Winter, Wild West Style
4 Night/3 Day Teton Springs Lodge & Spa Winter Ski Package
Teton Valley, Idaho, had been one of the west’s best kept secrets to vacationers for many years. However located just 25 minutes away from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, this fast growing tourism destination is thriving today, offering an abundance of outdoor recreation possibilities for any season.
Teton Springs Lodge & Spa is proud to be the area’s first luxury accommodation with an atmosphere that complements the scenic and tranquil setting of the majestic Teton mountain range. Equidistant (about 25 minutes) from two of the nation’s best mountains – Grand Targhee Resort and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the resort offers a four night, three day ski package with accommodations in a cozy lodge room plus three full days of skiing (Grand Targhee or Jackson Hole) and a complimentary continental breakfast each morning.
Guests have access to outdoor hot tubs, a state-of-the-art fitness center and use of the Stillwaters Spa. For those in need of a day off the slopes, the resort is happy to offer a $50 credit towards any spa treatment. This package starts at $520 per person, based on double occupancy. Valid December 15, 2008 thru March 30, 2009. Based on availability and not valid with any other offers or promotions. Offer does not include taxes or resort fee.
Call toll-free, 1-877-787-7887, to book this special winter package.
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".
Winter’s around the corner and if you’re thinking of a ski and snowboard vacation, Whistler is providing plenty of reasons to make your plans sooner rather than later.
Book Early and Save packages offer the best value of the 2008/09 winter season which, if it’s anything like the past two extremely snowy seasons, will be marked with major snowfall totals and excellent skiing and snowboarding at Whistler, one of the world’s top mountain resorts and the official Host Mountain Resort for the 2010 Winter Games.
Booking early means great value. You save up to 35 per cent on accommodations and lift tickets, plus kids 12 and under ski and rent free if you book before November 15. Five-night lodging and four-day lift packages start from $448 per person and seven-night lodging and six-day lift packages start from $640 per person. And you can choose the hotel you want in Whistler Village, with its great restaurants, unique shops and boutiques, and activities for the whole family.
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".
Celebrate Darwin’s 200th Birthday In “The Enchanted Islands” Alongside Tortoises, Iguanas, Sea Lions and Penguins With International Expeditions
Since inspiring Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, the Galapagos has gone from an uninhabited island chain to a global hub of ecotourism. To kick off the year of Darwin’s 200th birthday, International Expeditions is celebrating with $500 per person — $1,000 per couple — savings on its January 2 and 16, 2009 voyages. Like all Galapagos Islands departures with the world leader in nature travel, these will bring guests face to face with some of the most interesting and accessible wildlife anywhere.
During the intimate 10-day Galapagos cruise, guests come just inches from giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, penguins, iguanas and many other animals. International Expeditions’ renowned naturalist guides — all Galapagos National Park-certified with top “Naturalist Level 3” designations — lead talks about the islands’ highly diverse and rich ecosystems featuring desert landscapes, lush highland forests, volcanic soils and nutrient-rich waters, and discussions on conservation practices to protect this fragile environment.
International Expeditions’ 32-passenger M/V Evolution navigates the islands, and unlike larger vessels, the expedition ship is small enough to access some of the most compelling sites, like Genovesa (Tower) Island, home to red-footed booby and frigatebird colonies. The ship’s pangas (landing craft) are used several times a day and with space for all to go easily and quickly ashore, there’s no queuing up. Accommodations aboard the Evolution are spacious and comfortable, with a host of amenities including an observation deck, sun deck and canopied bar (a superb place for whale watching). Complimentary snorkeling equipment, wet suits and kayaks are available for use on a variety of excursions.
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 a last minute getaway with Fares as Low as $49*
AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AAI) , today launched a sale for travel to select destinations with fares starting as low as $49*. 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 through October 8, 2008, and are good for travel through December 17, 2008. They are valid for travel on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. 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:
Atlanta - Los Angeles $139
Atlanta - New York (LaGuardia and Newark) $89
Atlanta - Orlando $74
Atlanta - San Juan $109
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) - Atlanta $74
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) - Boston $59
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) - Ft. Lauderdale $72
Buffalo/Niagara - Orlando $72
Charlotte- Baltimore/Washington (BWI) $64
Chicago (Midway) - Sarasota/Bradenton $80
Columbus, Ohio - Atlanta $74
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".
NEW LOWER WINTER FARE TO ISRAEL FROM NEW YORK AND 5 MORE CITIES
Purchase Date Extended for Existing Promotions from all over the USA
EL AL, Israel’s national airline, is announcing a newly reduced roundtrip economy class fare to Israel from New York (JFK/Newark) for travel this December. Special new low fares from Cincinnati, Columbus (Ohio), Houston, Las Vegas and St Louis are also being introduced. In addition, passengers from many other cities in the United States now have more time to purchase existing promotional fares as the date to buy these tickets has been extended. The recently reduced fuel surcharge is included in each fare listed below and all fall/winter promotions must be purchased by October 31st.
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 Capital in London Offers 2009 Fixed Dollar Rates
The Capital Hotel, situated in the heart of Knightsbridge and just steps away from the renowned shopping at Harrods and Harvey Nichols, is offering travelers to London a chance to enjoy all the delights of the city at more affordable prices by offering their Capital Idea fixed-dollar rate for 2009.
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".
FOUR NEW YEAR-LONG PACKAGES FOR 2009 UNVEILED BY ROSEWOOD LITTLE DIX BAY
Luxury, Spa, Romance, and Getaway Packages Offer Savings of up to 15%
Rosewood Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands is offering four luxury packages at special prices available January 3 - December 17, 2009. The four packages - The Best of LDB, 5-Night Spa Sojourn, 7-Night Romance Escape, and Simply Little Dix - are the perfect way to experience the resort’s private half-mile crescent beach; superb water sports; Sense, A Rosewood Spa; multiple dining choices; and a program of excursions including the highly popular boat drop-offs at selected Virgin Gorda beaches. All packages are priced based on double occupancy and include full daily breakfast, airport transfers, government taxes and 10% resort fees. Packages are based on availability; blackout dates apply.
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".
NatureAir, the world’s first carbon neutral airline, is offering travelers the chance to see Costa Rica for only $25!
From October 10th to October 17th travelers can purchase a ticket to any Costa Rican destination where NatureAir flies for just $25!
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".
Travelers wanting to trade grey skies and blustery weather for the sapphire waters and waving palms of the Caribbean don’t expect a price break during the winter season. However this winter Discovery at Marigot Bay on the beautiful island of St. Lucia is offering its Simply Romantic Winter Break with savings of 20% on rooms and 25% savings on a whole host of romantic vacation amenities.
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".
Say Goodbye to Autumn Chores with Fares as Low as $59*
AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AAI) , today launched a sale for travel to all of the airline’s destinations with fares starting as low as $59*. 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 through October 14, 2008, and are good for travel through January 30, 2009. Off-peak fares are valid for travel on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. Peak fares are valid for travel on Monday, Thursday and Friday. 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.
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".
Dreaming of the perfect European vacation? Now is the time to make it a reality. For a limited time, American Airlines is offering great fares to London, Paris, Milan and Rome starting at just $223* each way, based on round-trip purchase. Purchase your ticket by October 15, 2008, for travel October 2 through December 15, 2008.
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".
Celebrate inaugural Hawaiian season and discover the very best way to experience Hawaii.
American Safari Cruises (ASC) guests are passionate about nature, seeing it as up-close as imaginable from the bow and decks of a luxury expedition yacht or being active in the outdoors on guided hikes, kayaking and skiff excursions. Now ASC is translating the realization of these passionate pursuits from their explorations in Alaska’s Inside Passage and Mexico’s Sea of Cortés to the Hawaiian Islands. And in Hawaii they up the ante to include 4 sailboats, wet suits and snorkeling gear, windsurfers and appearances by Hawaiians to “talk story” about their unique traditions and culture passionately and authentically. The ASC style of cruising is new to Hawaii and will change the visitors’ map of Hawaii for the future - leading small groups to the extraordinarily beautiful and small group-exclusive islands of Molokai and Lanai and to backcountry hideaways of the Big Island and Maui.
An all-inclusive Hawaiian Islands 8 day/7 night itinerary begins at $3,995 pp/double
Book your Hawaiian Yacht Cruise by October 31, 2008 and Receive a $250.00* per person Travel Credit
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".
THUNDERBIRD LODGE IN ARIZONA’S CANYON DE CHELLY NATIONAL MONUMENT REDUCES RATES UP TO 43 PERCENT FOR WINTER SEASON
When the thermostat goes down, so do the room rates at Thunderbird Lodge in Canyon de Chelly National Monument in northeastern Arizona. The 74-room lodge drops its winter-season rates by up to 43 percent off summer rates. The reduced rates are in effect from Nov. 1, 2008 through March 1, 2009.
In addition to reduced rates, guests who stay Saturday, Sunday or Monday nights receive a complimentary continental breakfast, 10 percent off canyon tours and 10 percent off gift shop purchases.
Rates per night are $63 for a single room, $69 for a double, $75 for a triple and $81 for a quad. Suites are also available starting at $94.50 for two people. Rates do not include taxes.
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 best-of-both-worlds is now even better at St. Lucia’s all-inclusive Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa. To further cater to guests the resort has launched the “Harmony” and “Splash” wings and introduced several upgrades including redecorated rooms, a new adult pool bar, theme nights, fun snacks and the Caribbean’s first paintball facility.
To introduce the upgrades and launch Harmony and Splash, Coconut Bay is offering value-added packages with special prices for travelers seeking fall, winter and holiday savings.
Between December 1-20, 2008, guests can choose from three packages:
Fall Romance Getaway for $115 including a Champagne Arrival Reception, complimentary Bubbles-in-Bed (turndown service), 1/2 hour couples’ massage, introduction to kite surfing or windsurfing class. Rates are per person, per day based on double occupancy in a deluxe ocean view room.
Kids Stay Free with Fall Family Frenzy from $99 and receive a round of paintball for the entire family, introduction to kitesurfing or windsurfing class (everyone over age 12), a CocoPack for each child under 12 (backpack, water bottle, hat and t-shirt) and a thirty-minute couple’s massage for mom and dad. Rates are per person, per day based on double occupancy in a deluxe garden view room, kids under 18 stay free (max. 2 kids per room).
Inaugural Premium Package for $149. Complimentary Continental breakfast room service, bottle of preferred drink in room, couples’ private beach picnic, Couples’ oceanfront dinner and preferred dinner reservations. Rates are per person, per day based on double occupancy in a premium ocean view room.
Over the holidays guests have the option of celebrating Christmas or starting the New Year:
Christmas for $199. Rates are per person, per day based on double occupancy in a deluxe garden view room. Valid December 21-31, 2008.
Bring in the New Year for $157. Rates are per person, per day based on double occupancy in a deluxe garden view room. Valid January 1-21, 2009.
For reservations or more information call 866-978-6226 toll free from the US or 758-456-9999 or email: reservations@cbayresort.com. Space is limited and must be booked by 10/15/08.
Source: Coconut Bay Beach Resort & 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".
HACIENDA SAN ANGEL’S SIZZLING END-OF-SUMMER SPECIALS BRING CELESTIAL LUXURY WITHIN MERE MORTALS’ REACH
If the idea of a Summer staycation has you down, Hacienda San Angel has a solution that actually makes supreme luxury affordable. For a limited time only, the enchanting and acclaimed 16-suite Mexican boutique hotel is offering massive discounts on both room-nights and in-house gourmet meals in order to bring the romance and decadence of Puerto Vallarta’s sultry days easily within reach.
Travelers making reservations with Hacienda San Angel before October 25th for stays of three nights or more ending before November 1st, 2008 will have the choice of two special rates: 40% off of summer room rates or 30% off of room rates, plus a 30% discount on lunches and dinners served within the hotel.
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".
Mark your calendars for October 1, 2008. The Leading Hotels of the World commemorates its birth year (1928) and eight decades in hospitality with an 80-minute promotion
Just months after launching one of this year’s most expensive holidays in honor of its 80th anniversary — an epic USD 1 million trip “Around the World” — The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. turns the tables and embraces its founding year (1928) with an astounding promotion. At 12 noon GMT (8 a.m. EDT/Eastern Daylight Time) on October 1, 2008, the legendary luxury brand will release a limited number of the world’s most-coveted hotel rooms at the unprecedented rate of USD 19.28 per night. For 80 minutes only, consumers will be able to secure the celebratory USD 19.28 rate and experience a myriad of the organization’s iconic members.
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".
Bargain hunting travelers should check out the four nights of accommodations that includes daily breakfast with a car and all taxes for just $315 in Berlin, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and Munich arranged by Nordique Tours.
Travelers can stay in one city or more cities and drive around the area while paying just $315. This bargain is available from Oct. 27 through Dec. 14, 2008.
The hotels involved with this Nordique Tours deal are the A&O Friedrichshain in Berlin, Holiday Inn in Cologne Trotsdorf in Cologne, Batavia Hotel in Dusseldorf, Luxur Hotel in Frankfurt and Ludwig Hotel in Munich.
Contact Nordique Tours at 1-800-995-7997 (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. PST) or visit its web site at http://www.nordiquetours.com/.
Nordique Tours is owned and operated by Picasso Travel, one of the largest air consolidators in North America in business for more than 28 years. Picasso Travel is a member of ASTA, IATA, CLIA, USACA, ARC and BTC.
Source: Nordique Tours/PRNewswire
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 newly renovated Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Spa, located just steps from downtown Puerto Vallarta, debuts its new fall packages with 25% savings off regular rates.
The Fall All-inclusive Package is priced at $100.00 USD per person, per night (based on double occupancy) and includes:
- 4-day/3-night accommodations in a Deluxe Room
- One Gold Star Wrap spa treatment per person
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner served at Frutas and Flores buffet restaurant or Rodisso Restaurant an a la carte Brazillian steakhouse.
- Unlimited international and domestic cocktails, beer and wine by the glass
- Mini bar with soft drinks, bottled water and beer (replenished daily)
The Fall European Plan Package is priced at $140.00 USD per room, per night (based on double occupancy) and includes:
- 4-day/3-night accommodations in a Deluxe Room
- One Gold Star Wrap spa treatment per person
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".
Just back from your summer vacation, but feel ready for another one? According to Hotwire.com®, a leading discount travel site, consumers can get the best bang for their travel dollars during the off-peak shoulder season when travel demand typically declines and the travel industry is trying to fill empty rooms, flights and cars. Shoulder season runs from September through November, between the peak summer season and winter holidays, when the weather is still good and travelers can score real bargains.
“Shoulder season is a great time to beat the crowds and high rates at many popular destinations,” says Clem Bason, vice president and travel expert at Hotwire®, a leading discount travel site. “There’s no need for travelers to spend half their vacation waiting in line, and pay high season rates. Traveling during shoulder season is a relaxing and great way to stretch your vacation dollars. Take a getaway this Fall before prices start rising towards the holidays.”
For consumers wanting to book a shoulder season escape, Bason offers the following tips:
- Enjoy warm weather destinations. Resort destinations, especially those focused on families, generally see slower demand just after the summer season. Great deals can be found in Orlando, Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean. Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Phoenix can also be good.
- Try mid-sized cities. The biggest cities will be hosting conventions and it may be harder to score a deal when business travelers are in town. But mid-sized gems like Dallas, Orlando and Denver have a lot to offer. Check out the Hotwire Travel Value Index for a list of some mid-sized cities that are a great value year-round.
- Check out markets with an excess of new hotels. Cities like Washington DC, Las Vegas and San Diego are expected to remain inexpensive for the remainder of 2008. Fewer conventions are planned in these markets during the coming months and there are empty rooms to fill in many of the new hotels.
- Hit the road. After Labor Day, car rental rates typically fall because companies have excess summer inventory to unload. In fact, car rental rates on Hotwire.com are as low as $13.95 a day.
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".
Autumn in Massachusetts is a time like no other—warm sunny afternoons and starlit cool, crisp evenings. The landscape is dotted with fairs and festivals celebrating the brilliant array of colors that embraces the state. Each year thousands of tourists travel to Massachusetts from destinations throughout the world to witness the natural phenomenon of Massachusetts’ colorful fall foliage.
In order to cater to the needs of the state’s fall visitors, the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) has gathered the most up-to-date information on the best driving routes, most exciting events and best lodging deals throughout the Bay State. Whether travelers are seeking quaint B&B’s with picturesque views or modern facilities located on a scenic highway, Massachusetts has something to offer everyone!
DRIVING ROUTES IN MASSACHUSETTS
MOTT has partnered with the Department of Conservation and Recreation to provide reports from state foresters that are posted two times each week on massvacation.com and are also available by calling the Fall Foliage Hot Line: 800-227-MASS. The web site includes a list of scenic drives as well as a fall foliage timetable map that will help visitors plan their trip.
MASSACHUSETTS FALL FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
The autumn season is perfect for attending fairs and festivals, browsing through farm stands, hiking, taking peaceful canoe rides and peddling along bicycle trails. Following is a sampling of upcoming events, but be sure and log onto massvacation.com for hundreds of listings:
- Topsfield Fair: Spend the day at one of the oldest fairs in the country featuring agricultural exhibits and fall flower shows; horse, oxen, and tractor pulls; arts and crafts; the world famous Giant Pumpkin contest; entertainment; and midway. Topsfield Fairgrounds. October 3 - 13, 2008. 978-887-5000. www.topsfieldfair.org
- 5th Annual Cranberry Harvest Festival: A Plymouth county tradition, the festival features demonstrations of cranberry harvesting, cooking with cranberries, children’s entertainment, live music, a craft fair, and rides.
- October 11 & 12. 508-759-1041 x.13. www.cranberries.org/festival/festival.html
- 25th Annual Applefest: Visit central Massachusetts’ highest peak and enjoy the sounds of live entertainment, 70 craft exhibits, and autumn crafts for kids. Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, Princeton. October 18-19, 25-26. 978-464-2300. www.wachusett.com
- Bluegrass and Brews Festival at Nashoba Valley Winery: Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a fun filled fall day of bluegrass music featuring “Southern Rail.”. Great views, great foliage, great food, great brews and great wine. Nashoba Valley Winery, Bolton. October 26. 978-779-5521. www.nashobawinery.com
- 44th Head of the Charles Regatta: If you haven’t experienced one of the world’s largest rowing events, you don’t know what you’re missing. Spend the day along the banks of the Charles River as you view championship events and races for youths, veterans and lightweights. Charles River, Cambridge/Boston. October 18-19. 617-868-6200. www.hocr.org
- Davis’ Farmland Mega Maze: New England’s first and only world-class corn maze. Created for adults but enjoyed by all ages, this 3D twister will turn you inside out, stir your senses and blow your mind! Weekends through October. 978-422-8888. www.davisfarmland.com
- The Big E: There is no better place to enjoy the sights, sounds and aromas of the fall season than at the Eastern States Exposition, New England’s autumn tradition and the largest fairgrounds in the Northeast! Enjoy The Super Circus, Avenue of States, a Mardi Gras parade, Storrowtown Village, live entertainment and agricultural exhibitions all while sampling food from around the world. September 12-28. 413-737-2443. www.thebige.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".