- See New Places for Less with Fares as Low As $44* -
AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AAI) , today launched a Net Escapes sale for travel to all of the airline’s destinations with fares starting as low as $44*. Travelers may purchase these sale fares at http://www.airtran.com/ or via AirTran Airways’ reservations system at 1-800-AIR-TRAN. For Spanish, call 1-877-581-9842.
These special fares are available for purchase by January 17, 2008, and are good for travel through February 27, 2008, for Florida and May 21, 2008, for all other destinations. Like all AirTran Airways fares, prices included in this sale are available for one-way travel and do not require a roundtrip purchase or an overnight stay.
Following is a sample of the one-way sale fares. All fares require a 10-day advance purchase and are valid in either direction:
Sample Fares: Tue/Wed/Sat Mon/Thu/Fri
Akron/Canton - Gulfport/Biloxi $94 $119
Atlanta - Chicago (Midway) $84 $104
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) - Boston $54 $64
Buffalo - Charleston $79 $94
Boston - Orlando $89 $109
Charleston - Atlanta $44 $64
Chicago (Midway) - Philadelphia $114 $134
Dayton - Baltimore/Washington (BWI) $64 $74
Daytona Beach - Atlanta $84 $94
Denver - New York $149 $169
Detroit - Tampa $89 $99
Ft. Lauderdale - Milwaukee $99 $109
Flint - Las Vegas $114 $114
Gulfport/Biloxi - Philadelphia $94 $119
Houston (Hobby) - Savannah $99 $129
Indianapolis - Orlando $79 $89
Jacksonville - Kansas City $119 $139
Memphis - Pittsburgh $114 $134
Milwaukee - Atlanta $84 $94
Newark - Charleston $79 $94
Newburgh - Orlando $79 $99
Newport News/Williamsburg - New York (LaGuardia) $59 $79
New York (LaGuardia) - West Palm Beach $119 $139
Orlando - Atlanta $84 $94
Philadelphia - Milwaukee $99 $109
Portland Maine - Miami $119 $119
St. Louis - Boston $109 $119
Sarasota/Bradenton - Raleigh/Durham $114 $134
Savannah/Hilton Head - Atlanta $44 $64
Washington DC (Dulles or Reagan National)
- Ft. Myers $79 $99
Wichita - Tampa $114 $134
White Plains (Westchester) - San Diego $159 $184
AirTran Airways, a Fortune 1000 company, offers more than 700 affordable, daily flights to 56 U.S. destinations. With 8,900 friendly Crew Members and America’s youngest all-Boeing fleet, AirTran Airways provides XM Satellite Radio and Business Class seating on every flight. For more information and free online booking, visit http://www.airtran.com/.
*All fares are one-way. All fares are non-refundable and a $75 fee per person applies to any change made after purchase, plus any applicable increase in airfare. Reservations may be obtained or changed through an AirTran Airways Telephone Reservations Center for an additional $7.50 per person. Ten-day advance purchase required. Tickets must be purchased by January 17, 2008. System wide sale fares are valid for travel through May 21, 2008; Florida travel is valid through February 27, 2008. Travel between Las Vegas and Bloomington/Normal, Akron/Canton, Dayton, Flint, Moline, and Rochester is valid on nonstop flights only. Sale fares are not valid to/from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Seats are limited, subject to availability, and may not be available on all flights. Blackout dates are as follows: February 14-19, 2008 and March 14-15, 20-21, and 24, 2008. Fares, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice. Fares do not include per-segment tax of $3.50. A segment is defined as one takeoff and one landing. The September 11th security fee of up to $10 is not included. Airport Passenger Facility Charges of up to $18 are not included.
Source: AirTran Airways
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
The Grand Canyon Railway is offering its Winter Getaway package featuring roundtrip train travel to Grand Canyon National Park, accommodations at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, Ariz., breakfast, lunch, dinner and a motorcoach tour at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Available now through the end of February 2008, the package is $129 per adult plus taxes and the National Park entrance fee based on double occupancy. Youth and child prices are available as well. This package can be reserved by calling 1-800-THE-TRAIN (1-800-843-8724). In addition, riders may upgrade their class of service for 50 percent off the regular upgrade price.
Participants depart Williams mid-morning for the 65-mile trip to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Once at the South Rim, they board a motorcoach for a narrated tour, returning to the train in mid-afternoon for the trip back to Williams.
The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel is a modern facility designed to resemble the historic Fray Marcos Hotel and Williams Depot structures that stand nearby. The hotel is comprised of 288 standard rooms, 10 luxury suites and the Rail Baron’s Suite as well as two spacious meeting rooms available for wedding receptions, seminars and other functions; a large courtyard with barbecue and wet bar; a game room for children; an enclosed crescent-shaped pool (approximately 50 feet long by 20 feet wide) and hot tub and an exercise room.
Grand Canyon Railway operates daily train service between Williams, Ariz., and the Grand Canyon. The Railway offers five distinct classes of service, as well as money-saving packages featuring the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams. Overnight stays at the Grand Canyon also can be included in the packages. Grand Canyon Railway is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service. For more information, visit www.thetrain.com or call 1-800-THE-TRAIN (1-800-843-8724).
The Grand Canyon Railway is operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts.
###
Xanterra Parks & Resorts® (consisting of Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Inc. and Xanterra South Rim, L.L.C.) operates lodges, restaurants and other concessions at national parks and state parks and resorts. Xanterra Parks & Resorts is the country’s largest park concessioner. Xanterra operates concessions in the following locations: Yellowstone, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Crater Lake, Death Valley, Rocky Mountain and Petrified Forest National Parks, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial; and at the Silverado Resort in Napa, Calif.; and eight Ohio State Parks. Its affiliate Xanterra South Rim, L.L.C. operates concessions at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Xanterra operates the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, Ariz.
Long committed to the preservation and protection of the environment, Ecologix, Xanterra Parks & Resorts’ environmental program, includes a variety of proactive environmental stewardship programs in each location. Xanterra has been repeatedly recognized for its environmental leadership in the hospitality industry and is the recipient of many honors, including major awards from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency, Travel Industry Association, Colorado Department of Public Health, State of Arizona, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and Utah Department of Environmental Quality.
For more information about Xanterra, links to individual properties and reservations numbers, visit www.xanterra.com.
SOURCE: Xanterra Parks & Resorts.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Got the post-holiday blues? Southwest Airlines’ super low fares, offered only on southwest.com, will cheer you up in 2008. Air fares range from $49-$99 one-way and are available for nationwide travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. (Sale fares may be higher on other days of the week depending on the destination and length of the trip.) These fares require purchase by Jan. 21, 2008, for travel beginning Jan. 10, 2008, through May 8, 2008.
To book these discount air fares, available only at southwest.com, visit: http://www.southwest.com/
The following are examples of some of the available fares (see Fare Rules):
— $49 one-way fares between Nashville and Chicago Midway, between Ontario
and Phoenix, and between Dallas and Little Rock
— $59 one-way fares between Denver and Seattle and $69 one-way fares
between Denver and Oklahoma City
— Dallas, Houston Hobby, Chicago Midway, Denver, and San Antonio
Customers can fly to California for only $99 one-way
— $99 one-way fares between Phoenix and San Francisco, between Dallas and
Denver, and between Houston Hobby and Philadelphia
Fare Rules
All fares are available for purchase today through Jan. 21, 2008, for travel beginning Jan. 10, 2008, through May 8, 2008. Sale fares may be higher on other days of the week depending on the destination and length of the trip. Fourteen day advance purchase required. Blackout dates do apply on Feb. 15 and 24, 2008 and for travel into or out of Florida March 7 - April 7, 2008. Fares are available one-way and are combinable with all other fares (except Senior Fares). When combining fares, all ticketing restrictions apply. Seats are limited. Fares may vary by destination and day of travel and will not be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. Fares do not include a federal segment tax up to $3.50 per takeoff and landing. Fares do not include airport-assessed passenger facility charges (PFC) of up to $9 one-way and U.S. government-imposed September 11th Security Fees of up to $5 one-way. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. Tickets are nonrefundable but may be applied toward the purchase of future travel on Southwest Airlines if unused. Fares are valid only on Southwest-published, scheduled service and are not available through the Group Desk. Any change in itinerary may result in an increase in fare. Standby travel requires an upgrade to the full unrestricted fare. Fares are not necessarily common rated in the Washington, D.C. area (Baltimore/Washington and Dulles), the Bay Area (Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose), or the Los Angeles Basin. Orange County, Hawaii, Washington D.C. (Dulles), and other ATA Airlines codeshare markets are not included in this sale.
Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) , the nation’s largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 64 cities in 32 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,400 flights a day.
Source: Southwest Airlines
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Ireland is a welcoming place, especially during the holidays, when bargains abound! Aer Lingus has opened the door to terrific value on airfares, Vacation Store options, sightseeing and shopping. Explore all the ways to make your dollar go further at Aerlingus.com.
For complete offer details, click here.
Holiday Bonus: Book by December 31st for flights January through February and they’’ll waive the change fee¹.
SOURCE: Aer Lingus
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Silverado Resort In Napa Valley Offers “Wine Tasters Dream Package” With Savings Of Up To 45 Percent
The Silverado Resort in Napa Valley, located in the heart of the country’s most famous wine region, is offering a package aimed at those who enjoy the three things for which it is best-known — great accommodations, dining and wine tasting.
The “Wine Taster’s Dream Package” is available all week and features accommodations in a resort guest room, a picnic lunch for two at V. Sattui Winery and wine tastings at William Hill Estate, Mumm Napa Valley, Artesa Winery and Conn Creek Winery.
The rate is $139 per night through February 29, 2008. Upgrades are available to a junior suite with fireplace for $40 or to a one-bedroom suite with fireplace for $70. If purchased separately, the components would add up to $255 for a couple.
Reservations can be made by calling 800-532-0500 or online using promo code “WINE3” at http://www.silveradoresort.com/Wine-Taster’s-Dream-Package-5351.html. For more information about the resort, visit www.silveradoresort.com.
The Wine Taster’s Dream Package is based on single or double occupancy, does not include taxes or service charges, is subject to availability and is not available for groups of 5 or more or for previously booked reservations. Some other restrictions may apply. Wineries may be closed on holidays.
Silverado Resort is operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts. The resort is located in the heart of Napa Valley 50 miles northeast of San Francisco and 60 miles southwest of Sacramento. This California landmark is situated within easy driving distance of many of Napa Valley’s most popular wineries and other attractions.
SOURCE: Xanterra Parks & Resorts
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
LAST MINUTE TRAVEL DEALS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Holiday travelers are offered exclusive vacation packages this season through LastMinuteTravel.com, the online travel site for thousands of late-breaking offers on cheap flights, hotels deals, vacation-packages, cruise deals, rental cars, and more.
“December and January are the perfect months to take advantage of Caribbean cruise deals, as well as low rates to vacation in Chicago, Las Vegas, Orlando, New York, and Mexico,” explains Lauren Volcheff, Marketing Director for Travel Holdings, Inc., the parent company for LastMinuteTravel.com. “We’re offering some of our best package deals yet for travel during the next few months, from all destinations across the country.”
Current last-minute getaway packages and hotel deals, based on a two-person search, include:
CRUISE THE WESTERN CARIBBEAN: $289
Sailing through the Caribbean for four nights from Miami, Fla., to ports in Key West and Playa del Carmen, Mexico, Last Minute Travelers can cruise from just $289 per person in an ocean view room on the Carnival Fascination. As an added perk, travelers can select the exact deck and cabin of their choice when booking online.
ORLANDO TO CHICAGO: $238
Floridians can experience a snow-white holiday by vacationing to Chicago’s four-star Whitehall Hotel, with flight and accommodations for four nights starting at just $238 per person. This boutique, luxury hotel is a landmark to Chicago’s downtown area, designated “one of the eight great small hotels of the U.S.” by Fortune magazine.
DENVER TO LAS VEGAS: $238
Trade the Colorado slopes for Vegas slots with a three-night roundtrip getaway to the AAA Four Diamond Golden Nugget Hotel, located directly on the strip, from just $238 per person. This newly renovated hotel boasts multiple restaurants, nightly entertainment, and 45,000 square feet of casino space.
LOS ANGELES TO CANCUN: $410
Say “hola” to a four-night holiday in Cancun’s Mexican Caribbean starting at just $410 at the All-Inclusive four-star Oasis Cancun located in the heart of the Hotel Zone. This resort offers eight restaurants and nine bars, a Marina for water sports, and the one of the largest swimming pools in Latin America.
NASHVILLE TO NEW YORK: $283
Directly across from New York City’s famed Central Park and steps from the Museum of Natural History and Modern Art, the Astor on the Park offers Tennesseans a three-night Manhattan getaway through Last Minute Travel from just $283.
PHILADELPHIA TO MIAMI: $358
A six-night vacation getaway to Miami’s renowned Art Deco District starts at just $358 when staying at the Continental Oceanfront South Beach hotel, a two-star beachfront hotel located on Collins Avenue and steps away from Miami’s hottest spots.
CHARLOTTE TO ORLANDO: $254
Travelers from North Carolina can vacation to Central Florida for five magical nights starting at $254 per person at the three-star Orlando Metropolitan Express. This hotel, designated a “Disney Good Neighbor,” is located on International Drive, and offers a complimentary continental breakfast.
Additional holiday deals from destinations across the U.S. can be found by visiting www.LastMinuteTravel.com, or by signing up for Last Minute Travel’s “JetSetter” email tips newsletter.
ABOUT LastMinuteTravel.com
Last Minute Travel (www.LastMinuteTravel.com), a wholly owned subsidiary of Travel Holdings, Inc., is the premier online Web site for Last Minute Travel deals offering airline tickets, hotel accommodations, vacation packages, car rentals and cruises. A pioneer in selling and marketing online travel, LastMinuteTravel.com allows travelers to find the best deals at the last possible moment, as hotel rates can change every second.
SOURCE: YParternship
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Why not be there in person sharing the holiday spirit? This year, American Airlines makes it easier to do so than ever before. With fares starting at just $112* – their Holiday Fare Sale makes it more affordable to get to your loved ones, wherever they are and whenever you want to be there.
Fares are valid for travel on select dates through January 7, 2008.
*Taxes, fees and conditions apply.
Click here for additional information and booking.
SOURCE: American Airlines (www.aa.com)
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Visitors to London and Paris can turn back the clock five years on the declining US Dollar.
From January 3rd to February 24th 2008 Coach House Rentals are offering 20% off the normal rental price on a selection of their London properties and ALL their Paris properties for stays of 7 nights or more.
For example, in London 5 people could stay in a wonderful riverside apartment for just £23 (US$46) per person per night. Or for £28 (US$56) per person per night you can stay at The Coach House - a unique bed and breakfast experience - enjoying great English hospitality (and legendary porridge!)
Examples of Paris properties on offer: for Euro40 (US$55) per person per night there's a beautiful Marais apartment for 4, or for the same per person price, in the stylish premiere (first) arrondissement, a quality 3 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment for 5.
Full details together with lots of useful information for planning a trip to London and Paris can be found at http://www.rentals.chslondon.com and http://www.rentals.chsparis.com.
SOURCE: Coach House Rentals
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Holiday season sale at United.
Travel around the holidays just got a little cheaper
For a special promotional period, United Airlines is putting holiday travel from all over the United States on sale. These fares can take you from sea to shining sea, and everywhere in between. Book today, because much like the holiday season, these fares will be gone before you know it.
Travel must be completed by January 7, 2008.
No advance purchase is required.
SOURCE: United Airlines
Vacation Deals Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
The holiday season is in full swing, which means a lot of money spent traveling. CarRentals.com helps you save with special rates at thousands of locations this winter.
MULTIPLE CAR VENDORS / 13,500 LOCATIONS
CAR RENTALS FROM $9.41 A DAY
From $9.99 A Day Car Rentals in Las Vegas
10% Off.
From $11.94 A Day Car Rentals in Fort Lauderdale
10% Off.
From $12.97 A Day Car Rentals In Miami. Drive Down A1A In A PT Cruiser Or Chrysler Convertible.
From $11.99 A Day Great Rates In Phoenix From $11.99 A Day For An Economy Car
From $14.94 A Day Amazing Car Rental Rates in Orlando. Drive In Style To Disney World, Epcot Center, And Universal Orlando
10% Discount On Some Car Types.
SOURCE: Sidestep.com
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Virgin Vacations is offering a “London & Edinburgh Fling” package starting from $989 for travel between January 1 and February 29, 2008.
The package includes roundtrip flights to London (excluding taxes), three nights hotel accommodation in London and three nights in Edinburgh (including hotel taxes), roundtrip flights between London and Edinburgh (excluding taxes), and continental breakfast daily. The package must be purchased by December 13, 2007.
Learn More...
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Whether you want to escape the holiday frenzy or get a head start on your new year fitness regime, take advantage of this last minute offer at Red Mountain Spa... hurry - offer valid through January 23rd!
Package Includes:
- Stylish Deluxe Accommodations
- Healthy Gourmet Cuisine - Three Meals Daily
- Daily Guided Morning Hikes, Awareness Walks and Tai Chi on the Rocks
- Unlimited Fitness Classes including Yoga, Pilates, Chi Ball, Reebok Core Board ® and more
- Cooking Demonstrations & Nutrition Classes
- Healthy Living Classes & Events
- Full Use of Resort Facilities including: Indoor and Seasonal Outdoor Pools, Whirlpools, Walking Trails, Strength Training and Cybex Cardio Equipment
- Spa & Salon Services, Golf, Outdoor Adventure Trips, and Health & Fitness Services can be added to any package for an additional fee.
- Teens age 12-17 can be added to this package at a reduced rate.
* No nightly minimum. Rates quoted per person per night, based upon double occupancy. Subject to availability. Villa suites and single occupancy available at higher rate. Weekends and holidays may be higher. Valid thru 1/23/08.
For more information Click Here *Book online - save 5%.
About Red Mountain Spa:
Red Mountain Spa, nestled in the red rock bluffs of Snow Canyon State Park in Southwest Utah and a picturesque two-hour drive from Las Vegas, is an extraordinary fitness and health destination featuring outdoor adventure, luxurious pampering and the most extensive hiking program in the Southwest. Highlights include the Sagestone Spa & Salon offering more than 50 treatments and services, many incorporating indigenous ingredients. Specializing in outdoor adventure fitness programs for all levels, Red Mountain Spa is located at 1275 E. Red Mountain Circle, St. George, Utah 84738. For reservations call toll- free:877.246.HIKE, direct: 435.673.4905, or visit the Web site, www.RedMountainSpa.com
SOURCE: Red Mountain Spa
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Travel search engine Cheapflights.com invites you to get in the spirit of the holidays by giving yourself the gift of an amazing airfare deal to one of its hand-picked, Top 10 Christmas-themed Cities.
"Christmas is in the air ... and you can be too! The deals available on Cheapflights.com are guaranteed to put any traveler into the Christmas spirit, whether they're heading home for the holidays, or to one of our Top 10 Christmas-themed picks," said Carl Schwartz from Cheapflights.com.
The following flights depart from New York's JFK or LaGuardia airports and are valid for travel through the holiday season. Most fares are available through at least mid-February and, in some cases, until mid-April. Fares were accurate as of 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time on December 3, 2007. All airfares are roundtrip, exclude taxes and fees and are for travel by airplane -- not sleigh. Schwartz advises travelers to, "Act fast! These deals may not last long."
Cheapflights' Top 10 Christmas-themed Cities
· Christmas, Florida: Fly to Orlando, Florida, starting from $158 round trip
· London, England: Fly to London, the setting for "A Christmas Carol," starting from $287round trip
· Reindeer Bay, Alaska: Fly to Anchorage, Alaska, starting from $443 round trip
· North Pole, Idaho: Fly to Spokane, Washington, starting from $400 round trip
· Bethlehem, New Hampshire: Fly to Manchester, New Hampshire, starting from $252 round trip
· Cleveland, Ohio: Fly to Cleveland, the setting for "A Christmas Story," starting from $149 round trip
· Claus, California: Fly to San Jose, California, starting from $318 round trip
· Santa Claus, Arizona: Fly to Las Vegas, Nevada, starting from $248 round trip
· Rudolph, Tennessee: Fly to Memphis, Tennessee, starting from $216 round trip
· Christmas Tree Cove, California: Fly to Long Beach, California, starting from $297 round trip
"Whatever your dream holiday travel destination, Cheapflights can find you the best flight deal to get there," says Schwartz.
Find your holiday and New Year's flight deals now at Cheapflights.com.
About Cheapflights.com
Cheapflights.com is the place to find the best flight deals and the best travel information. The site publishes more airfare deals from more flight providers than any other travel-search engine in the world. Every day, travelers can search nearly one million flight deals from both traditional and low-cost airlines, as well as smaller specialty-travel providers, plus handpicked deals and exclusive flight offers not available anywhere else. The site's Useful Flight Tools section and Flight News blog are packed with travel tips, news and information to help flyers enjoy the best possible travel experience, every time they fly.
SOURCE: CheapFlights.com
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Last Minute Holiday Travel Packages To Italy, Malta and Croatia from Starwood Hotels and Resorts
Starwood Italy and Central Mediterranean, numbering more than 40 properties in Rome, Milan, Turin, Venice, Asolo, Florence, Rimini, Malta, Costa Smeralda (Sardinia) and Croatia, announces its 2007 holiday packages for Christmas and the New Year. Lovers of Europe can absorb the rich cultures of Italy, Malta and Croatia, during the most joyful time of the year and indulge in European charm and tradition.
FLORENCE:
Explore Florence’s rich art, literature and history while staying at The Grand Hotel. The Grand Hotel is offering a holiday experience that includes an accommodation in one of the luxurious guestrooms, a daily breakfast buffet, and a special Christmas gift waiting in the room. Rates start from €344.00 in a deluxe double room.
The Westin Excelsior is presenting exciting New Year’s Eve festivities in an unforgettable magical setting. Charming buildings and streets shine with lights and decorations to give a traditional feel to shopping and celebrations. Spend New Years Eve at the Westin Excelsior, Florence for €529.00, which includes a daily breakfast buffet, New Year’s Eve buffet dinner and a New Year’s Day brunch. It’s the prefect way to kick-off 2008.
MILAN:
For fashionistas and trend-setters, stay in Milan and shop this holiday season in the fashion capital of the world. Visit the famous Italian designer’s boutiques, from Versace to Armani and relax at the Westin Palace where holiday rates start from €233.00. The Westin Palace is convenient to the city’s famous shopping and monuments, including The Church of Santa Maria Delle Grazie, which houses Leonardo’s Last Supper.
Visit one of the world’s most famous opera houses, The Teatro alla Scala (or La Scala, as it is known), and unwind at the Le Méridien Gallia, located in the heart of Milan’s renowned Piazza Duca D’Aosta, where holiday rates start at €151.00.
VENICE:
Venice is surely the world’s most romantic destination. See the historic sights of Venice at The Westin Europa & Regina with rates starting from €195.00 a night. Or stay at Hotel Gritti Palace and take pleasure in the historical grandeur. Holiday Package rates start from €419.00 per room per night with an inclusive full breakfast for two.
ROME:
Celebrate the Holiday season like royalty at the St. Regis Grand Hotel, Rome and experience modern Roman life, within Rome’s ancient city walls. Enjoy a dinner at the famed Vivendo, where traditional Italian dishes are imaginatively interpreted by the St. Regis Grand chef. Rates start from €430.00 and include a luxurious daily breakfast buffet for two and an epicurean Christmas lunch for two. Rejoice in New Years Eve celebrations with a gala dinner, surrounded by the magnificence of the ballroom designed by Cesar Ritz.
Located on Rome’s most celebrated avenue, Via Veneto, The Westin Excelsior allows access to the city’s greatest attractions. Take pleasure in the Westin Excelsior this holiday season with rates starting from €400.00, which includes an accommodation in a deluxe double room and a gourmand Christmas lunch for two, created by chef James Foglieni.
Make lasting memories at the Sheraton Roma Hotel & Conference Center, where holiday rates start from €172.00. Enjoy the hotels recent full-scale renovation and dine at the Il Vigneto, which serves a delicious buffet of Mediterranean dishes and an à la carte menu including a tempting selection of pizzas.
RIMINI:
Spend this New Year at Le Merdien Rimini. This charming city is located on the Adriatic Sea near the coast between the rivers Marecchia (the ancient Ariminus) and Ausa (Aprusa). One is sure to enjoy a memorable time at Le Merdien Rimini with an overnight accommodation, rich daily breakfast buffet and dinners at Soleidado restaurant. Rates start from €298.00 per night in double room.
MALTA:
Delve into Malta’s mysterious prehistory, retrace the footsteps of St Paul or see where the Knights of St John defended Christendom. Enjoy a 4-night celebration package at the Westin Dragonara Resort Malta. Offers include accommodation in a deluxe sea-view room, daily breakfast buffet and a New Year’s Eve grand dinner. Rates start from €590.00.
CROATIA:
Split, the second largest city in Croatia and one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean is planning the prefect New Year’s Eve party at the best place in town. For €292.00 they have prepared a memorable New Year’s Eve package, which includes a New Year’s Eve gala dinner for two, live ballet performance, fireworks with the sea as the backdrop. The party continues with free entry to the Frand Casino Lav and Inmotion club.
For more information on additional Holiday rates in the region, visit http://www.starwoodpromos.com/globalholiday07/italymaltacroatia/
Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Beyond the Boutiques, Volunteer Opportunities Offer New Meaning to the Gift of Giving
Shop ... Give ... Get! As the holiday whirlwind heats up, savvy shoppers can jump-start the season with the ultimate treat: a shopping vacation. For conscientious consumers, CheapTickets.com, a leading online travel agency that knows "the less you pay, the better it feels(SM)," introduces its Holiday Shopping Cheapometer(SM), identifying top-shop cities where travelers can blow their budget on the presents, not the hotel room. And in the spirit of giving, CheapTickets invites shoppers to "give a little, get a lot," incorporating a volunteer activity into their travel experience for a true gift this holiday season.
Whether exploring the shopping splendor of New York City's Fifth Avenue, or enjoying the intimacy of Minneapolis' charming Linden Hills, travelers can marry their zeal for finding that perfect gift with their desire to lend a helping hand. Volunteer opportunities to please travelers of all persuasions are available at volunteer.cheaptickets.com.
"Incorporating a few hours or even a few minutes of a shopping vacation to help the local community can truly make a world of difference," said Marita Hudson Thomas of CheapTickets' Cheap Squad(SM). "For example, travelers can add extra goodies to their shopping carts to donate to national and local toy drives. Or, they can stop by a nearby community center to offer their time and assistance. The bottom line is that no act is too small, and we hope that travelers will remember to give while they get this holiday shopping season."
CheapTickets Holiday Shopping Cheapometer:
This regular travel pricing guide analyzes where budget-minded travelers can still experience a rich vacation. The 2007 Holiday Shopping Cheapometer reviewed average holiday hotel costs in 10 top shopping cities, identifying which destinations offer the most value through the remainder of the year.
CHEAPTICKETS.COM'S HOLIDAY SHOPPING CHEAPOMETER(1)
Destination Average Daily Hotel Rate for the Holidays
Minneapolis, MN $ 83.03
Atlanta, GA $ 86.57
Orlando, FL $ 89.02
Seattle, WA $ 97.13
Los Angeles, CA $ 107.42
Las Vegas, NV $ 114.59
Washington DC $ 122.05
Boston, MA $ 126.11
Chicago, IL $ 141.93
New York City $ 252.48
(1) Average daily hotel rate was calculated on 11-8-07 by taking the average price for all hotel bookings made from January - October 2007 for arrival in November and December 2007.
The Gift of Giving: Give a Little, Get a Lot
This holiday season, travelers on a shopping mission can balance their time in the boutiques with some time spent benefiting others. A variety of volunteer opportunities for every type of traveler are available through The United Way of America at volunteer.cheaptickets.com. Holiday shopping and volunteering favorites from the CheapTickets team include:
Minneapolis, MN -- With hotels rooms starting at $83, Minneapolis is a cool destination worth considering this holiday season. For travelers daunted by the Mall of America, smaller outlying neighborhoods offer an equally impressive shopping experience, showcasing quaint boutiques as an alternative to mass-market madness. For example, Linden Hills, Minneapolis is a sanctuary for the "in the know" traveler, featuring a hometown toy and book store that is well worth the visit. Back in the city-center, travelers can tutor local residents in basic writing and reading through the Minnesota Literacy Counsel -- a gift that keeps giving long after the vacation has ended.
Orlando, FL -- Losing zeal for the mouse ears? Escape to the Mall at Millenia in Orlando, which offers an exhilarating shopping experience to rival the rollercoaster whirlwind of neighboring theme parks. Vacationers can browse some of the world's most coveted brands, finding great deals on top names. Better yet, the good-hearted shopper can make another family's holiday bright, picking up a few extra items to share with Orlando's Mending Hearts Charities. Mending Hearts represents local families in need of clothing among other essentials, and volunteering a bit of time will warm travelers' hearts and Orlando's less fortunate.
Seattle, WA -- Pioneer Square is the place to go when looking for a walk through history, and this Seattle hot spot offers the perfect selection of shops for holiday gifts. Shopped 'till you dropped? The original Starbucks is nearby, leaving travelers one "grande-non-fat-sugar-free-mocha latte" away from a second wind to tackle the famed antique furniture and book stores in the area. After finding a favorite read, travelers can volunteer at the Page Ahead Children's Literacy Program, whether choosing to read to children at the center or filing books for those to come.
Los Angeles, CA -- From Rodeo Drive to a toy drive, travelers can experience it all in Southern California. After hitting up the L.A. shops, follow the coast down to San Diego for a daytrip to volunteer for the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation's 2007 Holiday Toy Drive. Those not LA-bound this season can still make a difference for the victims of the recent Southern California fires, which left many without a home for the holidays. CheapTickets has launched a special Southern California Recovery page, offering travelers a range of reliable online resources to learn more about the needs of the community and to make a donation.
New York City -- Traveling to New York City this holiday season doesn't have to break the bank. Throughout the city, travelers can find designer shops and vintage boutiques alongside budget-friendly stores -- a melange of choices for the holiday shopper. For example, not far from the hustle and bustle of Fifth Avenue's big-city designers are diverse neighborhood pockets, including the Lower East Side, Soho and West Village. Beyond the boutiques, travelers can join the 2007 Holiday Stocking Project headquarters in New York to spread a little holiday cheer, helping to stuff stockings for children diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
About CheapTickets
CheapTickets (http://www.cheaptickets.com/) is a leading seller of discounted leisure travel products online through its Web site, http://www.cheaptickets.com/. CheapTickets provides consumers access to its collection of airfares on hundreds of airlines. In addition to air, CheapTickets' family of discounted travel products also includes hotel accommodations, cruises, rental cars, vacation packages, condo rentals and Last Minute Trips. Founded in 1986, CheapTickets is a brand that is owned and operated by Orbitz Worldwide (NYSE:OWW) .
Source: CheapTickets
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Book By December 31 For Over 15% Off One of the Greatest Voyages in Natural History
International Expeditions, the world leader in nature travel, announces special $500 per person savings ($1,000 per couple) on its February 29, 2008 10-day Amazon Voyage. In addition to enjoying over 15% off regular fares on one of the greatest voyages in natural history, guests on this departure will travel twice as deep into the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve. New for 2008, International Expeditions has added an extra night on the river, taking guests further and deeper into the Amazon than any other outfitter.
The per person price for the February 29 departure – when booked by December 31, 2007 – is $2,698 for lower deck cabins and $2,798 for upper deck cabins, including $500 savings. Prices include all accommodations, most meals, local transportation, guides, and group transfers. Airfare is additional but can be booked by International Expeditions.
International Expeditions’ first forays back in 1980 were to Peru’s Upper Amazon. Supporting conservation projects across the globe even before the word “ecotourism” was coined, the company brought some of the very first leisure travelers to the heart of the Amazon.
Today guests explore the wilds of Peru with a like-minded group of fellow passengers, traveling in comfortable style aboard an elegant and intimate 28-guest riverboat, specially designed to sail the upper Amazon Basin, the most diverse ecosystem on Earth. Intrepid travelers are offered rare access to the deepest parts of the jungle to experience the most unusual wildlife sightings. Here they witness the ever-changing panorama of the rainforest and search for more than 100 kinds of birds, pink and gray Amazon River dolphins, eight species of monkeys, sloths, giant otters, and nocturnal animals such as caimans and capybaras.
Throughout the journey, knowledgeable, highly trained and sharp-eyed guides and an expedition leader lead excursions, lecture and look after guests’ well being.
In addition to hikes, daily outings through the nature reserve includes explorations on small excursion boats for access even further into the heart of the vast wetlands. Along the way, guests have the rare opportunity to visit small villages and get a poignant glimpse into daily life along the river. They can visit local schools, hand out donated supplies to local children, assist with community projects or join in a game of soccer.
About International Expeditions:
Founded in 1980, International Expeditions is the world leader in nature travel, specializing in small group and independent journeys to the most exhilarating destinations around the globe. A pioneer of environmentally responsible travel, International Expeditions is committed to preserving natural habitats and improving the welfare of the people and communities it visits.
For more information, call an International Expeditions destination specialist at 1-800-633-4734, see your travel agent, email nature@ietravel.com, or visit the website at www.IEtravel.com/amazon.
SOURCE: Spring, O'Brien & Co.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Silverado Resort in Napa Valley drop the price of two of its popular packages for golfers and spa aficionados beginning Nov. 18.
Silverado Resort is well-known for its two 18-hole golf courses, each offering the distinctive style of their architect, Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The courses cover 360 acres and feature lush vegetation, ponds, lakes, three creeks, trees arching over the fairways and artfully placed traps and greens.
The 6,685-yard South Course challenges golfers with side-hill lies and more than a dozen water crossings, while the North Course stretches 6,900 yards but is occasionally more forgiving. A complete golf pro shop is available in the clubhouse, and a staff of top professionals is on hand to assist guests in improving their golf game.
The Golfer’s Dream Package includes accommodations in a one bedroom suite and golf for two, including cart, for 18 holes per night’s stay. From Nov. 18, 2007 through Feb. 29, 2008, the Golfer’s Dream Package is priced at $199 per room on Sunday through Thursday nights and $289 per room on Friday and Saturday. The package represents a savings of more than 50 percent off regular prices of the package components.
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From November 18, 2007 through March 31, 2008, the resort is offering the Spa Girl Package at a special price of $230 per person per night Sunday through Thursday based on double occupancy in a one-bedroom suite or triple occupancy in a two-bedroom suite. The cost is $250 per person per night on Friday and Saturday. All taxes and gratuities are included. Guests receive accommodations in luxurious suites at the Silverado Resort, a 50-minute spa treatment at the Spa at Silverado, breakfast at the grill at Silverado or the Spa café and use of spa facilities and tennis courts. Guests also receive a wine-tasting at the William Hill Estate and a Silverado canvas tote.
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Encompassing 1,200 acres in Napa Valley, Silverado Resort has been providing an upscale experience for more than 40 years. Guests of Silverado Resort have access to all of the resort’s facilities, including its 16,000-square-foot spa with 16 treatment rooms, an exercise facility and full-service salon; 17 tennis courts; swimming pools; volleyball courts; basketball courts; jogging trails; and 10-speed mountain bikes for rent. The resort offers two award-winning restaurants – the Royal Oak and the Grill at Silverado and an extensive wine cellar.
Reservations can be made by calling (1) 707-257-0200 or (1) 800-532-0500. For more information about the resort, visit www.silveradoresort.com.
Silverado Resort is operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts. The resort is located in the heart of Napa Valley 50 miles northeast of San Francisco and 60 miles southwest of Sacramento. This California landmark is situated on 1,200 acres within easy driving distance of many of Napa Valley’s most popular wineries and other attractions.
SOURCE: Mona Mesereau/Xanterra Parks & Resorts
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Sunrise Springs Resort Spa, Santa Fe’s premier green resort , announces a new 3-day overnight special: Stay 2 nights and get the third night at $100 off! Daily continental breakfast at the award-winning Blue Heron Restaurant is included. Other amenities include complimentary wifi, newspapers, bottled water, in-room coffee, cedar sauna and outdoor hot tubs.
Combining the graciousness of an inn with the amenities of an eco-resort, Sunrise Springs Resort Spa sets a new standard for travel. In addition to the Blue Heron Restaurant renowned for its natural, local and organic cuisine, the 70 acre compound also features Spa Samadhi and its unique spa treatments, as well as the Sages Arts Center, with an art gallery and pottery studio, yoga and tai chi class offerings.
The buildings at Sunrise Springs are in many cases constructed of adobe, reclaimed wood and straw. Guest rooms feature locally made amenities, pressure-reducing showerheads, energy-saving light bulbs and eco-friendly paint. The fireplaces in public areas and the restaurant burn firewood gathered from around the property. Built around two spring-fed ponds and organic gardens, this desert oasis is the ultimate choice for relaxation and pleasure.
Santa Fe Eco-Getaway Details:
Available December 1, 2007 through January 31, 2008.
Rates: Garden View room at $169 per night, and get the third night at $100 off. Upgrade to a Private Casita at $215 per night, and get $100 off the third night. Rooms are based on availability. Taxes, gratuities and resort fee are additional.
To book: Call reservationists directly at 800 955 0028. Ask for the Santa Fe Getaway special.
SOURCE: Ballentines PR
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
--Special offer of 10 percent off rates starting at $359 for specific dates in November through December, 2007 and rates as low as $299 available from January 1 through March 15, 2008 in the heart of Times Square --
There is nothing more spectacular than the sights and sounds of New York City during the holidays. With holiday season just around the corner, Hotel Mela, located in the famous Times Square area, is offering guests 10 percent off rates beginning at $359 per room, per night for any room available from November 18-27 and December 16-27, 2007. Reservations must be booked by November 30, 2007 with the code WINTER2007 to take advantage of this exclusive offer.
For those travelers that prefer experiencing New York after the holiday rush or catching all the post-holiday sales, Hotel Mela is also offering value-added rates beginning at $299 per room, per night for a Superior room, available from January 1 through March 15, 2008. Reservations must be booked by December 15, 2007 with the code WINTER2008 to secure the special promotional rate. This value-added rate offers guests savings up to 15 percent and is perfect for personal use or as a great gift idea for friends and family.
Ideal for travelers seeking to enjoy New York City before and after the holiday season, Hotel Mela’s winter promotion offers guests a chance to explore the city’s many festive and cultural attractions–all while staying one of the city’s newly constructed hotels. From ice skating in Bryant Park to shopping and sightseeing in Times Square, the hotel’s prime location on West 44th Street between Broadway and 6th Avenue provides guests many convenient options while visiting New York. Situated in the heart of the city, Hotel Mela is easily accessible from mass transportation and is in close proximity to restaurants and museums.
With 228 guestrooms and suites, Hotel Mela caters to guests desiring a comfortable and personalized hospitality experience. Each room is outfitted with specially-designed furnishings and extravagant touches it calls At Home Sophistication. Bedrooms are plush with custom designed mattresses and Egyptian cotton and high-thread count bedding. Lavish Chenille throws, an abundance of pillows and neck rolls for lounging provide a luxurious retreat after a day of sightseeing and shopping.
Designed as an oasis, bedrooms feature warm rich woods with headboards outfitted with reading lamps, occasion Mohair covered chairs, flat screen televisions, WiFi and mini-bar filled with New York brand items. Baths are serene and spa-inspired and stocked with H20 products. Two penthouses high above the hustle and bustle of Times Square offer a bird’s eye view of the skyline and windowed bedroom with amazing views of the city’s sky scrapers.
Hotel Mela is also home to the critically-acclaimed Saju Restaurant which artfully blends French and Vietnamese flavors in an impressive menu that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For guests desiring to maintain their exercise regimes while traveling, the private fitness room offers the latest in technology including flat screen televisions, and healthy refreshments are offered to guests complimentary. Complimentary services offered includes Hotel Mela’s Desires Program, a program that lets its guests choose their preferences prior to arrival. The Desires Manager asks “What is Your Desire?” and invites guests to advise prior to their stay by logging onto www.hotelmeladesires.com.
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Terms & Conditions:
The rate is based on single or double occupancy, exclusive of taxes and gratuity and subject to change and availability. It is valid November 18-27 and December 16-27, 2007 and must be reserved by November 30, 2007. Offers cannot be combined with any other packages, offer or negotiated rate. Blackout dates may apply. For more information visit the website at www.hotelmela.com or contact the hotel at 1-877-452-6352.
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The rate is based on single or double occupancy, exclusive of taxes and gratuity and subject to change and availability. It is valid January 1, 2008 through March 15, 2008 and must be reserved by December 15, 2007. Offers cannot be combined with any other packages, offer or negotiated rate. For more information visit the website at www.hotelmela.com or contact us at 1-877-452-6352.
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About Desires Hotels
Desires Hotels is a Miami based hotel management company which provides a wide range of services to both institutional and individual owners of independently branded modern boutique hotels in the United States and Caribbean. The Desires portfolio currently includes the award-winning 93 room Sagamore Hotel, the 66-room Wave Hotel, the 83-room Circa 39, the 40-room Hotel Astor, the 62-room Betsy Ross Hotel, the 24- room St. Augustine Hotel and the 87-room condo hotel The Strand Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, Fla., the award-winning 76-room San Juan Water & Beach Club Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the 110-room Glenn Hotel in Atlanta, Ga., and the recently opened 235-room Hotel Mela in New York City, NY.
For more information about Desires Hotels, call (305) 577-8484 or visit www.desireshotels.com.
SOURCE: Trica Jean-Baptiste Communications, LLC
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Book By December 31 to Save and Experience One of the Greatest Wildlife Spectacles on Earth
International Expeditions, the world leader in nature travel, announces special $400 per person savings ($800 per couple) on its March 8, 11 and 14, 2008 11-day Tanzania Migration Safaris. A remarkable event long celebrated in books, photographs, and films, the migration is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth. In March, the great herds are typically in the Serengeti’s short grass plains, with the wildebeest calves just born – a feast for predators such as lions, who find their prey within easy reach.
The per person price for the March 8, 11 and 14 departures – when booked by December 31, 2007 – is $4,598, including $400 savings. Prices include all accommodations, most meals, local transportation, guides, and group transfers. Airfare is additional but can be booked by International Expeditions.
International Expeditions has spent decades exploring East Africa, planning and timing these fascinating safaris perfectly to put guests in prime position to witness the legendary herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles crossing the Serengeti. Departures are kept small and intimate, with a maximum of just 12 guests. Throughout the journey, knowledgeable guides lead game drives, lecture, and look after the group’s well being.
Along the way, Tanzania’s signature parks are on full display. In the legendary Serengeti, travelers spend three nights enjoying the luxury of a private mobile-tented camp, situated where the wildlife is most abundant. Other iconic sites explored are: Ngorongoro Crater, home to 30,000 large mammals and a natural population of black rhino; Lake Manyara, known for its tree-climbing lions; and beautiful Arusha National Park, where black-and-white colobus monkeys, baboons, elephant, hyena, giraffe, bush pig, and jackal reside on the slopes between Mt. Meru and Kilimanjaro.
A highlight of the trip includes a drive to the culturally rich village of Mto Wa Mbu, where over 90 tribes reside in harmony. Here guests take a leisurely stroll with a village guide through local homes, farmlands, resident bars, a kindergarten, and a church. After, they gather at a private local banana-leaf bar for an African fruit tasting.
About International Expeditions:
Founded in 1980, International Expeditions is the world leader in nature travel, specializing in small group and independent journeys to the most exhilarating destinations around the globe. A pioneer of environmentally responsible travel, International Expeditions is committed to preserving natural habitats and improving the welfare of the people and communities it visits.
For more information, call an International Expeditions destination specialist at 1-800-633-4734, see your travel agent, email nature@ietravel.com, or visit the website at www.IEtravel.com/tanzania.
SOURCE: Spring, O'Brien & Co.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".