THE WAYFARERS PASS ALONG BENEFITS OF A STRONGER DOLLAR WITH ATTRACTIVE PRICE ADJUSTMENTS ON UK AND EUROPEAN WALKS
Award-winning walking tour company, The Wayfarers, is making the most of market swing by adjusting prices for its 2009 walking vacations in the United Kingdom and Europe, reflecting the newly increased buying power of the U.S. dollar.
The company is passing along to travelers the benefits of a stronger dollar, now holding its own against the euro and the pound sterling. These attractive new rates represent savings of US$400 per person or $800 per couple. Additionally, the company has leveraged the dollar’s current strength to secure hotel upgrades on some trips, while at the same time maintaining the reduced prices.
The value-added prices are offered to all travelers from the U.S. and Canada who secure reservations in U.S. dollars, with payment in full due by March 31, 2009. The new prices are also being extended to clients holding reservations made previously and paid in USD. The early full payment enables The Wayfarers to purchase the appropriate currency and take immediate advantage of the stronger dollar before any new market swings can occur.
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".
In every economy the smart money goes somewhere. With Holland America’s new Vacation Stimulus Plan, the smart money goes cruising. Because there’s never been a better time to get more, pay less and sail away from it all on the cruise you’ve always wanted to take, check out these deals from Holland American Line.
7-Day Alaska Cruises from $499 per person*
Experience the beauty of the Inside Passage and Alaska’s Glaciers and discover charming port cities of Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.
Book by February 28, 2009.
7- to 14-Day Caribbean Cruises from $549 per person*
Carefully crafted itineraries offer choice Caribbean cruise experiences, many including stops at our award-winning private island, Half Moon Cay. With three regions to choose from, plan your perfect escape - a Caribbean cruise vacation.
Book by February 28, 2009.
10- to 12-Day Mediterranean Cruises from $999 per person*
From the wonders of ancient Egypt, Italy, Greece and Turkey to the beautiful beaches of the Black Sea and the French Riviera, our Mediterranean cruise vacations have something for everyone.
Book by February 28, 2009.
TO VIEW THESE SPECIAL OFFERS AND MORE, VISIT www.hollandamerica.com/specialoffers
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".
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TOP 10 DEALS — WEEK OF JANUARY 26, 2009 Are you experiencing an unexplained urge to save? Each week the travel experts at Orbitz compile the ten best travel deals from their site to help put you on the path to travel wellbeing. Enjoy. |
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Email Exclusive: Caribbean, Hawaii, and Mexico package savings! Book by 02/08 and save $75 with promotion code WINTERSALE |
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Flights for $200 or less round-trip Actual fares are updated daily and include all taxes and fees |
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Last minute savings on flights! Travel this weekend or next and save |
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American Airlines – Europe flight sale! Hurry and book by Friday, 01/30! |
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Luxury travel! Live like royalty-for less! Check out these great 4-star hotels at 2-star prices |
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Disney Cruise Lines – Kids sail free! Plus up to $100 free onboard spending |
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5-star Banyan Tree Mayakoba Riviera Maya Free daily breakfast buffet + $150 resort credit |
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New York Hotel Sale – Save up to 35% Niagara Falls, Lake George, New York City & more! |
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Las Vegas Vacation Savings Plus book now and receive gaming, spa and resort credits |
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Carnival Cruise Lines – 4 night Baja Mexico Huge savings plus free upgrades! |
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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".
A few years back I was contracted to write a destination profile on Las Cruces, New Mexico, for Where to Retire magazine. At the time, I recall being a bit skeptical about the place, wondering what the attraction was. Well, after talking to a few retirees and spending some quality time there, I saw that they hadn’t ended up in Las Cruces by accident. The draw? Reasonable cost of living, beautiful scenery, cultural diversity and educational opportunities.
Framed by the lush banks of the Rio Grande and the dry, jagged Organ Mountains, the city of Las Cruces is home to New Mexico State University and the state’s second largest, after Albuquerque, city and one of the United States’ fastest growing. An economic, agricultural, tourist and cultural Mecca for southern New Mexico, the city sits at the heart of the fertile Mesilla Valley - a thriving metropolis in an otherwise desert landscape.
Then, my friend Julia bought a vacation home there, and I really started to spend time enjoying her winter retreat. But, life, or, in this case, her husband’s death, brought change. So, Julia has decided to put the house on the market.
Click here to view the listing.
Not exactly, my usual posting, but just in case you’ve been leaning toward a move to Las Cruces, I couldn’t resist letting you know about this fabulous deal.
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".
If you book travel on the Thalys train between January 14-February 28, 2009 - you’ll receive up to 50% off your first or second-class Regular one-way tickets on most Thalys routes. It’s all part of Rail Europe’s Going Going Gone Thalys Special, good for travel between January 28-March 31, 2009. Book quickly! This high-speed train goes fast.
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".
Check Out This Economic Stimulus Package…
Frontier Airlines today revealed its own economic stimulus package that will save you big bucks on travel to more than 50 destinations across the United States. The Denver-based carrier is holding a three-day sale starting today, Jan. 21, 2009, with fares as low as $39* each way. Sale-priced tickets must be purchased by 9:59 p.m. MST on Jan. 23, 2009 for travel through May 20, 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".
To help celebrate the New Year Terra Incognito Ecotours are offering special discounts on two of their most popular destinations. Anyone who now enrolls in either their May 2009 Gorillas in the Mist tour to Rwanda or their China in Search of the Giant Panda trip this November will receive a $250 discount off the ecotour price. 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 Announced!
Special Limited-Time Offer
Free Airfare from 23 U.S. Cities—
save up to $800 per couple
on all March-December departures of select adventures in Asia and Africa when you reserve by February 16, 2009
For example: A flight from Atlanta to New York on their Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Namibia & Zimbabwe Safari Adventure which was $400 per person—is now free!
You’ll also enjoy…
- Savings of up to $3000 per couple to Asia and Africa
- Free Singles—solo travelers save up to $1995
- OAT 30-day guarantee—join now, and if you change your mind within 30 days, Overseas Adventure Travel will refund your deposit in full. Any reservation made before your final payment due date is eligible for this offer (if the date you reserve is fewer than 30 days prior to your final payment due date, this guarantee applies).
But remember—you must reserve by February 16, 2009. For reservations and information, call toll-free at 1-866-313-6559.
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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".
Check Out These Powder Packages Fit for A President
In observance of the inauguration of the United States of America’s 44th president, Utah ski and snowboard resorts are rolling out some presidential packages. Discover Utah’s ‘White House’ a.k.a ‘The Greatest Snow on Earth’.
Martin Luther King Size Package
This package at Alta Ski Resort includes nightly lodging in a room with one or two beds, complete breakfast and gourmet dinner daily, all taxes and service charges, a two day Alta lift ticket and round trip airport transfers. Rate is $420.00 per person per day. Double occupancy and three-night minimum stay required. Room type is assigned by Rustler Lodge at time of check-in. Available from 01/15/09-01/20/09. More information available at www.altavacations.net.
Park City Mountain Resort’s Presidential Package
Includes a ski-in/out two-bedroom luxury condo with private hot tub at Silver Star from 1-19-09 for 5 nights with 4 days of adult lift tickets. Kids stay and ski for free. Based on 2 adults and 2 kids (7-12 years). $549 per adult per night, taxes and fees included. Subject to availability. Restrictions apply. For reservations call 800.331.3178.
Secret Service Package
Powder Mountain, one of Utah’s better kept secrets, enables access to secret stashes only known by Powder Mountain’s elite force of Adventure Pros via snowcats, helicopters and buses. This powder-full package includes three nights lodging in a luxury slopeside log home (sleeps 10, one day of in-bounds guided snowcat skiing on over 5,500 acres of terrain, 18,000 vertical in one day of heli-skiing with Diamond Peaks Heli-ski Adventure and a Powder Snowcat Safari accessing 2,500 private acres of powder. $1,645 per person plus tax- Based on 10 guests. Offer available througout 2008-09 season conditions permitting. Reservations can be made by emailing columbineinn@powdermountain.com or calling 801.745.1414.
For information on Ski Utah or its 13 resort partners visit www.SkiUtah.com or call 801.534.1779.
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".
Rescue Your Travel Budget in 2009: Worldwide Hotel Inventory on Sale for $1/Night at LastMinuteTravel.com
Despite the flood of downbeat economic news, Americans are given a big reason to stay positive in the New Year with an opportunity to book the vacation of a lifetime for the cost of a movie ticket. For fifteen minutes per day, five days in a row late January/early February 2009, LastMinuteTravel.com will sell the entire world for a dollar per night, including every room in its inventory of over 15,000 global hotel partners.
This weeklong hotel deal has been created to inform the public of a new Undercover booking style launching in late January - one that guarantees the site’s best possible hotel rates with last-minute prices, in advance.
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 it’s a place you long to return to or a destination that you’ve always wanted to see, make it your travel resolution for 2009. With American Airlines New Year – New Travels Fare Sale, you’ll find great fares for winter and spring travel starting as low as $39* each way, based on round-trip purchase, to destinations across the country. Make your travel resolution for 2009 and get the year off to a momentous start.
To view complete sale details, click here.
*Each way based on round-trip purchase. Taxes, fees and conditions apply.
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".
Check this out…Wildland Adventures Offers 2009 Trips at 2008 prices!
Click here for the full scoop.
Just to whet your appetite, here’s a sampling of great deals on selected Wildland Galapagos cruises,with savings up to $1600 per cabin.
ENCHANTED ISLES (11 days)
Discount $1600 per cabin
A full week of incredible voyaging in Darwin’s magical isles, plus 3 nights in Quito.
Departing Feb 16, Feb 23, Mar 2, Mar 9, Apr 13, Jun 15, Jun 29, Jul 6, Aug 3, Nov 23
GALAPAGOS ADVENTURE (7 days)
Discount $1200 per cabin
A 4-day cruise by luxury yacht, plus time to explore colonial Quito.
Departing Feb 16, Feb 19, Mar 2, Mar 5, Apr 13, Apr 16, Jun 15, Jun 18, Jun 29, Jul 2, Jul 6, Jul 9
HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS (11 days)
Discount $1200 per cabin
Ecuador’s beautiful highland haciendas, the fascinating Otavalo Market, and a Galapagos cruise aboard a luxurious yacht .
Departing Feb 16, Feb 19, Mar 2, Mar 5, Apr 13, Apr 16, Jun 15, Jun 18, Jun 29, Jul 2, Jul 6, Jul 9
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".
Hot Deals In New York City With Starwood Hotels at Orbitz
NYC. Capital of the world. A truly legendary town that pulses with energy, culture, and life
any time of day or night. Explore renowned museums such as the Museum of Modern Art, fascinating neighborhoods and world-famous attractions like Central Park.
With five unique brands to choose from, Starwood Hotels & Resorts has the perfect hotel
for your next visit. Plus, save 10-30% at select properties this winter.
• Sheraton Manhattan at Times Square - Save 10%
• Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers - Save 10%
• Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan Soho Village - Save 10%
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".
While a Crystal Cruises vacation is inherently loaded with inclusive value, the luxury line is sweetening the cruise savings for 2009 and beyond. From getting there to being there, Crystal’s significant savings promotions range from upgraded and complimentary air travel to family incentives, extended land programs and dollars off.
“This is the broadest scope of savings opportunities we’ve ever offered,” says Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales and marketing. “Even the most affluent travelers are seeking strong value now. Discerning cruisers also place high importance on brand, reputation and consistency of product delivery, which is continually validated by the unprecedented number of consumer and industry awards Crystal has earned in the past year alone.”
The top 10 ways to save in 2009 include:
1. Save Now, Save Later
Guests booking and sailing on any 2009 Europe, transatlantic or Crystal Symphony Asia cruise can realize significant savings on these sailings, and also save 20% on virtually any 2010 voyage, excluding the World Cruise and its segments.
2. Asia Stateroom Upgrades and Penthouse Savings
Crystal is offering complimentary two-category stateroom upgrades and up to $2,000 per person for Penthouse accommodations with Crystal Symphony’s spring cruises in China & Japan and Southeast Asia. The two cruises between Hong Kong and Beijing also feature an inclusive three-night land stay in Beijing.
3. Free One-Way Air with Panama Canal Cruises
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".
This just in…
Today, AirTran Airways launched a sale with fares starting as low as $39*. Travelers can purchase these sale fares at 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 January 15, 2009. Travel to and from Florida and San Juan is valid through March 11, 2009, while all other sale fares are good for travel through May 20, 2009. Off-peak fares are valid for travel on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. Peak fares are valid 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.
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: Off-Peak/ Peak
Atlanta - Boston $69 $89
Atlanta - Buffalo $59 $79
Atlanta - Charleston $39 $59
Atlanta - Ft. Myers $64 $84
Atlanta - Los Angeles $129 $149
Atlanta - Milwaukee $74 $94
Atlanta - Richmond $49 $69
Atlanta - Washington, D.C.
(Dulles or Reagan National) $64 $84
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) - Atlanta $64 $84
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) - Milwaukee $64 $84
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) - Portland, Maine $59 $79
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) - West Palm Beach $72 $92
Boston - Ft. Myers $84 $104
Boston - Baltimore/Washington (BWI) $59 $79
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 time is right for an affordable Valentine’s Day getaway
As holiday gifts loom on the credit card and the country’s economic woes persist, consumers are seeking inexpensive options for romance on Valentine’s Day.
Good news: The calendar and recent trends of discount travel have aligned to make Valentine’s Day 2009 especially auspicious for a romantic weekend getaway.
This year, Valentine’s Day falls on the same three-day weekend as President’s Day. By choosing a nearby destination, travelers can plan a long-weekend escape without using additional vacation days.
Low gas prices and travel bargains sweeten the deal to help couples stretch their vacation dollars and keep romance in the budget.
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 dollar is worth what??? - $1.47 : £1.00
(as of December 24, 2008)
Britain is now around 25% cheaper for Americans than it was in the summer. If you’ve been planning a trip now is the time. Among the latest deals and discounts this month, check out this one from Wales:
Winter special at the Celtic Manor Resort, host of the Ryder Cup 2010. The “Winter Two Course Stay and Play” package is available on selected dates until the end of February 2009. The package starts at just $120 per person and includes one night’s accommodation (based on two people sharing), full Welsh breakfast, two rounds of golf and full use of the health club facilities. Click here for full details on this package.
For more great deals from Britian, visit http://www.visitbritain.us/
Source: British Tourist Authority
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".
Escape this winter with Orbitz and save up to 50% on select hotels through March 29
To help kick-off a new year of travel and beat the wintertime woes Orbitz is launching a Winter Sale that invites travelers to stop hibernating and hit the road. Whether it is a tropical beach or a snow-covered ski resort, the Orbitz Winter Sale offers hotel and package discounts that will help travelers book an affordable getaway to cure the winter blues.
Between now and March 29, 2009 (certain blackout dates apply), travelers who book on orbitz.com can save up to 50% on select hotels in more than 45 destinations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Samples of the discounts found through the Orbitz Winter Sale include*:
Head South:
— Orlando, Regal Sun Resort: Feb. 20-23 — from $79 per night. 50% off
stay
— Dominican Republic, Dreams Punta Cana Resort and Spa: March 6-9 —
from $217 per night. 40% off stay plus $200 resort credit
— Hawaii, JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa at Ko’Olina: Jan. 16-19
— from $249 per night. 50% off stay
— Cancun, La Meridien Cancun Resort and Spa: Jan. 23-26 — from $294 per
night. 50% off per night PLUS two kids under 12 stay free
Warm-up West Coast Style:
— San Diego, Kings Inn: Feb. 20-23 — from $55 per night. 45% off stay
— Orange County, Anabella: Jan 9-12 — from $79 per night. 30% off stay
— San Francisco, Hotel Whitcomb: March 6-9 — from $155 per night. 50%
off stay
Hit the Slopes:
— Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort: March 5-9 — from $141 per
night. 30% off 4+ nights
— Breckenridge, Crystal Peak Lodge: April 3-6 — from $218 per night.
50% off stay
— Vail, Austria Haus Club and Hotel: Feb. 27 - March 2 — from $258 per
night. 40% off 3+ nights
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".
Ring in the New Year by Booking a Vacation with Southwest Airlines
This year, make one New Year’s resolution you can actually keep! Vow to get super low fares on all your travel with Southwest Airlines. Southwest is announcing a nationwide fare sale. Fares are available as low as $49 one-way for travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays or $59 one-way for travel Thursdays through Mondays when purchased by Jan. 19, 2009.
These fares are available on southwest.com only and require 14-day advance purchase for travel beginning Jan. 15, 2009, through April 30, 2009. To get these special online fares, go to: http://www.southwest.com/.
Examples of fares include (see Fare Rules below):
— $49 one-way between Denver and Salt Lake City.
— $49 one-way between Houston Hobby and New Orleans.
— $59 one-way between Chicago Midway and Long Island/Islip.
— $69 one-way between Nashville and Philadelphia.
— $99 one-way between Phoenix and San Francisco International.
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".
Most Popular Travel Options by United(SM), including Economy Plus(R), Now On Sale
United is offering customers discounts of up to 45 percent on some of their most popular travel options this holiday season.
- Economy Plus seating — 30% off for three days only, now $9-$149 each way through Dec. 18, 2008. This discount is only available on united.com when booking a ticket or though the “My Itineraries” page for existing United reservations.
- Door-to-Door Baggage service — up to 45% off, now only $99 per bag, each way through Jan. 15, 2009. The service will ship suitcases — and even wrapped presents, skis or golf clubs — overnight and directly to a destination within the 48 contiguous United States.
- Red Carpet Club One-Time Pass — 20% off, now $40 per pass through Jan. 15, 2009, when purchased on united.com
To learn more about or to take advantage of this sale visit united.com/traveloptions.
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".