cities, six nights lodging (including one at a Condé Nast Traveler Gold List property), car rental for a week, and starts at a jaw-dropping $599 per person.

Deals at water parks across the country in today’s USA Today highlights those locations prompting a new wave of discounts and value-added extras.

$109-$159 a night for 4-Star Vegas Hotel now offering rooms for stays through December, including weekends. Four star hotels on weekends are usually $200 or more.

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$134 per person for a top Colorado Ski Resort with 2 Night Stay, including weekends. Copper Mountain Resort is steps away from 2,450 acres of prime ski and snowboard terrain featuring 125 ski trails. Resembling a small village nestled at the base of Copper Mountain, guests are within walking distance from local shops, restaurants and nightlife.

Another great winter vacation package deal is the Zephyr Ski Package. At $118 per person Zephyr Cove Resort is truly the best kept secret for Skiers and Snowboarders.

$440 for 3 Nights at Award-Winning Florida Hotel (Save $350) located on the sugar-white beaches of the Gulf Coast. All guest rooms feature beachfront porches or balconies. Several hiking and biking trails are nearby, as well as water activities and golf.

Christmas travel deals include $89 per night in Palm Desert, California, includes breakfast and parking. Tennis courts, swimming pool, Whirlpool are located on site, while golfing is just half a mile away at the Desert Willow Golf Resort. Nearby activities are horseback riding, hiking on a nature preserve trail and hot air ballooning.

$119 a night stays at Louisville 4-Diamond Downtown Hotel (Reg. $209) located in the heart of Louisville, providing Pedway connection to the Kentucky International Convention Center and Louisville’s bustling new Fourth Street Live district. Guest rooms feature great city views, plush bedding and free high-speed wireless Internet.

$119 a night in Philadelphia Center City at The Independent, a 24-room hotel located in a fully-restored Georgian Revival building in the vibrant Midtown Village area that features complimentary European breakfast and a weekly happy hour with wine and cheese. Rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and mini-refrigerators and microwaves.

Other US Vacation Package Deals today include Three Perfect Tahoe Winter Days Package at $127 per person. With this package each person in the guest party will receive benefits of the package. For the snowmobile, if there are 1 or 2 people there is one double rider snowmobile tour. If there are 3 or 4 people there would be a second double rider added.

Exclusive Santa Fe Cooking 3-Night Package. The package, which is priced from $470 for two people, includes a three-night stay at the Inn, one 2.5-hour cooking demonstration class at the Santa Fe School of Cooking (culminating with lunch), and daily continental breakfast. This “Save and Savor” package also calls for daily afternoon wine and cheese receptions, and a $40 voucher to dine at Mucho Gusto, a Mexican café located next to the Inn.

Save Up to 50% on Stays this Winter at Select Leading Hotels of the World. Truth.travel is reporting that
room prices at more than 80 hotels around the world are being slashed around 30%-50% off regular rates for stays between January 1 and March 31, 2010.

New Hilton in Mexico City’s Centro Histórico offers $99 rooms. The 458-unit Hilton is strategically placed for the visitor eager to take advantage of urban attractions. Some rooms offer views of Alameda Central Park and the Palace of Fine Arts, and the hotel is walking distance to Centro Histórico sites. Hotel offerings include three restaurants, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center and a spa.

Select Disney Value Resorts Up To 30% OFF, with prices ranging from $59-$94 a night. There are many benefits when staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, including extended Theme Park Hours so each day, one of the theme parks opens early or stays open late so you have more time to enjoy select attractions with the Extra Magic Hours benefit. Valid theme park ticket and Resort I.D. required.

$79 per night at a Dallas-Area Resort, includes breakfast. This resort on the shores of Lake Texoma boasts an 18-hole golf course designed by Arnold Palmer, plus a spa, boating, fishing, hiking, tennis and more.

American Airlines, Continental Airlines, and Delta, and US Airways are all offering bonus miles when you shop with select retailers, according to Tom Parsons in the Dallas Morning News.

Renaissance M Street Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C., is offering select Friday-Sunday stays at $109-$119 per night this winter.

Palm Springs Exclusive Golf Package is valid until April 1, 2010. This is the Sherman’s Legend package, priced at $154, and this price point includes a one-night stay at the resort (rates usually are $199/night), and one round of golf, which is valued at $75 dollars.

Book a flight + hotel + 4-day Ski Salt Lake Super Pass package for 4 or more nights. With the Super Pass, you can choose from 4 legendary resorts – Alta, Brighton, Snowbird, and Solitude – all mere minutes from Salt Lake City. The Super Pass allows for free transportation to and from the resorts on the UTA Ski Buses and TRAX light rail.

Gator Bowl Packages include Holiday Inn and Hyatt Regency Riverfront, from $265, where you can check in Thursday, December 31st and check out on Saturday, January 2nd.  Or try the Same Day Air Gator Bowl Package with prices starting at $589, which may be the most convenient way to enjoy the Gator Bowl. Hop a flight down to Jacksonville, enjoy the game on New Year’s Day, and be home to sleep in your own bed that night.

Every day in December, followers of @IHG_Deals on Twitter will get the chance to win Priority Club Reward points that will help you get free nights at any IHG hotel around the world, which include the InterContinental Hotels brand as well as Holiday Inn, Candlewood Suites, and more. For up-to-the-minute best travel deals, follow @Bestraveldeals on twitter!

AirTran’s near-system-wide sale has returned once again with rock-bottom domestic fares starting from as little as $39 each way for those who book before December 10th.

Downtown Columbus 4-Diamond Hotel, $99 a night right now. This hotel is nearby Nationwide Arena, the Convention Center, as well as popular Columbus museums, theaters and attractions.

$99 a night deal at the Minneapolis City Center Hotel, connected to shopping, entertainment and dining through the city’s famous Skyway system. Guests will also find popular attractions, including the Metrodome, Target Center and historic Theatre District nearby.

$65 a night in Las Vegas near The Strip, that’s 50% OFF the normal price for the holidays. The M Resort will celebrate this holiday season with a special lighting ceremony of a 109-foot-tall Christmas tree, a hand-made gingerbread display in the lobby and special holiday dining menus.

Stay minutes from Disney World, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and SeaWorld with a $29 per night deal now at an Orlando Hotel, good into March.

$318 Special to Mexico. This is an all-inclusive vacation package to Mazatlan, Mexico, that knocks $200 off the regular cost of peak season travel.

$90 a night for holidays in Boulder, with Parking. Outdoor activities are just a few minutes away at El Dorado Springs, twenty miles to Eldora Ski Resort and forty miles to the Rocky Mountain National Park.

$79 a night for a Dallas-Area Resort on the shores of Lake Texoma. This resort boasts an 18-hole golf course designed by Arnold Palmer, plus a spa, boating, fishing, hiking, tennis and more.

$81 a night resort lodgings in the Cascade Lodge at ResortQuest Whistler. A two-day lift ticket to Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains is included when you book a three night stay.

Never skied before? Not to worry, Lake Tahoe is offering a “Learn to Ski and Board Weekend,” and you have nine resorts to choose from. First-time skiers and boarders get a beginner lift ticket, group lesson and gear rental for $25 per person. Be sure to check out the great deal on vacation rentals for the cheapest Lake Tahoe lodging!

Today is the last day of the sale for a 40% discount on Harrahs, Ballys, Caesars and Showboat and more in Atlantic City, NJ.

Amtrak has extended its low fares on the Northeast Regional. Save up to 25% off lowest available Coach fares when you book 14 days in advance.

4-Diamond Hotels, including weekends, for $149-$199. These Palm Springs, Calif. Hotel Deals are for The Renaissance Esmeralda and Desert Springs, A JW Marriott Resort & Spa and offer is for travel over select dates through December.

Want to visit Europe? Rent a Villa from as little as £260 per villa per week. Choose from a wide array of hand-picked villas to suit all tastes, ranging from beachfront and centrally located properties to secluded settings.

Fly Virgin America from as little as $39 each way and see why this budget airline has been receiving high marks from air travelers. Travel is valid from December 3 through May 23 (holiday blackout dates apply), but you must book by December 8.

Interested in learning more about all-inclusive resorts, what they entail, what’s included in the price, and what you can expect on your vacation? All this and more is covered in Brad Tuttle’s article All-Inclusive Resorts Demystified.

Speaking of resorts, stay and save at Lake Quinault Lodge, from $218 for both nights. Valid until December 30, 2009. Package based on double occupancy, subject to availability.

Another great vacation package, visit Fiji from $655.31 per person. Picture yourself snorkeling over shallow reefs close to shore. Relax, dive and experience amazing underwater adventures, ride in a jet boat, trek in the tropical rainforests, go shopping in Suva, swim in the crystal clear waters of a rushing river or even visit a sacred cave.

At Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, open for the Yellowstone National Park winter season from Dec. 21 to Mar. 8, you can get a room for as little as $49 per night (pre-tax) for a stay from Jan. 3 onward.

Lots of great Australian getaways!

Let today’s NY Times article on Hiking the Australian Desert Near Ayers Rock wet your appetite for 56% Off Rooms at The Observatory Hotel in Sydney, Australia. Book by January 10, 2010 and you can stay at the award-winning Observatory Hotel for up to 56% less until February 4, 2010.

Or discover Brisbane, from $269.83 per person. Visitors and locals alike delight in the very best in food, wine, arts, entertainment and major sporting events, all surrounded by a unique environment of relaxed sub-tropical flair.

Other great Australian vacation packages include Tropical North Queensland, from $378.13 per person, and the Whitsunday Islands offering rates from $784.72 per person.

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CYBER MONDAY deals include JW Marriott, offering 40% off a stay at a number of its resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Costa Rica, along with other great deals which include Sonesta St. Maarten Resort, Maui Seaside Hotel on Kahului Bay, Saint James Hotel in Chicago, and airfare deals from JetBlue and Continental Airlines, and much, much more!